The Narva Youth center wrapped up an eventful December with a series of engaging activities aimed at promoting social inclusion and financial literacy among local youth.As part of the Ühne Noorus project and the Noorte häx program, participants enjoyed a variety of events, including a master class on art therapy, a fun board game called “Taskuraha” that teaches financial decision-making, and a festive sports day. The month culminated on December 21 with an exciting outing to Orekhovaya Hill, where children enjoyed winter sports followed by a delightful lunch and a visit to a water park. These initiatives not only fostered community spirit but also equipped young people with essential life skills, making December a month of joy and learning at the Youth Center.
Promoting Social Inclusion and Financial Literacy: An Interview with Dr. Anna Petrov, Youth Development Expert
Editor (time.news): Welcome,Dr. Petrov! December has been a bustling month for the Narva Youth Center, focusing on social inclusion and financial literacy through a variety of engaging activities. What stood out to you about the initiatives they organized?
Dr. Anna Petrov: Thank you for having me! The range of activities at the Narva Youth Center reflects a well-rounded approach to youth development. Programs like the master class on art therapy not only promote emotional well-being but also encourage self-expression, which is crucial for social inclusion. Engaging youth through enjoyable activities—such as the board game “Taskuraha” that teaches financial decision-making—offers practical skills in a way that feels less like traditional education and more like play.
Editor: Absolutely! The integration of games into learning, especially in finance, is an innovative way to make complex subjects accessible. How do you see the impact of such initiatives on local youth?
Dr. petrov: these programs foster essential life skills among participants, aiding their personal and social development. Financial literacy is especially important in today’s economic landscape. By equipping young people with knowledge about managing their finances through practical,relatable activities,you’re not only preparing them for adulthood but also empowering them to make informed decisions that affect their futures.
Editor: The festive sports day and the outing to Orekhovaya Hill sound like marvelous ways to build community spirit. Do you think these types of events play a significant role in enhancing social networks among youth?
Dr.Petrov: Absolutely. Activities like sports days create a sense of belonging and teamwork. They are critical for social bonding, particularly in promoting friendships and collaboration among peers. These shared experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation, which is especially important for vulnerable youth populations.Plus, the visit to a water park is a memorable way to cap off the month and further strengthen those ties within the community.
Editor: Looking forward, what advice would you offer to other youth centers aiming to replicate the success seen at narva?
Dr. Petrov: I recommend focusing on a balanced mix of educational and recreational activities. This can involve community input to tailor programs that resonate with local youth interests. Additionally, fostering partnerships with local businesses can help provide resources or sponsorships for events. Lastly, regularly assessing the impact of these activities through feedback will ensure they continue to meet the needs of the youth effectively.
Editor: that’s insightful! As we see more initiatives like this one, how can we measure their success in terms of social change?
dr. Petrov: Measuring success can involve qualitative and quantitative methods. Surveys and feedback forms can gauge participants’ satisfaction and perceived value of the events. On a broader scale, examining long-term outcomes such as employment rates, financial independence, or community engagement among participants can demonstrate the lasting impact of such programs. These metrics are vital for securing continued funding and support for future initiatives.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for sharing your expertise. it’s clear that engaging activities at the Narva Youth Center are making a meaningful difference in the community, promoting not just fun but vital skills that prepare youth for the future.
dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me. Together, initiatives like these pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all young people.