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The story of open youth centres in Estonia: genesis and development

The story of open youth centres in Estonia: genesis and development. The International Youth Work Conference A TOTAL MAKEOVER – IS IT NECESSARY? 23 November 2007 Conference and Cultural Centre Athena Heidi Paabort Chairperson of the Board of Youth Union Juventus

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The story of open youth centres in Estonia: genesis and development

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  1. The story of open youth centres in Estonia: genesis and development The International Youth Work Conference A TOTAL MAKEOVER – IS IT NECESSARY? 23 November 2007 Conference and Cultural Centre Athena Heidi Paabort Chairperson of the Board of Youth Union Juventus Allika Open Youth Center Voluntary Manager Estonian Open Youth Center (OYC) project manager for the Youth Center as a Treasure Granary (Varaait)

  2. OBSERVATIONS ON HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT • According to data from the Estonian Youth Club Union, there are approximately 197 open youth centres (OYC) currently operating in Estonia (relevant data is also available in Estonian at www.ank.ee) • Narva and Saue Youth Centres, established in 1998, were two of the fist to be set up • Development of an open youth centres system was discussed for the first time in Estonia in 1999 in a cooperation seminar for representatives from 80 rural municipalities and towns; the resulting description lead to the representatives of 94 rural municipalities and 26 towns expressing their preparedness for the establishment of open youth centers.

  3. Why was a Youth Centre Necessary? • Youth work was/is mainly organised by local governments • Establishment of youth centres was the only thing that we came up with  (K. Kants, Chairman of the Board of Estonian Youth Club Union) • Establishment of youth centres was up to the town and rural municipality leaders

  4. OBSERVATIONS ON HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT • There were many different ideas about what a youth centre should be, ranging from church youth rooms to social assistance centres and the very roof of youth work in a given district. • The greatest expectation of representatives of the new (mostly no more than a year old) youth centres was to gain, in addition to the meagre support from local governments, financial support for the OYCs from the government as well and, through the latter, benefit from increased financing of OYCs from local governments. • 60 youth centres quickly sprang up in Estonia, incl. the reorganization of a number of hobby schools to meet requirements set for OYCs.

  5. Hobby School Youth Centre Open after school Young people can attend when they wish Flexible, no curriculum Employees = mentors, tutors No membership fee Open all year Social inclusion More innovative – activities are based on youth initiative and inclusion Process holds an important position Open after school Set times Curriculum Teachers Membership fee Seasonal Importance is given to the following of an activity plan and curriculum Results are of utmost importance COOPERATION EXAMPLE: Dance as a Tool in Youth Work

  6. Creating the Estonian Youth Club Union (YCU) • In 2000-2001 the Estonian Youth Work Centre (EYWC) organised training for the establishment of youth centres to which each county sent two representatives. At the closing event of the training, practicians in the field decided a representative body was needed so as to develop youth centre related work. Thus the Estonian YCU was established on November 9, 2001 as a result of joint efforts from active people from Tartu, Valga, Jõhvi, Põltsamaa, Viljandi, and Kuressaare among others. • Membership is based on loyalty. • Publications, studies, presentation of the domain on different levels, ERDF, Varaait, county OYC competitions, lobbying in Non-Estonian’s Integration Foundation, Ministry of Education and Research, Estonian National Agency for Youth For Europe programme, etc.

  7. County OYC Competitions • Expectations for state financial support lead to initiation of county OYC competition • Results exceeded expectations - the number of youth centres in Estonia quickly increased from 60 to 120 (2002- 2003) • The Estonian YCU was expected to carry out a wide-scale promotion of the domain as well as methods of open youth work, also the development of OYC general principles (minimum criteria)

  8. OYC Initial Requirements • Separate facility • Open 20 hours a week • Youth worker present • Separate entrance + Utilization of the open youth work method (promotion of youth self initiative, no curriculum, conditions for developmental activities)

  9. OYC Principal Role? The role of the first OYCs: • Implementation of youth work in the area • Social role, incl. getting young people off the streets • Opportunities for active (attractive) activities • Prospect of additional funds • Meeting place for various organizations • The reason as to why they were needed: “We will solve ALL problems!”

  10. The Following Roles were Added Later: • Alleviation to problematic issues in society (“We prevent and alleviate but will not solve!”) • Partner between different institutions (incl. youths and cooperation partners) • Provides feedback on social processes • Helps to develop and implements development trends in the domain • Implementer of youth programs • Coordinator of voluntary work and increaser of social inclusion of young people • Etc.

  11. How has OYC changed since 2001 as the Estonian YCU sees it? • Big difference between youth centres in small and big locations! • OYC has gained trust and is recognized as youth work implementer in a given area • More local government divisions are being established, funding has become more stable • OYC technical base has improved (more stable support from ERDF, Ministry of Education and Research, local government) • Development plans and activities in accordance with them are considered vital • There are more hobby related activities and projects at the OYC • The so called resource centres i.e. Varaait-s have been established • Experienced OYCs support new small OYCs (the OYCs are becoming youth work centres in counties or given areas)

  12. Is Total Change Necessary? Total ? NO.Change = development ? YES

  13. What should the Existing and New OYCs Put More Emphasis On? • A high number of young people attending a OYC is not a priority, yet helps OYC services (knowledge of what is being offered) reach more people • The greatest challenge for the OYC – finding its niche in the relevant area (services must be set up according to the area’s needs, there cannot be a unified model (“copy and paste” will not work) • Greater cooperation between institutions in different areas of activity, i.e. expansion of services (additional funds and opportunities for projects)

  14. “Exploitation” of Varaait-s so as to widen the centres’ activity scope • Increased emphasis on youth participation and voluntary work (young people should be allowed to organize things for themselves) • Review of information channels • Braver wishes  and ideas • Sharing of success stories with other OYCs • Braver utilization of EU funds (PRIA, ERDF, ESF), incl. other funds • Maintenance of a positive image • New staff? 

  15. A youth centre is not a PLACE, it’s a FEELING!

  16. Thank you for your attantion! Additional information: www.ank.ee heidi.paabort@mail.ee

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