Introduction
Keila Youth Centre is a youth work centre in the town of Keila that offers a safe and welcoming space where young people can spend their free time, develop their interests, and participate in different youth activities. The centre provides a wide range of opportunities, including arts and crafts sessions, sports activities, camps, movie evenings, workshops, and community events. It is open to all young people who want to meet friends, explore new interests, and take part in creative and educational experiences.
The volunteer will support youth work activities at the centre, mainly working with young people aged 7–16. The service takes place in an open youth space where volunteers help create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Together with youth workers, the volunteer will engage with young people, support their ideas and initiatives, and assist in everyday activities and games.
Location
Keila is a small and friendly town located in northern Estonia, about 25 km from Tallinn. With around 10,000 inhabitants, Keila offers a peaceful living environment while still being close to the capital and its international connections.
The town is surrounded by beautiful nature, including forests, parks, and the Keila River, which runs through the town. Nearby you can also find the famous Keila-Joa Waterfall, one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the region. Keila provides many opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and spending time in nature.
Despite its small size, Keila has a lively community with schools, sports facilities, cultural events, and youth activities. Thanks to good train and bus connections, it is easy to travel between Keila and Tallinn, making it convenient for volunteers to explore other parts of Estonia during their free time. The town offers a welcoming atmosphere where volunteers can experience local life while contributing to youth work in the community.
Volunteer Activities
The volunteer will support the daily activities of the youth centre and work together with youth workers to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for young people aged 7–16. The main activities take place in an open youth space where young people can meet, socialise, and participate in different recreational and educational activities.
A typical service week starts at 13:00 and ends at 19:00, with a total commitment of around 35 hours per week. During this time, the volunteer helps supervise different areas of the youth centre such as the recreational space, sports hall, band room, hobby room, and other facilities. They interact with young people, support their ideas and initiatives, and help facilitate games, creative activities, and informal learning opportunities.
The volunteer will also have the opportunity to help plan and support events and workshops, including the monthly 16+ youth night held on the first Friday of each month. They may contribute to organising cultural evenings, where the volunteer can introduce their home country and culture to young people. Additionally, the volunteer can support special activities such as youth camps, community events like Keila Day, and other initiatives organised by the youth centre.
Optionally, the volunteer may contribute to the youth centre’s communication by helping create social media posts or short videos about activities and events. Through these activities, the volunteer actively participates in youth work, supports young people’s participation and creativity and contributes to the dynamic life of the youth centre.
Volunteer Profile
The project is looking for a motivated and open-minded volunteer who is interested in working with children and young people aged 7–16. The volunteer should be willing to actively participate in the daily activities of the youth centre and engage with young people in a supportive and respectful way.
It is important that the volunteer is proactive, responsible, and comfortable taking initiative when helping to organise activities, workshops, or events. Previous experience in youth work, volunteering, or organising activities is an advantage, but not required. A genuine interest in learning about youth work and contributing to the centre’s activities is essential.
The volunteer should have good communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Reliability and good time management are also important, as the volunteer will be involved in planning and supporting different activities at the youth centre.
Volunteers are encouraged to share their hobbies, talents, and cultural background with young people, for example by organising small workshops, cultural evenings, or other creative activities. This project is especially suitable for someone who enjoys working with young people, is curious about different cultures, and is eager to learn through practical experience in youth work.
Learning Outcomes
During the volunteering period, the volunteer will gain practical experience in youth work and non-formal learning methods. By supporting daily activities and helping organise events and workshops, the volunteer will develop skills in communication, teamwork, planning, and responsibility. Working with young people from different backgrounds will help strengthen empathy, intercultural understanding, and problem-solving skills. The volunteer will also learn how to support young people’s ideas and participation in a youth centre environment. Throughout the project, the volunteer will reflect on their learning process together with their tutor and document their development through the Youthpass process.
Mentoring and Support
The volunteer will receive continuous support throughout the project. A dedicated tutor will guide the volunteer during the service and provide regular support through weekly one-on-one meetings. These meetings offer an opportunity to reflect on the past week, discuss experiences, plan upcoming activities, and address any questions or challenges. In addition to the weekly meetings, longer development discussions will take place regularly to review the volunteer’s learning progress and goals.
The volunteer will work as part of a supportive team where staff members are available for guidance and assistance when needed. The learning process will also be supported through reflection activities, such as keeping a diary and discussing learning outcomes with the tutor. These reflections will help the volunteer recognise the competences they develop during the project and prepare their Youthpass certificate.
Application
To apply, fill in the application form in the left column and send it to evs@estyes.ee
NB! We are flexible regarding the project dates which means we can change the service dates to some extent according to the needs of the volunteer.
The project is supported by the Estonian Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps from the Erasmus+ program.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
