Youth Initiative Talent Show

September 27, 2023

We bring you a look back at a youth initiative that took place at the Ilmatsalu Youth Center.

On September 19, two young people wanted to organize a Talent Show at the Ilmatsalu Youth Center, the aim of which, according to them, was to offer all participants an opportunity to perform for others. We started by having the young people fill out a small project form designed for youth, where they wrote down what and when they wanted to organize, who it was aimed at, and what participants would gain from the event. Then, under the guidance of a youth worker, a poster for the event was created along with a registration form, after which they immediately went to practice their performance. The next time, we determined what needed to be prepared before the show and what roles the organizers needed to divide. A lot of time was also spent practicing and planning their performance.

A few days before the event, the young people themselves came to the youth center to set up chairs for the audience. At home, they had already crafted the prizes and also figured out what snacks needed to be bought from the store. On the day of the show, some participants arrived early and wanted to start preparing snacks and putting up decorations in the hall immediately. However, the organizers themselves arrived later than planned, as it turned out they couldn't make it earlier due to other commitments. Therefore, the start of the show was slightly delayed. When the organizers arrived, they immediately pitched in to help with everything that still needed to be done. What saddened them a bit was the small number of spectators. So, we called all our acquaintances and managed to get one more spectator. The show itself was carried out with a small group, but with great joy (after which, of course, no one really wanted to clean up 😀).

The young people themselves felt the event was successful and plan to organize a bigger show next time, aiming to attract more attendees. From the youth worker's perspective, the young people did a great job and gained valuable experience in organizing an event. Although the audience was small, this was primarily due to the youth worker's limited promotional efforts. Next time, we can organize something bigger and more impressive.

news:

A mobile youth center will be on the move in Tartu this summer

From June 1 to September 1, the Tartu Youth Work Center is launching the MoNo bus—a youth center on wheels—as part of a pilot project, bringing youth work to young people at their everyday gathering places. It is a specially adapted van designed to provide young people with a safe and supportive environment in areas where youth work services are currently unavailable or where young people cannot easily access them on a daily basis. MoNo

Youth workers from the Tartu Youth Work Center on a study trip to Portugal

From April 19–26, youth workers from the Tartu Youth Work Center participated in a study trip to Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the Erasmus+ program, to learn about local street youth work methods, non-formal education, and ways to support young people in the NEET situation. Study trips give youth workers the opportunity to step outside their usual work environment for a moment, learn about different practices, and bring the knowledge and effective solutions they gain back to their own community (Pavlakias and

Tartu Youth Work Center Study Tour Seminar: Bringing Together Knowledge from Around the World

This spring, the staff of the Tartu Youth Work Center went on two study trips: one to Cologne, Germany, and the other to Lisbon, Portugal. On June 3, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., we will gather in the NOKK room on the second floor of the Anne Youth Center (Uus 56, Tartu) for an information seminar on this year’s study trips. We invite all youth workers, activity leaders, and interested city residents from Tartu, Tartu County, and beyond to our information seminar,

“Let’s start a green-thumbed club!”

With the arrival of spring, there’s a growing desire to be outdoors and do something interesting—something that brings joy, excitement, and sparks curiosity. At the Lillekese Youth Center, we’ve found gardening to be the perfect activity for this. We started one Wednesday by weeding the flower bed in front of the Lille House gate. We divided up the tasks on the spot—one person weeds here, another

The Voice of Youth in the Action Plan

Actively involving young people in developing the youth center’s action plan is an important step in fostering their sense of participation and responsibility. Children aged 7–11 are able to successfully express their interests and ideas when provided with a safe and supportive environment. One effective way to do this is through a monthly brainstorming session, during which young people can freely suggest activities and topics. Young people’s opinions matter and have a real impact on the life of the youth center. In addition to the idea generator, it is important to gather ongoing feedback on daily activities to understand what resonates with young people and what needs to be changed. The youth worker’s role here is to guide: to help make ideas more concrete, then link them to an action plan, and involve partners as needed. Even with younger children, simple tools such as voting, drawing, or discussion circles can be used. In a young person’s life, everything changes very quickly: what was relevant two weeks ago

Come work with us this summer – 0.5 FTE mobile youth worker

Mobile Youth Worker (0.5 FTE) For the period June 1 – August 31 Job responsibilities: establishing contact and communicating with young people on the street and in other public places; carrying out youth work activities in the mobile youth work bus; introducing opportunities to young people and supporting them in finding suitable activities; assisting youth workers at the youth center as needed. Requirements for the candidate: higher education (may be in progress); good communication and planning

Students from Annelinna High School visited the Lille Youth Center

The Lille Youth Center, part of the Tartu Youth Work Center, offers young people a wide range of opportunities for participation and personal development. Schools are welcome to visit us for project days or to encourage their students to join our clubs. The clubs operating at the Lille Youth Center include the Hiking Club, Cooking Club, Book Club, Career Club, and the sex education club “Seks vä?”. In addition, we organize city-wide major events, where we welcome young people to actively participate in the organizing teams.