After the state of emergency in the country ended, youth centers began to reopen their doors. Following the accustomed digital life, returning to almost 'normal life' offered a lot of excitement, as this time, the youth center's doors opened differently once again. Ilmatsalu Youth Center was open for only two days and a few hours during the first two weeks. However, all activities took place outdoors.
Preparation for becoming an outdoor youth center required the availability of protective and cleaning supplies, equipment for outdoor use, the development of specific rules and regulations for outdoor youth centers, and also the introduction of amendments to the youth center's general house rules. It also involved thinking through and role-playing situations for when the weather is bad, considering how and in which indoor spaces of the open youth room activities would take place.
The first opening day of Ilmatsalu Youth Center turned out to be full of heavy rain. We were prepared for young people not to come to the youth center in such weather. Fortunately, our fear was unfounded, and young people did come. Under the brand new tent of the Tartu Youth Work Center placed in the yard, there were supplies for hand sanitization, cleaning surfaces and activity tools, general activity tools, and, of course, the rules of the outdoor youth center. On the same day, a basketball hoop was also set up next to the youth center, which young people helped assemble, and by the end of the day, the activity continued with only practicing basketball shots. The first ceremonial successful opening shot was made by Jaanika herself, the head of Ilmatsalu Youth Center. With that, the opening day of the outdoor youth center was officially opened. The table tennis competition planned for the opening day, because we now have outdoor table tennis, unfortunately had to be postponed due to strong winds, but it took place a little later.
Now that young people have the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with a youth worker, the first conversations were mainly about the emergency situation and the virus, as well as a bit about school and e-learning.
In addition to the outdoor youth center, we also operate smartly on Instagram and e-noortekas, i.e., we make educational videos for young people, organize educational activities, share information about other opportunities, communicate, etc.
Gradually, we are also starting with excursions and visits to various adventure facilities, naturally, to the extent permitted.
When the outdoor youth center is closed, young people always ask, just in case, if we are still open today. But we can always say that the outdoor basketball court and table tennis table are open at all times.
However, since June 1, we have been open on more days and with more activities.
Additional information:
Jaanika Palm
Tartu Youth Work Center
Head of Ilmatsalu Youth Center
jaanika.palm@raad.tartu.ee
