The transition to Estonian-language education began in 2024 in kindergartens and first and fourth grades. Many may feel that the state's decision is too sudden or insufficiently prepared, but it is an inevitable step if we want everyone to share a common future in Estonia.

I am a girl of Ukrainian heritage whose native language is Russian and I understand how difficult this transition can be for both children and parents. Learning a new language does not happen overnight or even within a single year. It is a long and time-consuming process through which people invest in their own future and that of their loved ones.

My parents had two choices. They could send me to an Estonian-language school where I could quickly learn the language in a supportive, safe and effective environment. Or they could send me to a Russian-language school — taking the easier path, leaving Estonian unlearned and hoping it would never be needed. Today, I study at an Estonian-language school and I am deeply grateful to my parents for that.

Studies show that education plays a decisive role in developing language skills. According to the Ministry of Education and Research, around 70–80 percent of students in language immersion programs achieve B2-level proficiency in Estonian, while only 40–50 percent of students in non-Estonian-language instruction reach the same level.

OECD studies also confirm that early language learning can produce up to twice the results, clearly demonstrating that an Estonian-language school environment is the most effective place to acquire the language.

I see how difficult it is for my peers and friends who chose the easier path. I hear people say they are jealous that I speak two languages at a native level, but ultimately everything is in people's own hands. It is never too late to make the right choices and work toward your future.

Learning a new language requires both favorable conditions and personal effort. The state's role is to ensure equal and high-quality educational opportunities. Estonian language specialists regularly take part in courses and professional training to improve their qualifications. Support can also come from relatives and friends. It is important to encourage people to speak because in most cases the greatest obstacle is the language barrier created by the fear of saying something incorrectly.

Overcoming the language barrier requires daily practice. The best language practice comes from communicating with someone who speaks the language as their mother tongue. The simplest solution is to attend courses where people can meet both native speakers and other language learners, form conversation groups and even make friends. Conversations with friends provide a supportive environment because they take place in a relaxed setting where the fear of making mistakes disappears. Over time, young people become more confident and their language skills improve.

Studies by the Integration Foundation show that young people who have Estonian-speaking acquaintances or friends use Estonian up to 60 percent more in everyday life, achieve higher levels of language proficiency more quickly and that regular communication in Estonian increases self-confidence by up to 40 percent.

The state can provide substantial support, but when it comes to learning a language, the most important factor is a person's own desire and willingness to put in the effort. People need to set a personal goal connected to language learning. My goal as a 5-year-old girl was to study in an Estonian school and become a teacher. Over time, that dream has changed, but the Estonian language I acquired offers more educational and career opportunities than those available to my friends who do not speak Estonian.

Statistics clearly show that Estonian-language proficiency affects young people's future opportunities. Students with weaker language skills score on average 10–20 percent lower on exams, making it more difficult to gain admission to upper secondary school or university. The unemployment rate among non-Estonian young people reaches 10–13 percent, while among young people who speak Estonian it remains around 5–7 percent. According to the Ministry of Education and Research, as many as 30–40 percent of students with poor language skills do not continue their studies, whereas more than 70 percent of young people with good language skills do. We can clearly see that proficiency in Estonian largely shapes a young person's future.

Parents also need to contribute. They must invest time and energy into their child's education and development. My parents wanted learning Estonian to go more smoothly, so Estonian was spoken in our home.

At first, adapting is always difficult. It may feel like you do not belong or that you are doing something wrong, but over time everything changes. At some point, sentences no longer seem so long and fast, your listening skills improve and your overall language proficiency rises. A few years later, a person realizes they can communicate freely, understand all sentences and texts and think in Estonian. The hardest part is taking the first step, but that step is the most important one.

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