Tartu Youth Work Centre was chosen as the Youth Centre of the Year

February 9, 2022

Yesterday, February 8, the Ministry of Education and Research recognized contributors to the youth sector at the "Thanks for Youth" competition. The Tartu Youth Work Center was awarded the title of Youth Center of the Year.

The Tartu Youth Work Centre stands out for its development of youth work both within the city, nationwide, and internationally. Upon receiving the laureate title, the centre's team was highlighted for its street-based youth work, the development of digital tools and competencies, and the inclusion of young people at risk of exclusion and those with additional needs in youth work. The centre also published a handbook on inclusive youth work. It was also noted that the Tartu Youth Work Centre ensures the quality of youth work through network collaboration, supporting the professional growth of its staff and the engagement of young people.

Centre director Margit Kink commented that the success is primarily due to an excellent team. She added that thanks to the project for involving young people with additional needs, the centre employs both a sign language youth worker and a sign language European Solidarity Corps volunteer from Armenia. Regarding network cooperation, Kink highlighted both domestic and international collaborations, which create opportunities for the centre's staff to share their good practices and also learn from other specialists in their field.

Among the nominees in the 'Thanks for Youth 2021' competition were Grete Kull, host of the Tartu Youth Work Centre's podcast 'Noorteaken', in the Youth of the Year category, and the Tartu City Youth Council in the Youth Participation Body or Student Council of the Year category.

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