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Parnu city centre, Source: Kristian Pikner, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Innovative youth centre opens in Pärnu

Innovative youth centre opens in Pärnu

The city-sponsored establishment differs from similar centres both in content and target group

Оn Saturday, 20 June, the astronomical summer begins and Pärnu is busy grappling with the coronavirus fallout, preparing to assume its role as Estonia’s summer capital. Billed as the ultimate summer holiday destination of this Baltic nation, the sprawling but sparsely populated city attracts tourists with its large sandy beach, a plethora of spots to eat and drink, historical and modern spas, medieval heritage and laid back atmosphere.

New learning and leisure opportunities

This summer, tourists in Pärnu may be less, but options for locals to learn, create and have fun will be more, as an innovative youth centre is set to open doors in the city. Run by the non-profit association HUUB, it differs from other youth centres both in its content and target group. 

"While our current youth centres target primarily school children, the core of the new centre consists of young people aged 15-26 with an active lifestyle who will develop their skills with the help of experienced mentors and inspire their less active peers," Kadri Rebane, Pärnu City Government's hobby education specialist, tells the city website.

HUUB also stands out among similar centres by the fact that its activities are run by young people themselves under the guidance of a director. The vast range of activities includes creating music, developing IT skills and even trying one’s hand at entrepreneurship.  

The centre will host discussions, board game and film evenings, concerts, activities aimed at self-realization, e-sports competitions, etc. As for leisure, there is a reading corner equipped with books and video game consoles, and a meeting room where one can study, write graduations theses or organize events. The centrally located youth café serves smoothies, sandwiches and coffee.

"We have organized the activities of the youth centre in such a way that it would be very easy for our peers to keep up with what is happening here. For example, we have a brainstorming wall where everyone can submit their ideas, share them and then find people with whom to put these ideas into practice,” explains one of the members.

A model of innovative youth work

In 2020 and 2021, the city of Pärnu will support the establishment and operation of the youth centre with EUR 65 000 a year. The city will also let the premises of the Academy 5, where the centre will be located, for free to HUUB association for five years. The Estonian Youth Work Centre has labelled the new establishment a model of innovative youth work, procuring additional EUR 60 760 from national and European Social Fund resources.

 

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