Youth work projects
PRO Youth Work: Professionalisation of Youth Work and Advancement of Youth Research in the Nordic–Baltic Region
The University of Latvia, Tallinn University, and Tampere University, in cooperation with the Finnish Youth Research Society and the Latvian Youth Workers’ Association, have launched the Erasmus+ cooperation project “PRO Youth Work.”
The aim of the project is to strengthen the quality of youth work through professionalisation and the development of educational opportunities, while also building stronger links between researchers and youth policy makers to promote evidence-based youth policy development in Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, as well as more broadly across the Baltic and Nordic region.
Project activities support:
- the competences of academic staff in the field of youth work,
- the development of study and training programmes for youth workers in Latvia and Estonia,
- the activation of an international Nordic–Baltic youth research network.
Main Project Outputs
The key outcomes of the project include the development and piloting of new educational opportunities for youth workers:
- a short, work-based Bachelor’s level programme at the University of Latvia;
- a Master’s level micro-credential programme for youth work managers at Tallinn University.
As a result of the project, the Nordic–Baltic network of youth and youth work researchers will be strengthened through the exchange of best practices, the development of methodological approaches to youth and youth work research, and joint publications.
Researchers will meet at two international joint seminars and will also engage with youth policy makers to discuss evidence-based youth policy development and the measurement of youth work impact.
Project Duration: 33 months – 28 December 2025 to 27 September 2028
Project Coordinator: University of Latvia (Project Manager: Sintija Lase)
Partners: Tallinn University (Estonia), Tampere University (Finland), Finnish Youth Research Society (Finland), Latvian Youth Workers’ Association (Latvia)
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Strengthening the Monitoring and Analysis System of the Youth Sector
The ESF Structural Fund–funded project will run until autumn 2027. As a result of the project, an Estonian-language book titled “How to Study Youth and Youth Work” will be published and made freely available to the public.
The book will benefit students studying youth-related and youth work topics (including youth workers, sociologists, social pedagogues, and vocational teachers), as well as lecturers in these fields and a wider range of professionals working with young people.
The project’s principal investigator is Ilona-Evelyn Rannala.
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Professional Development of Youth Workers
The project “Professional Development of Youth Workers: Learning, Research, and the Transmission of Values and Theories Influencing Practice with Different Groups” explores how youth work is taught. The project results will be useful for lecturers and trainers, as well as students and practitioners.
The initial research report will be completed by the end of this year. In addition, by spring, a guide will be developed on how to more confidently integrate theory and practice in youth work. By the end of 2026, an additional guide will be finalised and piloted together with practitioners, exploring how each practitioner can systematically study their own work with young people in collaboration with the young people themselves.
The project is funded by the Education and Youth Board of Estonia. The principal investigator is Ilona-Evelyn Rannala.
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Tallinn University Youth Work Article Collection
The Tallinn University Youth Work Article Collection publishes Estonian-language scholarly articles on current topics in the field of youth work and youth studies. Over the years, contributors have included lecturers and alumni of Tallinn University’s Professional Higher Education and Master’s programmes in Youth Work, as well as youth field experts and practitioners.
The collection provides both broad theoretical knowledge on relevant topics and practical guidance in the form of methods and recommendations. It is actively used in the teaching of youth work at Tallinn University. In addition, it has been used at the Viljandi Culture Academy and Narva College. The collection is also an excellent way to introduce Estonian youth work to a wider audience.
Since 2015, the collection has been published three times. Based on readers’ feedback, it can be considered a valuable source for research related to youth work. The collection promotes youth work as a field of study and practice, as well as evidence-based approaches in youth work. It is published every two years.
The editors of the collection are Tallinn University youth work lecturers Tanja Dibou and Ilona-Evelyn Rannala.
If you are interested in contributing an article on current youth-related topics, please contact Tanja Dibou (tanja.dibou@tlu.ee).