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 a natural step to participate in the new pilot program of the Estonian Association of Open Youth Centers, through which the Entrepreneurial Youth Center quality mark began to be awarded.
What is that badge, anyway?
It's 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 entrepreneurial spirit, self-management, and initiative. The label indicates that the youth center carries out its work thoughtfully, consistently, and with the future of young people in mind. This is not just some document that disappears into a drawer – it is a sign that the center genuinely creates opportunities for young people to grow and act.
A new beginning – part of something bigger
When the pilot program was announced, applications were received from 25 youth centers across Estonia. 15 centers were selected – one from each county. Ultimately, 11 centers successfully completed the evaluation process. Only four of them achieved a five-star rating: Anne, Kuusalu, Märjamaa, and Viljandi Open Youth Room.
“As a youth center with a focus on entrepreneurship, it seemed logical to apply for the Entrepreneurial Youth Center pilot project,” says Maarja Enumäe, director of the Anne Youth Center. “It was interesting to be part of creating something new and at the same time mapping out the strengths and areas for development of our center.”
Margit Kink, director of the Tartu Youth Work Center, is delighted that systematic work in developing youth entrepreneurship has received the recognition it deserves: “The Anne Youth Center is a very good example of how consistent and informed work in youth work leads to results. The quality mark shows not only the current situation, but also the readiness to continuously develop. During the process, several new ideas have emerged, which we are implementing at the Tartu Youth Work Center – for example, creating a volunteer passport for young people who have contributed to our activities."
A journey, not a sprint
The process began with a self-assessment: the youth centre, together with project mentors, analyzed its current activities, impacts, and areas for development. Activities were documented, discussed, and goals for further changes were set. An annual action plan supporting entrepreneurship was drawn up, which will not remain just on paper – it will become a guide for the entire year.
"This serves as a good guide for us for the entire year, allowing us to plan activities more extensively and thoughtfully," explains Maarja. "Additionally, the recognition came with the expectation that activities supporting entrepreneurship would be publicly reported – this helps increase transparency. In reality, we will continue much of what we have already been doing – just a bit more consciously!"
She also emphasizes that the success of Anne Youth Center is the fruit of teamwork: “All credit for the 5-star rating cannot be given solely to Anne Youth Center – the large team of Tartu Youth Work Center does a great deal across all centers. This is recognition for the entire TNTK team!”
Young people were involved
Young people themselves also played a crucial role in the process. Without them, this recognition would be meaningless. Their contribution to projects, the implementation of ideas, and the daily life of the centre gave the recognition its substance and heart. Their courage to try, make mistakes, and start over is the most authentic expression of entrepreneurship. One of the most important factors for achieving 5 stars is the core group, who help organize and improve the Tartu Youth Work Camp with their advice and effort. Also, we must not forget the young volunteers at the youth centres who contribute year after year to the organization of major events and youth centre activities.
And what's next?
"It's still too early to say how the title will affect us in the future," adds Maarja. "However, this process brought more unity and a shared focus to the activities of the centers for both younger and older target groups. Receiving the recognition confirmed that we are already doing many things right daily, but having a 5-star rating on the wall also serves as a good reminder that youth entrepreneurship and initiative must be continuously supported."
The label comes with responsibility – not just to maintain the achieved level, but to constantly develop. The label is valid for three years, and its renewal requires a new self-assessment. If the team changes significantly, it must be completed earlier. And if something is lacking, Estonian ANK offers support and advice to stay on the right course.
We invite you to join us!
If you are a youth worker or youth center manager wondering if this quality label is also for you – the answer is "yes." Not for something to put on the wall, but for young people to soar. Anne Youth Center is ready to share its experience and support others as a mentor.
Be brave. Be systematic. Be enterprising. And most importantly – let young people shine.
Author: Lisethe Lanno
