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Reasons why volunteering is important. In this article, German volunteer Vanessa Steinke will share her experience volunteering in Estonia. She will talk about her work, her fears, and also about finding herself on this adventure. She will share how she ended up in Estonia and what she likes about it. Q: Hello. Could you introduce yourself? A: Yes. Hello, my name is Vanessa, I am 20 years old and I am a German volunteer. I finished school last summer and I arrived in Estonia at the beginning of September 2020. I live in its capital, Tallinn,...

“Not a single plane survived in the sky.” – this promising sentence was said by my father before I crossed the checkpoint at the Budapest airport for the first time in my life. He was absolutely right about that however I didn’t feel myself peaceful enough to appreciate his encouragement. Nevertheless I had no choice but to accept the inevitable and get on a plane. I was waiting with a stomach cramps to start the boarding right before 14:15. I tried to be really optimistic, two hours are not that long and maybe I will even enjoy it. Well –…

In addition to activities on online channels (Discord server and Instagram STORY environment), winter sports competitions were held in the courtyard of the Ilmatsalu Youth Center from January 4 to 8. Similar to the "M1N1" multi-event, which readers may already be familiar with, this was not a competition between young aspiring professional athletes, but a fun sports competition that provided excitement for all participants and spectators. For the first time, however, the entire week was dedicated to an active lifestyle, which attracted an exceptionally large number of participants! Over the course of five days, a total of ten different young people took part in various competitions, five of whom participated every day and in every event. Both boys and girls took part. The youngest participant was 8 years old, the oldest 16. The aim of every youth sports competition is to develop communication between different young people...

Tartu Youth Work Centre has completed its development plan. Before its full completion, the institution awaited amendment proposals and comments from Tartu city residents as part of a public display. A discussion of the proposals made during the public display will take place on December 30, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Zoom environment. To participate, please send your request to: mariliis.maremae@raad.tartu.ee.   You can view the development plan here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12AUfYagSvdQ-Yy7OsH4EXXI--oImLoWX/view   Additional information: mariliis.maremae@raad.tartu.ee

On that day, the youth center was especially festive, decorated with garlands, handmade snowflakes, and other Christmas decorations. In addition to the usual activities, many interesting workshops and various surprises awaited the young people. On that day, the young people made a cake with their eyes closed, baked and decorated gingerbread cookies, and participated in two Christmas games, several circle games, a workshop for making gift cards, dancing, and, of course, a surprise gift! The Anne Youth Center also received a new table tennis table and air hockey table for Christmas. Of course, all the young people got together for a moment to enjoy delicious pizza, sweets, and mandarins. By the end of the day, everyone was full and in a good mood! -Anne interns Milana and Angelica Additional information: Kristina Kraani kristina.kraani@raad.tartu.ee

Overview of the Christmas evening held in Ilmatsalu by Rando-Kristen Kangro, youth work specialist at Ilmatsalu Youth Center. On December 16, 2020, a joint Christmas party took place in the yard of the Ilmatsalu Hobby and Youth Center. The event consisted of three parts: Christmas music played by DJ Kalmer Kuudeberg, fun stories and dances with Christmas Hag Asti, and orienteering. In addition to the aforementioned, a decorated photo corner was set up for visitors to take cheerful photos. There were approximately 50 participants. These included both young people and older individuals. The aim of the event was to involve the local community in shared leisure activities. Despite the anxious times regarding public health, the event was able to take place (and outdoors) by complying with the regulations of the Health Board and the Government of the Republic of Estonia. We were especially pleased with the helpful young people who arrived hours earlier to set up the photo corner...

In early December, the Tartu Youth Work Centre recognized young people from Tartu who had distinguished themselves during 2020. This recognition event for active young people in Tartu was held for the umpteenth year, and all invited participants received awards. Young people who had excelled in Tartu youth centres, the Tartu youth work camp, and volunteered at major city events in Tartu were invited to the event. How to be an active young person? Become a volunteer! This year, the recognition event was held in a slightly different format, with part of it taking place outdoors. All restrictions in force at the time were observed during the event. Some photos from the event:   Additional information: Elisabeth Jänes Tartu Youth Work Centre Project Manager +372 53 037 733 elisabeth.janes@raad.tartu.ee

The youth rooms at the Anne, Lille, and Ilmatsalu Youth Centers will be closed to youth groups starting Monday, but services for young people will continue. The services and activities offered by the youth centers will move outdoors and online. There will be no group activities indoors starting Monday, but individual activities will take place at the youth centers if necessary, conducted without contact and following the 2+2 rule. Outdoors, Tartu youth centers will offer activities for groups of up to 10 young people. Outdoor activities will initially take place at least twice a week. Activities will range from walks and yard games to bonfire evenings.    However, the activities and services of youth centers are primarily available through social media. Activities take place on Instagram as well as on e-noortekas, which is located on the Discord web platform. Through Instagram, youth centers plan to...

“We discussed and wanted to let you know that we would be happy to accept you for volunteering in Anne youth center! […] Arrival date latest 31st of August!” – I recieved this e-mail on the 14th of August on a Friday, on a very hot day in Hungary. After my first reactions – running up and down in the house, screaming with joy, calling my family members and friends – the despair ran through my brain: okay, but how can I manage to put enough stuff into a big luggage and a travel bag for a year? Because I…