In brief

N-TELG is an innovative research-based model that creates an opportunity to develop the organization of youth-oriented services and activities and to support their quality based on the concept of a youth-centred approach. N-TELG has been composed within the University of Tartu Narva College research project „Development of an innovative model of youth work organization at the local level based on a youth-centred approach“ activities. The project is financed from the resources of the program “Engaging young people at risk of exclusion and improving youth employment readiness”, approved by the Minister of Education and Science and co-financed by the European Social Fund, implemented by the Education and Youth Board.

The activities of the first period (2020-2021) of the project consisted of three courses of action:

1. Conceptualizing a youth-centred approach

Relevant studies and scientific literature were mapped and based on that; an international youth-centred approach was analysed.

A survey was also conducted among Estonian experts to determine the suitability of the components of the youth-centred approach.

As a result of the activities, a theoretical approach to youth-centeredness and a concept of its definition and components were completed. The results are presented in the report “The Theoretical Basis for the Youth-Centred Approach: The Background, Concept and Its Impact in Estonia”.

2. Component-based research

A research strategy was developed to better understand the meaning of the developed theoretical concept of a youth-centred approach in Estonian youth work. The research was carried out in the field of open youth work and a total of 8 focus group interviews with 23 participants took place.

3. The modelling

Based on the previous activities, a comprehensive model was developed for the innovative development of youth work organization at the local level based on a youth-centred approach. To analyse the applicability of the model, a simulation was conducted with 34 participants.

The model description can be found in the document: “N-TELG model of implementation of the youth-centred approach. Starting points, applicability, and the essence of the model”.

Value-based practice laboratory:

As a result of the first period of the project, the conclusion was also reached that N-TELG is a value-based model, which implementation in practice needs further investigation, because the perception and understanding of the obstacles and opportunities revealed during its implementation are different among young people and professionals working with them. Therefore, in the second period (2022-2023) of the project, the goal was to study the value-based approach in work with young people and to develop the activities necessary to implement it in practice.

In 2022, the piloting of the N-TELG model was launched in the 5th municipality (Pärnu, Keila, Viljandi, Kilingi-Nõmme, Toila, including the 6th youth work institution – Pärnu Youth Recreation Center, Pärnu School of Arts, Keila Youth Center, Viljandi Open Youth Room, Kilingi-Nõmme Gymnasium, Toila Sports and Culture Center). The results of the piloting confirmed that the model is applicable in practice at very different levels and in different youth work organizations when planning services/activities aimed at young people.

Within the project activities, a value-based practice laboratory (as a form of research collaboration) was created at University of Tartu Narva College, where the nature, design, implementation, and obstacles of value-based practice are studied within the framework of different work directions, considering the role of values and social changes in such practice.

The three main value-based practice laboratory work areas:

  • Developing the N-TELG model and providing support activities for its implementation.
  • Development of science-based solutions to support value-based practice in higher education.
  • Better understanding and consideration of young people’s values in the practice of working with them.

Several articles have been published within the project, in English is available:

On May 25, 2023, the international science conference “Empowering Youth Values” will be held at the University of Tartu Narva College. More information is available: https://narva.ut.ee/en/empyouthvalues

Behind the creation of the N-TELG model is the University of Tartu Narva College youth work faculty research team: Andu Rämmer, Anne Kivimäe, Maria Žuravljova and Kaur Kötsi

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