The article by Tiit Tammaru highlights a significant development in Estonia's educational policy aimed at fostering integration between Estonian and Russian-speaking communities. The government has decided to transition to Estonian-language instruction in all schools, a move intended not only to promote a shared language but also to cultivate a shared life among youth from diverse backgrounds. This educational reform is seen as a necessary step toward achieving better social cohesion in a country with a considerable number of Russian-speaking residents.

Tammaru elaborates that integration involves more than just a common language; it requires young people to interact in everyday environments, learn together, and participate jointly in educational and social activities. The professor emphasizes that the next logical step following the shift to Estonian-language instruction is to ensure that Estonian and Russian-speaking youth attend school together. This approach aims to diminish societal divides and encourage mutual understanding among different cultural groups within Estonia.

Overall, Tammaru's commentary underscores the importance of education as a social elevator and a means to bridge the gap between linguistic and cultural communities. By advocating for a learning environment where students engage together in the same classroom, the article reflects on the broader implications of educational policies in shaping social dynamics and fostering national unity in Estonia’s diverse society.