Representatives of Tallinn University participated in a study visit to Croatia from June 10 to 14. Representing Tallinn University were staff and students from programs focused on the education of youth workers. During the visit, they toured civil society organizations and institutions in Zagreb and Rijeka.
In Zagreb, a meeting was held with representatives of the Croatian Youth Network, who presented their methods of working with youth organizations and organizations for youth in Croatia, their capacity-building efforts, and advocacy activities directed at the national government.
The newly established national organization gathering youth workers – NORMA – was also introduced to the guests from Estonia. NORMA’s representatives outlined the goals behind the organization’s founding, as well as their plans for the upcoming period.
The third meeting in Zagreb was with representatives of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Croatia, who presented their activities in promoting critical thinking and the dissemination of lessons learned from past conflicts.
In Rijeka, the guests from Estonia were hosted by representatives of the Institute for the Future of the University of Rijeka. On this occasion, they were introduced to educational activities in the field of youth work, as well as short-term plans in this area. Discussions also began on formalizing cooperation between the two universities, and joint activities for the near future were agreed upon.
This was followed by a meeting with representatives of the Delta Association from Rijeka, who presented their main projects aimed at building young people’s capacities for participating in democratic processes and encouraging their active involvement in the local community. Special emphasis was placed on the cooperation between this civil society organization and local authorities.
Representatives of the City of Rijeka introduced the guests to the local government’s activities in involving youth in decision-making processes and creating a supportive environment for youth work within the local community. The City of Rijeka’s work in these areas is often recognized as an example of good practice in Croatia, and experiences were exchanged between the two countries.
Finally, the guests visited the new City Library in Rijeka, where they were introduced to its youth-related activities and the opportunities it provides for young people in the city.
The organizations and institutions participating in this study visit were carefully selected based on their current activities and the potential for future collaboration, and certain joint initiatives have already been agreed upon.
