Blog

When hiking, it's always important to have the right equipment. This affects how successful your hike might be and how comfortable you feel while hiking. Of course, equipment can sometimes vary among hikers depending on the individual, their preferences, and hiking habits, but there are some definite things every hiker should keep in mind regarding gear. Below, young hiking enthusiast Valter has compiled a list of equipment that would definitely be good to bring on a hike. Clothing: Long trousers - wear them even in summer to protect against ticks. Dress in layers - if it's hot, you take one layer off, and if it gets cold, you put it back on. Rain poncho - should cover…

I am Sigrid, a 30-year-old social work student from Tallinn University of Applied Sciences. This spring, I completed an internship at the Tartu Youth Work Centre, where I directly experienced working with young people and saw the crucial role youth work plays in supporting the well-being of children and families. During the internship, I actively participated in both daily activities at youth centers and larger events. One of the most memorable experiences was definitely participating in the organization of a city camp – it was an exciting mix of planning, creativity, and great energy. Shared activities with young people – from face painting to disco nights. This showed how much joy and development opportunities can be offered in a safe and friendly environment. My role was not limited to just observing – I had the opportunity to lead activities myself. For example, I conducted...

There are rarely quiet moments at the Anne Youth Center. Young people gather there, some more motivated than others, but all looking for a place to try out their ideas – whether it be organizing events, participating in projects, or simply discussing life with each other. That is why it seemed like a natural step to participate in the new pilot program of the Estonian Association of Open Youth Centers, which began issuing the Entrepreneurial Youth Center quality label. What is this label? It is like a roadmap and a seal of quality in one – a tool that helps youth centers consciously shape an environment where young people can develop their entrepreneurship, self-management, and initiative. The label shows that the youth center does its work in a thoughtful, consistent manner and with an eye to the future of young people...

A month or two ago, thanks to the initiative of a new young person, we started Role-Playing Fridays in Ilmatsalu, where role-playing games (RPGs) (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)) are played. In the English-speaking world, role-playing games have captivated players for decades, offering a unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and creativity. As I had just discovered D&D myself at that time, I was very happy to embark on this new adventure in the Estonian gaming landscape as well. At first, I was apprehensive about how I would get young people to join me, as it is such a specific interest. However, the younger age group embraced the game with cheers and excitement. Now I have seen how, in addition to fun and adventures, these games offer numerous benefits that can positively impact the lives of young and old...

I am Karde Mirell Pilk, a 22-year-old from Tartu and a first-year business management student at Võrumaa Education and Technology Centre. When I started studying business management, I knew I wanted more than just lecture halls and textbook pages – I wanted to see how knowledge truly comes to life. I came to the Tartu Youth Work Centre for my internship with this very idea – to explore how the public sector operates from within and to see what goes on "behind the scenes" of youth work.  My internship was not passive observation – it was an active immersion in management, sales and marketing, and customer service. I was able to dive into processes that were not just textbook exercises but living and immediate. The marketing work gave me the freedom to experiment, offer my own ideas, and contribute to the centre's Instagram...

Addressing sexual health topics is an important part of every young person's development. This means not only knowledge about body development but also understanding relationships, boundaries, consent, self-esteem, and safety. Studies show that young people who have received age-appropriate sexual education are able to make more informed and safer decisions and are more confident in seeking help when needed (UNESCO, 2018). It is important to start teaching sexual health at an early age – for example, as a kindergarten or elementary school child. The earlier a child learns about their body, personal boundaries, and the basics of communication, the better they can protect themselves if something is wrong. Early education also helps normalize discussions about the body and feelings, avoiding shame and misinformation. Studies show...

As spring arrives, the inboxes of Tartu Youth Work Center employees receive more and more messages asking, “When does the application period for the youth work camp begin?” Our own anticipation for the upcoming youth work camp summer is already high! This year, we will kick off the youth work camp summer on June 16th with a traditional opening event, and we will conclude the youth work camp summer from August 12th-14th at the national youth work camp gathering at Ranna Ranch. Those who have attended a youth work camp know that in addition to work experience, much more happens there. However, those who haven't been might initially be hesitant about the youth work camp. Here are 5 reasons why you should apply for the youth work camp: New friends: In the youth work camp group, you will meet new people with whom you will bond during the camp. You will be connected by shared jokes and…

As part of the winter ball held at Lille House, there was also a unicorn disco for young people. After the disco, we caught the unicorn and asked him a few questions.Greete: “Let's start with the first question. Where are you from?”Unicorn Gert: “I, I am from Tallinn, a cold place, a dreadful, imagination-free fashion city.”Greete: “Are there many like you there?”Unicorn Gert: “Rather not, we don't even have cows there, but the biggest unicorns there were with cigarette butts.”Greete: “And what else do you do?”Unicorn Gert: “Otherwise, I'm a youth worker, right? I mostly work with older youth, aged 12 to 19. I professionally tease them and destroy their dreams of going astray, and then I hope they choose the right path. We do a lot of bromance,…

At the beginning of March, we packed our bags and, together with our team, headed to Malta for a study trip. We discovered how young people are supported in this sunny Mediterranean country. Our study trip focused on Aġenzija Żgħażagħi, a non-profit organization that plays a significant role in supporting and developing young people in Malta. We gained an inspiring experience – meetings with passionate youth workers, in-depth discussions about youth work methods, and the opportunity to see how practical solutions shape the future of young people. According to Malta's youth work law, young people fall into the 13-30 age range. Compared to Estonia, youth work in Malta has a greater emphasis on projects and various programs. Thanks to Aġenzija Żgħażagħi and other non-profit organizations, young people in Malta can participate in various programs where they can develop their musical, technical, and artistic talents. Young people from challenging families,…