Blog

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…

Hello! I am Alessio. I am a young man from Southern Italy who wants to do and experience as much as possible to develop and improve myself. I enjoy engaging in a wide variety of activities – both mental and practical. I try to see everything as an experience that, with the right attitude, can help me grow. By education, I have a bachelor's degree in sociology, and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in innovation and social development. I wanted to join the European Solidarity Corps to personally understand the meaning of volunteer work in a country so different from my own. I believe this experience will help me to be more open-minded and better understand my role in society. This is a very good project for people who want to gain new...

Need a helping hand for the summer? Tartu Youth Work Camp is looking for employers. Tartu Youth Work Center invites companies, organizations, and individuals to contribute to the success of the Tartu Youth Work Camp's 30th year of operation. The camp offers young people in Tartu aged 13-19 the opportunity to gain their first work experience in a safe and supportive environment. For employers, this is an opportunity to contribute to the community and youth development by offering simpler seasonal jobs to young people who have joined the camp during the summer. Providing young people with their first work experience is important. The youth work camp helps to foster work habits, develops a sense of responsibility, and supports the development of social skills – communication, cooperation, and adherence to agreements. A safe and supervised work experience gives young people confidence and helps them better understand the world of work. Over the years, camp participants have worked in various roles – maintenance, service, cleaning, painting, stacking wood,…

An international study, published in 2021 in the Journal of Social Policy, highlights young people's direct experiences in open youth work in six European countries, including Estonia. The study collected over 800 personal stories from young people, with Estonia's contribution being the largest. Young people were asked what changes had occurred in their lives thanks to their participation in youth work. A clear picture emerged from the answers: youth work is not merely about organizing activities for young people, but an important space for self-development and communication. Most frequently, young people highlighted that youth work helped them become braver and more self-confident. Describing how they learned to believe in themselves more, express their thoughts, and have a more positive attitude towards themselves and others. Pointing out how they...

I thought that the Youth Party would be just one big performance for me as the host. That it would be just one role for me as a theater lover. But it was so much more than that... As soon as I had the opportunity to be part of the organizing team for the 2026 Youth Party, I didn't think twice and signed up. And then things moved very quickly – weekly meetings with the entire organizing team as well as smaller teams, where specific tasks had already been assigned to the members. Gradually, the picture began to come together: the stage, lighting, sound, workshops, guests – every detail mattered. The party started at 6 p.m., but we, the organizing team, were already there at 12:10 p.m. and started setting up the equipment, lighting...

Financial literacy is a vitally important skill that helps young people make more informed choices and cope better in everyday life. This doesn't just mean saving money, but also the ability to plan, think ahead, and make well-considered decisions. The earlier young people are introduced to the basics of financial literacy, the more confident and independent they will be in their decisions in the future. In our youth center, we consciously pay attention to financial literacy and organize various themed activities and events. Together with young people, we discuss how to plan their money, what expenses to make, and we try to get a better overview of their daily expenditures. We also talk simply about budgeting, distinguishing between needs and wants, and why it is important to think through one's expenses. Important...

In the Ilmatsalu youth and community center, urban and rural environments, with their respective lifestyles, have merged into a unique symbiosis. Significant changes are underway in the Ilmatsalu area: construction of new residential buildings will soon begin, bringing new people. But there are also people who have lived here their entire lives and keep long-standing traditions alive. There are also those who left and have now returned, as well as "newcomers" who have recently moved to the area and found or created a home for themselves. Some temporarily, some for longer. All age groups participate in activities at the library, youth or community center, and elsewhere in the area. Sometimes all together, often separately. Activities are carried out at a pace and time that suits each individual. The building where Ilmatsalu...