Introduction
Paide Open Youth Centre is a welcoming youth centre located in the heart of Estonia, in the town of Paide. The centre offers young people a safe, supportive and inspiring environment where they can spend their free time, develop new skills, meet others and take part in meaningful activities.
The youth centre works with local young people from different backgrounds and aims to support their personal growth, social inclusion, creativity and active participation in community life. Through non-formal learning, youth work and everyday interaction, the centre encourages young people to become more confident, responsible and open-minded.
This ESC volunteering opportunity is ideal for a motivated young person who would like to gain practical experience in youth work, contribute to local community life and bring an international perspective to the centre’s activities. The volunteer will become part of the team, support daily youth work and have the chance to share their own ideas, interests and culture.
Location
The project takes place in Paide, a small and friendly town located in the heart of Estonia. Paide offers a peaceful and safe living environment, while still providing opportunities to take part in local cultural, sports and community activities. The town is known for its welcoming atmosphere, green surroundings and central location, which makes it easy to travel to other parts of Estonia. Volunteers living in Paide can enjoy everyday life in a close-knit community, experience Estonian culture more personally and become actively involved in local youth and community life.
Proposed Activities
The volunteer will support the daily life and activities of the youth centre together with the local team. The exact tasks may vary depending on the volunteer’s interests, strengths and ideas, but the main activities may include:
- helping with daily activities in the youth centre
- creating contact and building trust with local young people
- supporting and co-leading activities for youth both in the centre and in public spaces
- preparing and facilitating workshops, games, creative sessions or discussions
- contributing to activities based on the volunteer’s own interests and talents (for example sport, music, creative workshops, handicrafts or cultural activities)
- assisting in community-based events and youth initiatives
- helping with communication and visibility, including social media content
- participating in planning meetings, reflections and weekly summaries
- introducing their home country and culture through workshops, presentations or informal activities
The volunteer will also have time for personal development, language learning, reflection and planning their own small initiatives. The role is designed to be flexible and meaningful, allowing the volunteer to grow while actively contributing to the youth centre and the wider community.
Profile of the volunteer
The project is suitable for a volunteer who is:
- motivated and open-minded
- interested in working with young people
- ready to participate actively in youth centre life
- willing to share their own ideas, skills and culture
- comfortable working in a team but also able to take initiative independently
- empathetic, tolerant and respectful towards people from different backgrounds
- interested in non-formal learning and community-based youth work
It is especially valuable if the volunteer enjoys activities such as sport, music, creative workshops, discussions or social activities, but previous experience is not required. What matters most is a positive attitude, willingness to learn and readiness to connect with young people in an authentic and supportive way.
The volunteer should also be open to supporting young people with different needs and communication styles, including those who may face social or behavioural challenges.
Learning Outcomes
During the project, the volunteer will develop knowledge and skills related to youth work, non-formal learning and the local community in Paide. They will gain experience in working with young people, planning and implementing activities, and communicating in an intercultural environment. The project will also support the development of key competences such as teamwork, creativity, initiative, responsibility and self-reflection. In addition, the volunteer will improve their English, gain basic Estonian language skills and strengthen their communication and social media abilities, contributing to both personal growth and future opportunities.
Impact
This project gives the volunteer the opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference in the daily lives of young people in Paide. Through their presence, ideas and activities, the volunteer will bring an international perspective to the youth centre, encourage intercultural learning and create new opportunities for local young people to discover different cultures, languages and ways of thinking. Through workshops, informal activities and community events, the volunteer can inspire young people to become more active, open-minded and confident. At the same time, the experience will also have a strong personal impact on the volunteer, helping them grow in independence, communication, creativity and youth work skills while gaining valuable experience in a supportive international environment. This project offers the chance not only to learn and develop, but also to leave a positive and lasting mark on the local community.
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.
