Espoo’s native language instruction draws international interest – First Lady of Lithuania visited Ruusutorpan koulu

28.10.2025 7.38

In Espoo, native language instruction strengthens the foundation for children’s and young people’s learning, makes it easier to study new languages, and supports integration. The visit of Lithuania’s First Lady to Ruusutorpan koulu highlights the importance of native language instruction.

In September, Lithuania’s First Lady, Diana Nausėdienė, visited Ruusutorpan koulu, a comprehensive school where Lithuanian is taught as a native language. During her visit, Nausėdienė learned about Lithuanian language instruction, the Finnish education system, and inclusive preparatory education. She also met pupils and staff from the Finnish Basic Education Unit.

According to Nausėdienė, teaching the Lithuanian language is not only about language itself – it connects children to their roots, history and culture. She emphasised that language forms the basis of national identity and helps children and young people maintain their ties to Lithuania.

In Espoo, every child’s and young person’s linguistic and cultural background is seen as a strength that enriches and empowers the whole city. In the 2025–2026 school year, pupils in Espoo’s comprehensive schools speak as many as 100 different native languages, and instruction is provided in 49 of them.

Native language instruction provides pupils with tools to develop their language skills and builds a strong foundation for learning other languages as well. When pupils have a good command of their native language, they are better able to understand linguistic structures and transfer learning strategies to new languages. This supports their studies in Finnish and other languages alike.

“Native language instruction supports children’s learning in a holistic way. It strengthens their self-esteem and prepares them for a multilingual and multicultural world. In Espoo, we want every pupil to grow as themselves and to be proud of their roots,” says Giedre Soinio, Manager of Multicultural Education Services in Espoo.

In Espoo, native language instruction is provided in 46 schools. At Ruusutorpan koulu alone, 22 different languages are taught as native languages.

“Ruusutorpan koulu is a multicultural school. Pupils from other schools in Espoo also come here to study their native language. It is meaningful for us that pupils who share the same language and cultural background have the opportunity to meet one another and get to know children and young people from different neighbourhoods.

At our school, native language instruction is seen as an important part of a pupil’s growth and language learning. It supports identity building, strengthens the conditions for learning, and builds bridges between different languages and cultures. In a global world, understanding different cultures benefits us all,” says Matti Kangasniemi, Acting Vice Principal of Ruusutorpan koulu.

In Espoo, the integration of immigrants is considered a key objective, and native language instruction is regarded as one of the most effective ways to support integration. Native language instruction strengthens the linguistic and cultural identity of children and young people, helps them feel part of the community, and supports their growth into active and equal members of Finnish society.