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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,…

During the last winter break, young people enjoyed a meaningful and diverse week, filled with creative crafting, digital games, and sports activities. The program, put together by youth workers, offered young people both fun and development opportunities in various fields. The opening day of the week was dedicated to free-form activities and creative pursuits. All centers offered a variety of distinctive workshops. For example, at Annelinn and Anneke, a guest offered activities where participants could craft yurt boxes, learn a bit about Buryat customs, and taste their traditional pastries. For those interested in the digital world, Wednesday was a real treat. In the youth centers for younger children, a virtual game day took place, featuring Jackbox games. For older youth, an inter-center Fortnite tournament was on the agenda. Additionally, VR glasses could be tried, which...

Spring is a time of new beginnings, and it has somehow become clear that the approach of spring and a restless spirit bring more and more young people to the youth center. Compared to the rest of the year's dark and cold period, the end of winter and beginning of spring have seen one and a half to two times more young people in the Lille youth room. However, our walls are not made of rubber, and we can only admire with a touch of envy the spacious rooms of the Anne youth center and the Lillekese children's room. As the weather warms, the sunshine and the smell of warm soil naturally draw young people to spend their free time outdoors on the lawn, but until then, we are doing our best to endure as smoothly as possible until the birdsong in the existing conditions. We also asked young people if and how temporary overcrowding affected their youth center experience…

Hello, I am Burak! I am from Türkiye, 29 years old, and studying for a master’s degree in the humanities in Italy. In my free time, I mostly do drawings or photography with my beloved analog camera. The best advice I could give to my 12-year-old self: “Do not fear speaking up and do not let anyone else set barriers to your dreams or desires…” Three words that describe me best: Creative, mindful, and solitary. What inspired me to become a volunteer: For a long time, I really wanted to do something that could touch the lives of young people...

Do you know the national dishes I mentioned in the article's title? Where do they come from, which nationalities often have these dishes on their tables, and what ingredients are used? If you don't know, I'll help: mamalyga is eaten in Ukraine, focaccia is Italian bread with various toppings, perepechi are baked by Udmurts, and ratatouille is not just the name of a rat from a Pixar cartoon, but a French dish made from eggplants, tomatoes, and zucchini. In this article, I want to emphasize the intercultural aspect of cooking. Much has already been written about the cooking club; it is, as you know, the most popular activity in the youth room. Young people learn functional reading and arithmetic, develop fine motor skills, and also learn to work in a team, take responsibility, distribute roles, involve others, and delegate...