Estonian Youth Workers' Meaningful Experiences in Empowering Young People
Maarika Veigel *
Tallinn University, Estonia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The changed world has created new conditions for working with youth. The strategy of Estonia 2035 emphasized that intelligent and active people will live in Estonia. In addition, the maximum implementation of each person's potential is important. For this formal and non-formal education must be integrated. In Estonia youth work (YW) depended of the decisions of the local government, as well as of the specialist´ professionality. The aim of the article is to explain Estonian YW specialists´ meaningful experiences in empowering young people.
The qualitative study was based on semi-structured interviewing of professionals working in YW. It is worth noting the dedication of many research participants, their special skills in spotting and guiding and supporting the talent of young people, as well as their entrepreneurship. The most meaningful were individually in shaping young people's communication and behavior and work skills, as well as in working with groups in emphasizing health-promoting activities, organizing workshops, developing social skills, supporting the writing of projects and participating in them. A youth worker is often as confidant for young person and guides them to experiment, directs to self-management and -analysis. Supporting the creativity of young people has been partially dealt with in depth. Systematic planned activities, psychological-pedagogical skills, mental health topics and self-development of youth leaders, professional skills to prioritize YW in general in Estonia require greater attention.
Keywords: Empowerment, Estonia, youth, youth work, youth worker