Blog

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…

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...