European Social Foundation Program “Developing youth work quality” for period 2008-2013

Main aim of the programme is to support the employability of young people through high quality youth work. Programme highlights, that youth work is a learning process, and has an important place in life long learning field.

Programme improves concept of training policy in youth field (both formal and non-formal, and for trainers), provides trainings for youth workers in order to develop skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively with young people and support young people’s transitions to the labour market, as well as to prevent social exclusion in general. Trainings for youth workers provided in four main areas, as improving of youth participation, reducing health risks and deviant behaviour, improving competitiveness of young people to better transition to labour market, prevention and combating social exclusion. Trainings provided on both long-term and short-term period all over the country.

In parallel with previous is developed concept for the trainers in youth field (e.g. trainer profile, networking, and foreign experience); developed training materials (printed, electronic, incl. audio and video). Additional integrated line of action is recognition of youth work, youth works, as youth experts and learning outcomes for young people, as well as developing formal partnerships on recognition between youth field, formal education and employers.

Besides trainings and competency development the quality of youth service is developed through quality assessment system for youth work. Criteria and indicators for the provision of high-quality youth work are developed and starts shortly, also support for evaluation measures will be provided. Another step planned is to develop youth life monitoring system (youth barometer) – research-based regularly renewed database on different aspects of youth life, political analysis and communication to society and cooperation between stakeholders, researchers and youth workers. Information is accessible to all the relevant stakeholders developing measures, aimed at youth policy area.

Contact information:
Mr Aare Vilu
Youth affairs department
Estonian Ministry of Education and Research
aare.vilu@hm.ee

Mr Edgar Schlümmer
Estonian Youth Work Centre
Programme implementing agency
edgar.schlummer@entk.ee