This report summarizes insights from the Peer-Learning Activity (PLA) on integrating non-formal learning (NFL) into the Estonian education system, with a focus on migrant learners. The EU-funded SIRIUS 3.0 project brought together participants from Finland, Bulgaria, Belgium, Croatia, and the Netherlands, who gathered in Pärnu, Estonia, from 15-17 May 2024. They visited various educational institutions, including the PÕK program (“City of Pärnu as a Centre for Learning”), Pernova Nature House, Pärnu School of Arts, and local basic schools.

Key Findings:

1. The PÕK Program – A city-wide initiative combining formal and non-formal education by engaging hobby schools, general education institutions, and community organisations. It promotes learning anywhere and enriches school curricula with practical, experiential methods.

2. Engaging Learning Environments – Activities like music, dance, art, and theatre captivate students, offering valuable tools for self-expression and social integration, particularly for migrant children facing language barriers. These activities also positively impact mental health.

3. Family Involvement – Engaging migrant families in language learning builds a community-focused approach, motivating parents to support their children’s education.

4. Self-Directed Learning – Trust-based methods emphasize making real-life connections with classroom learning, ensuring education is practical and relevant.

Challenges:

• Limited understanding of how to fully integrate and recognize formal and non-formal education.

• Increased workloads for educators involved in non-formal learning.

• Underestimation of NFL’s quality and relevance remains a significant obstacle.

Conclusion:

The Estonian system demonstrates strong potential for NFL-FL integration, reflected in high student satisfaction and Estonia’s leading performance in PISA studies. However, further improvements are needed. The PLA highlighted that NFL motivates learners and holds particular added value for migrant children, making it a model worth adopting across European education systems.