In June, our youth workers went on a study trip to Helsinki, Finland, focusing on street youth work and generally getting acquainted with Helsinki's youth work.
In the first part of the week, Aseman Lapset treated us to street mediation training. Street mediation is a conflict resolution method based on the principles of Restorative Justice. A certain part of our team had already received this training, but they acknowledged that the training was a necessary reminder and also provided a lot of new information and food for thought. In this conflict resolution, the focus is on young people's stories, their feelings, and needs, and it is important that everyone can tell their story and try to understand the other's perspective.
During the second part of the week, we visited various youth centers and services aimed at young people. For example, we explored a youth cafe where young people can practice being a barista. We also visited an institution focused specifically on young adults, or mature young people, and the development of their social skills. Additionally, we visited a youth center that houses a remarkably large indoor skate park, and the center's focus is largely on the world of skateboarding. Notably, the indoor skate park was built underground, specifically in a bomb shelter.
In addition to the new knowledge gained from the training, we also gained a lot of new insights and food for thought on how to develop youth work in Estonia and how to do it specifically here in Tartu.
Recollections were shared by Elen Hermanson, the mobile youth work coordinator and manager of Ilmatsalu Youth Center.
