The theme of this year’s Child Protection Day was the question: “A young person speaks—are you listening?”
The need to be seen, heard, and truly listened to became clear as early as the first preparatory meeting, where young volunteers had the opportunity to share which issues they consider important in the daily lives of children and young people. Almost without exception, all participants highlighted today’s fast-paced lifestyle—home, school, friends, relationships, and the world of information are spinning at an ever-faster pace. In the midst of all this, however, young people often feel that there is no one who truly pays attention to them or takes the time for them. This is especially true in a situation where high external expectations and mental health concerns make it even more difficult to connect with others. This was the basis for the focus of Tartu’s 2026 Children’s Day.
Preparations for the event, carried out by teams of young people working under the guidance of mentors, became increasingly intense and meticulous as the event approached. This year, for the first time, the opportunity arose to close Vabaduse Boulevard, as the usual venue had become too cramped due to excavation work in Central Park, making it impossible to hold the event there on its usual scale. The spacious street setting provided room to grow—and so a Children’s Day with a festival vibe was born, filled with excitement and vibrant youthful energy.
Preparations began early in the morning on June 1. By 10:30 a.m., a line of little ones in bright yellow vests had already gathered in front of the main stage, where they were treated to a special morning program: the StuudioMix theater’s children’s play “Summer in the Forest,” followed by dancing and fun led by the V.A.T Crew.
After the young culture enthusiasts had left, the area quickly filled with activity and bustle—35 partners arrived and began setting up their tents and activity areas. While filling such a large street area initially inspired a certain sense of awe, this feeling quickly faded thanks to the partners’ active participation. The last participant joined just five minutes before the event began.
In addition to our partners, the Tartu Youth Work Center was also present, represented this year by no fewer than four initiatives: the youth café, the digital tent, the activity area, and the mobile youth work bus. The latter—nicknamed MoNobuss—made its public debut and will begin traveling throughout Tartu this summer, bringing youth work closer to young people. Digital youth work is also in its first pilot year, after which the goal is for it to become a permanent part of regular youth work in the future.
Early in the day, the entire area was filled with visitors of all ages, who had the chance to try out various activities and put both their skills and knowledge to the test. Both the Estonian University of Life Sciences Sports School’s indoor hockey court and the Falco Karate Club’s tatami mat were set up on Vabaduse Boulevard, where interested visitors could actively test their skills. OÜ Autosõit offered young scooter riders the chance to practice slalom, and the University of Tartu Botanical Garden had brought along exotic insects, which provided visitors with both excitement and a bit of a thrill.
There was plenty to do throughout the day, and quite a few visitors left with new ideas and inspiration.
In a more relaxed atmosphere but with a clear focus, a discussion area was set up in the atrium of Tartu Kaubamaja, where topics such as cyberbullying, self-care, and youth mental health were addressed throughout the day. Both young people and adults participated in the panel discussions, but a common theme emerged from all the discussions: you must not isolate yourself, but rather seek out someone with whom you can share your worries and joys.
The theme “Youth Speak – Are You Listening?” was also featured on the main stage, where a representative from the Social Insurance Board’s Child Welfare Service spoke about their work. The core of her work is listening to children and young people. She emphasized that, in addition to support services, the role of adults is crucial—they are often the first to notice a child’s concerns and respond to them. Reporting a child in need of help is every adult’s responsibility.
The main stage program was diverse: it featured performances by Tartu school wind orchestras, singing and dance groups, young fashion models, and a children’s theater troupe. The audience was also entertained by an AHHAA science show. In total, nearly 300 young people who pursue various hobbies on a daily basis had the opportunity to showcase their talents.
INGER and the band closed out the day, drawing a large crowd of young fans onto the stage and giving the event an energetic and memorable finale. The feeling of having contributed to such a huge success will likely stay with the young volunteers for a long time to come. Both they and the team mentors left at the end of the long day with a pleasant sense of satisfaction from the great achievement and the highly successful event.
Without our enthusiastic partners, our event wouldn’t have been half as successful as it ultimately was. A huge thank you to: Ahhaa Science Center, Estonian University of Life Sciences Sports Club Floorball School, Estonian Nurses Association, Karate Club Falco, OÜ Autosõit, Social Insurance Board, Lasteabi, Lastemaja, Tartu Children’s Art School, Tartu Nature House, Tartu Family Association, Tartu Ski Club, TYPA Center for Print and Paper Art, JJ-Street Dance School / Urban Style NGO, Swimming Sports Club, YFU Estonia, Estonian National Museum, Tartu University Hospital Stomatology Clinic, Tartu Health Care College, Peemoti Center, Tartu City Youth Guarantee Support System, Rescue Board, Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Agency, Tartu City Library, Kodutütred, Estonian Family Therapy Association, University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, Estonian Medical Students’ Association, Police and Border Guard Board, Elva Municipality Youth Work Center, MTÜ FC Helios, Brain Games, Kaitseliit Tamme Malevkond/Tartu Jaoskond (Women’s Home Defense)/Noored Kotkad, Keeltekoda Hobby School, University of Tartu Museum, and Tartu Vocational College VOCO.
The event wouldn’t have had the same charm, and the volunteers wouldn’t have been so happy, without our generous sponsors. A big thank you to: Kaubamaja, TERE Dairy, Apollo, Kommipomm, Foodsharing, Brain Games, LemonGym, Fitlife, Rio Mini Golf, Haage Water, Kvartal, Anobion Wholesale OÜ, Vallatud Vorstid, Tartu Mill, and Polven Foods.
Photos by Ander Iva
See you next year!
You can find all the photos here!
P.S. Please credit the photographer—Ander Iva—when using the photos.
