From August 15th to 21st, 2021, Turkuaz Youth Association proudly participated in the Nuotta Seminar held at the Youth Centre Villa Elba in Kokkola, Finland. This enriching seminar brought together participants from seven organizations to explore innovative approaches for supporting NEET youth—young people not in education, employment, or training.
What is Nuotta-Coaching?
Nuotta-coaching, implemented across nine youth centers in Finland, focuses on empowering NEET youth through social reinforcement, life management, and healthy lifestyle practices. It leverages outdoor activities and experiential learning to enhance social skills and self-confidence. The seminar provided a comprehensive introduction to these methods, showcasing the transformative impact of nature-based and activity-driven programs.
Youth Centre Villa Elba
The seminar was hosted by Villa Elba, a Finnish National Youth Centre overseen by the Ministry of Education. Known for its dedication to youth work, Villa Elba provides young people with opportunities to learn in a multicultural environment, discover their strengths, and build essential life skills through international activities. Their expertise in hosting international programs made the Nuotta Seminar a remarkable experience for all participants.
Highlights of the Seminar
The seminar combined interactive workshops, outdoor activities, and collaborative discussions to equip participants with tools and practices to support NEET youth effectively. Key highlights included:
- Outdoor Adventures: Activities like mountain biking, archery, and geocaching demonstrated how nature-based experiences can boost youth engagement and well-being.
- Thematic Sessions: Discussions on motivation, mental health, and self-awareness provided insights into addressing the unique challenges faced by NEET youth.
- Island Training: A memorable session on a nearby island illustrated the therapeutic potential of nature and its role in fostering self-knowledge and personal growth.
- Reflective Techniques: Practical methods for reflection were shared, enabling participants to integrate these approaches into their youth work practices.
Collaboration and Shared Learning
The idea for the Nuotta Seminar originated from a study visit to Jordan, organized by Jugendzentrum Perg. Recognizing the shared need to develop effective methods for supporting NEET youth, organizations collaborated to plan this seminar. Participants exchanged ideas, discussed challenges, and explored opportunities for international cooperation in the field of youth work.
Our Takeaways
For Turkuaz Youth Association, participating in the Nuotta Seminar was an invaluable experience. We gained new perspectives, practical tools, and inspiring methods to enhance our work with NEET youth. The collaborative environment reinforced the importance of building networks and learning from diverse approaches to youth development.
We are excited to implement the strategies we learned and continue our mission of empowering young people. The Nuotta Seminar was not just a training program but a step forward in creating meaningful change for youth around the world.