Volunteering in Estonia

September 6, 2023

It’s hard to realize that my volunteering project is going to the end. Before my coming, I’ve thought that 8 months is quite long period of time. But when I see my schedule for September, my last schedule, I understand that time has run so fast. I had no idea about youth work, about Estonia and even was a bit scared in the beginning. But thinking about the time that I’ve spent here, I know that I made a right decision to come.

Each day I learned something new for me, and moments when it was hard the team of the Youth Center was always with me. It was a big luck to join this people. I always felt the support and help, when I needed. Anytime when I asked about something I receive a lot of useful information and great advice. Especially I liked team meeting every week. They let to feel closer to the people who you work with and gave a feeling, that I’m a part of the team as well. But I am really grateful for Anne and Anneke teams. Almost every day I spent with them, and each day was unique. Each person made have a special place in my heart. I’m grateful to Marcos, who never lost a hope that I can learn Estonian, to Kristina, my amazing basketball teammate, to Maarja and her support and helpful advice, to Aveli for all our conversations, I really appreciate them, and thanks to my Ukrainian queen Sofia for everything. I can’t imagine my days without Julia, Liisi, without Gerda’s jokes and, of course, delicious food at Anneke. And special thanks to Valentina, my tutor, who became for me the closest person in this big family.

During the project, I opened absolutely new sides of me. For example, I started to like cooking. But who won’t like, when you listen to Papa Roach and Imagine Dragons lives, while you’re cooking a breakfast? I learned how to ice-skating and boat sailing, thanks to youngsters. Also I even tried canoeing by myself. Thanks to Margit, who is not just a cool director, but also helped me with Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Now I can dance not only Ukrainian but also Estonian folk dances, and I even added some Estonian bands to my playlist. Also the project helped me to make my wishes come true: I’ve visited my dream country Finland and went to the festival there, and I went to the one of my favorite band concert in Riga. In addition, I’ve never known how beautiful is Estonian nature. But exploring nature and culture of different parts of Estonia, for example Kihnu, Kuresaare or Taevaskoda, I can say that this country so small but so different and interesting.

I can say that there were people, who made this time really special, they are youngsters who came to the Youth Center. I couldn’t imagine that I can play Lama or UNO every day, that I’d like playing Catan or I’d win Rummy. I’ve learned how fun trips can be even it’s raining without any stop. These young people have learned me to talk without words, to play games in three different languages, how to deal with problems fast and how to enjoy every day.

So, I can say that I don’t regret about any second here, and taking part in this project was my best decision ever. I’m sure I’ll miss the Youth Center and people from there. I really hope to come to Tartu one more time, but now: Suur Aitäh, Eesti!

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.