As Estonia schools phase out Russian, many families struggle, ETEducation

Narva, Estonia – A language reform phasing out Russian instruction in Estonian schools is causing difficulties for some students and parents, particularly in the Russian-speaking city of Narva, with concerns raised about a potential “lost generation.” The shift to Estonian, considered one of the world’s most difficult languages, began in 2024 following a 2022 decision after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Initial Challenges

When Jelizaveta Ponomarjova’s daughter, Tasja, entered fourth grade in September, she struggled to understand her teacher, who only spoke Estonian. For the first three years of primary school, Tasja had been taught in Russian. Parents in school groups reported similar experiences, with some children coming home in tears and reluctant to return to school, according to Ponomarjova.

The Reform and its Rationale

Estonia began phasing out Russian as a language of instruction in dozens of schools, a move stemming from decades of Soviet rule. The transition to Estonian began in kindergartens and first and fourth grades under a reform adopted in 2022. Latvia has implemented a similar policy. Estonian authorities state the reform aims to better integrate Russian-speaking children and promote social cohesion, describing it as the final step in a long process initiated after Estonia regained independence. They argue that language-based segregation contributes to societal division.

Concerns and Criticisms

Some politicians argue the language transition has been poorly planned. Arina Manzikova, a mother of four, says teachers are supportive, but she worries about her seven-year-old daughter Anja’s future, as the first grader confuses Russian and Estonian letters and struggles with reading comprehension. Ponomarjova noted her daughter, while improving, still struggles with subjects like math taught in Estonian.

‘Lost Generation’ Fears

Lawmaker Aleksei Jevgrafov, whose Centre Party opposed the reform, argues the transition was rushed, citing a shortage of teachers and learning materials. He fears children caught in the reform may become a “lost generation.” Anna Zubova, a school principal, remains optimistic, noting her own successful transition to Estonian fluency and expecting children to adapt over time.

Differing Perspectives

To ease the transition, some schools, like Zubova’s, have eliminated Estonian homework for subjects like history. Mihhail Stalnuhhin, head of the Narva city council, believes the reform should not have happened at all, advocating for continued Russian-language instruction alongside improved Estonian language teaching. He expressed concern about distressed parents seeking tutors and the potential for Russian-speaking children to become “social outcasts.”

Ministry Response

Helna Karu, in charge of the language transition at the education ministry, acknowledged “challenges” but maintains the transition “is working.” She emphasized the need for time to fully assess the results. Irina Rozkova, a mother of three, expressed particular concern for vulnerable children, such as her autistic son Alexander, who is in seventh grade and has not learned to speak Estonian.

Published On Feb 6, 2026 at 11:37 PM IST