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On May 31, we visited the AHHAA Science Centre with the youth from Lilleke. The young people were very excited about the visit, and the registration list filled up within a couple of days. We timed the visit so that the young people could explore new activities within the framework of "Ahhaa, Adrenaline!" The activities were very adventurous – the young people got to slide down a steep slide, test their coordination skills, and try out activities at various heights. Additionally, a memorable part was the labyrinth, which featured laser beams. The young people were very energetic and skillful in navigating the obstacle course. We also had the opportunity to watch a science theatre show on the wonders of water, where the young people learned about the different states of water and its chemical and physical properties, including how water can be set on fire. Furthermore, the young people were able to participate as volunteers in various experiments and ask questions as well...

Written by: Klajdi Kaziu Role: Volunteer, part of the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union  ENG:It was an Easter holiday, when I departed Albania, to start a new volunteering experience as a youth worker here in Tartu. After a few years of intensive work in democratization and peacebuilding in my country, I decided to take a break, change the environment, and reflect on my future goals. As cliche as it might sound, shifting the surrounding context may help you turn the tables, and think from a different perspective. At least, that was my expectation.   Throughout the past few months,…

The Anneke Youth Center focuses on youth initiatives and a multifaceted approach to taking initiative. At the end of April, Anneke visited Vivistop's creativity accelerator for children and young people in Tallinn's Telliskivi Creative City. We received a very warm welcome there. First, we learned about the opportunities offered by Vivistop, and then we got hands-on. Product designer and workshop master Joonas led a workshop on making wallets from plastic waste. He emphasized the importance of getting hands-on, because that's when interest really takes off. First, we melted the material ourselves. There was a lot to choose from, including various bread bags, labels, and plastic covers from old textbooks. Then we transferred the pattern onto the material and cut it out. In the final stage, we used a press and added fasteners using different dies. Joonas was right about crafting...

Tarkusepäev x tead?fest combines entertainment, sports, and the introduction of hobby clubs to young people, so you are also welcome to contribute to the event with your engaging workshops and active pursuits! The workshops should operate on an open participation basis, and activities should be free for participants. Tarkusepäev x tead?fest asks institutions to register via the registration link by June 30, 2024, at the latest. Tarkusepäev x tead?fest 2024 will take place on September 1st in Tartu city center, next to the department store. The event will run from 2 PM to 8 PM, with hobby education activities lasting until 7 PM. The evening will conclude with a concert by the main performer. Tarkusepäev x tead?fest is a city-wide back-to-school celebration where hobby schools and clubs kick off their new academic year. At Tarkusepäev x tead?fest, the focus is primarily on active engagements and workshops where everyone…

Author: Sophia Pasternak In 2022, the city of Tartu opened its doors to thousands of war refugees from Ukraine. A large portion of those arriving in Estonia were children and young people of various ages. Tartu offered refugees diverse opportunities to acquire or continue general education. Tartu youth centers also gladly welcomed the new young people. Since Ukrainian children and young people primarily started studying in schools in the Annelinn area, they also chose to visit a youth center located in that area – Anne Youth Center. Now, more than two years later, we wanted to find out the opinions of these young people who arrived from Ukraine about our center – how they like being at Anne Youth Center and how comfortable they feel here. Many young people found their way to the youth center…

From May 13 to May 19, all 13-19-year-olds registered in Tartu city have the opportunity to apply for the Tartu Youth Work Brigade groups. Applications are open for one week and can be submitted here: linnaportaal.tartu.ee. Applications for the brigade are not based on speed, and all applications submitted within the week will be given equal consideration. This summer, there are a total of 193 brigade spots available for young people. A significant change has occurred in the signing of employment contracts with brigade members. Instead of previous paper-based signing, contracts are now concluded digitally. Those accepted into the brigade must ensure they have a functional Mobile-ID, ID card, or Smart-ID to sign the employment contract. The employment contract can only be signed by the brigade member themselves! Work in the brigade is available in both urban and out-of-town groups. In out-of-town groups, tasks may include picking...

Every Wednesday, Lilleke hosts a creative club, the aim of which is to use existing materials, meaning we focus on recycling. In cooperation with youth workers, the young people of Lilleke undertook a project to give old chairs new life in the form of colorful mushrooms. The project was worked on for three months and involved several stages. Stage I First, we found the old chairs in the basement, removed the old fabric from them, and cleaned them of dust. Previously, the youth workers had purchased the necessary materials, and the young people could immediately start crafting. Then, appropriately sized padding was cut from multi-layered wadding to be used in chair making in addition to foam rubber. The activity required precision and patience. Stage II Next, the young people could choose what color fabric they…

Active young people, together with youth workers, organized an awesome 22 km hike in Otepää. The journey took place on the penultimate weekend of April, from April 20-21, by Lake Pühajärv. Like the previous summer hike with thunderstorms, this hike was also extremely memorable. This spring, on April 20-21, the third hike organized by the Tartu Youth Work Centre took place, this time by the beautiful Lake Pühajärv. The idea for the hike was proposed and planned by the active young people themselves. 15 young people participated in the activity, 7 of whom had previously hiked with the youth centre, along with 3 staff members who also enjoy spending time in nature during their free time. It can certainly be said that an incredibly cool group came together. They gathered on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM at Lilleke,…

Tartu Hansa School's 7th-9th grade Candyland ball took place on March 8th in the school auditorium, organized by student council members from 4th to 9th grade! The event's organizing team was divided into café, decorations, performer search, and social media teams. Physical preparations, such as shopping, making decorations, baking, and setting up the auditorium, began at the start of ball week. Work within our teams went smoothly, and everything was ready for the start of the ball. The organizing team itself learned a lot during the project. Key takeaways included task distribution, adherence to the schedule, and budget preparation. DJ Tammodža helped keep the mood high at the ball, Sebastian Jasinski was the main performer, and our school's teacher Marius Aave taught social dances. The first royal couple of Hansa School was elected, and a café was also open.…