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Today, April 17 at 4 p.m., the Tartu Youth Work Brigade’s 30th anniversary exhibition will open in the courtyard of the Tartu City Museum, bringing together brigade members from different generations and telling the story of how young people’s work habits have evolved over three decades. For many 13- to 19-year-olds, the Tartu Youth Work Brigade has been their first encounter with working life. Over the past thirty years, thousands of young people in Tartu have participated in the brigade, for whom it has been a place to earn their first paycheck, learn responsibility, and experience teamwork.Although opportunities for young people to earn money during the summer have expanded over time, interest in the work brigade has not waned; rather, it has evolved. “Young people today have more choices than ever before, but the need for a first secure work experience has not…

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in youth work mean creating a safe and supportive environment where differences are not only acknowledged but also genuinely valued and encouraged. This means ensuring equal access, active participation, and a sense of belonging for all young people. This approach goes beyond merely taking into account differences in origin, gender, abilities, or orientation; it is aimed at removing barriers, expanding opportunities for smaller and minority groups, and ensuring their full inclusion in all activities.It was precisely inclusion in its broadest sense that was the main theme of our team’s study trip to Germany. We must admit that we were very fortunate with our partner organization. Miteinander leben e.V. is a team of wonderful people, experienced social workers who, since as early as 1965, have been among the first to address the issue of inclusion and create an inclusive space around themselves. We visited the youth center in Zürth, where we spent the entire day…

With the arrival of spring—accompanied by birdsong and the awakening of nature—comes a period that is stressful and hectic for so many young people and adults alike. Whether it’s graduation, the final stages of various projects, or simply the anticipation of summer. During this time, it is important to take care of your health and maintain your routines, one of the most important of which is maintaining a healthy sleep routine. Night owl or early bird? Of course, people’s sleep needs are individual, and following a general model or “best practices” may not always be beneficial. Sleep researcher Kene Vernik states that every person has a specific chronotype that determines their sleep needs and habits, and this is something that does not change over the course of a lifetime. To many, this may sound surprising, but it is not…

Eight young people from the Tartu Youth Work Center had the amazing opportunity to take part in the "Toolbox for Tomorrow" youth exchange in Latvia, which focused on digital tools, environmental development, design, and storytelling. Over 40 young people from Estonia, Latvia, Turkey, Italy, and Hungary took part in the exchange. On March 7, we set off with the other young people from Tartu Train Station toward Valmiera to join the “Toolbox for Tomorrow” youth exchange. Over the course of the week, we held several group discussions and also created various themed posters and videos. Together, we also learned more about AI and how to use Canva. Of course, the project meeting also included late-night get-togethers, volleyball games, karaoke, and—for some of the young people—hair dyeing. We also visited Riga and the science center located there. The youth exchange…

At the end of February, the A. Le Coq Sport Sports Hall was filled with e-sports enthusiasts for the Game in Tartu 2026 festival, dedicated to gaming culture. Over the course of two days, nearly 500 people from across Estonia visited the event; 20 organizations showcased their activities; and more than 50 organizers and volunteers contributed to the festival’s success. As part of Game in Tartu 2026, visitors had the opportunity to try out computer games created by students, test their skills in virtual reality, and meet various providers of recreational activities. In addition, there were panel discussions, an entertainment program, and a cosplay parade on stage, and the highlight of the event was the Counter-Strike 2 tournament final held on the second day. The event took place as part of the Erasmus+ project “ACE – ambition, collaboration, and e-sports development,” whose overall goal was to provide…

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Tartu Youth Work Brigade. This is a significant milestone that demonstrates Tartu’s consistent commitment to providing young people with their first work experiences, fostering their independence, and developing their social skills. To mark the anniversary, the work camp has also received a new visual identity that uses vibrant colors to reflect the energy of young people and brings together symbols that are important to the camp participants. The new branding was created by Melani-Marite Kasuk. The visual language she created helps the work camp increase its visibility and also appeal to young people who are yet to have their first encounter with the working world. Over the years, the Tartu Youth Work Camp has offered thousands of young people the opportunity to have their first real job. It is not just an opportunity to earn money…

We put together a varied program for every school break, but City Camp Day is the most special day of the entire break. On this day, young people from Tartu gather at a single youth center. While all five centers are usually open, during City Camp, activities take place in just one location. This gives young people the chance to visit a place they might not normally get to. This is how new friendships are formed, fresh experiences are gained, and exciting workshops are attended. During the February winter break, the city camp took place at the Ilmatsalu Community Center. The day began with a bang—two cadets from the Estonian National Defense College came to meet the youth. They introduced their daily activities and demonstrated a weapon. The youth got to try on military gear and ask the questions that interested them most.…

The older teens at Ilmatsalu have had a little dream for a long time: a pool table—after all, every youth center serving older teens has one. Until now, Ilmatsalu has only had a ping-pong table, which wasn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea. So, one day in January, the topic of a pool table for the Ilmatsalu Youth Center came up again among the youth workers. I had the idea to post a question in the “Trash to Treasure in Tartu” Facebook group asking if anyone might have a pool table to give away. So the post went up. The idea seemed ambitious, of course, but I figured it doesn’t hurt to ask, and people sometimes have completely surprising things they’re willing to give away for free. No offers came in, but the director of the Ilmatsalu Youth Center emailed me…

Where and how to get young people moving when they don't want to leave their phones at all? We regularly organize activity days at Annekeskus and also offer movement opportunities on other days, encouraging young people to step out of the virtual world, even if only for a moment. Fridays are activity days at Annekeskus. Sometimes we go to a museum, sometimes to an art exhibition, sometimes we just walk around town or try something more active. Recently we went ice skating at Lõunakeskus ice rink, and it offered young people a wealth of powerful emotions and experiences. It is known to everyone that young people who regularly engage in physical activity have better concentration and self-control, a more physically developed body, and more determination in achieving their goals. But the best part is that you don't necessarily have to go to the gym to enjoy these benefits…