Between August 15–21, 2021, Turkuaz Youth Association participated in the Nuotta Seminar held in Kokkola, Finland, hosted by Villa Elba Youth Centre.
This meaningful seminar brought together seven different organizations with the aim of exploring innovative support methods for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET youth).
Implemented in nine youth centers across Finland, Nuotta Coaching focuses on empowering NEET youth by helping them gain social support, life skills, and healthy lifestyle habits. It uses outdoor activities and experiential learning methods to enhance social skills and self-confidence. The seminar highlighted these methods and showcased the transformative impact of nature-based and activity-oriented programs.
The seminar was organized by Villa Elba, a national youth center supervised by the Finnish Ministry of Education. Villa Elba provides young people with opportunities to learn in a multicultural environment, discover their strengths, and acquire essential life skills. Their expertise in hosting international programs made the Nuotta Seminar an unforgettable experience for all participants.
The seminar equipped participants with the tools and methods needed to effectively support NEET youth through interactive workshops, outdoor activities, and collaborative discussions. Key highlights included:
Outdoor Adventures: Activities such as mountain biking, archery, and geocaching demonstrated how nature-based experiences can boost young people’s engagement and well-being.
Thematic Sessions: Topics such as motivation, mental health, and self-awareness provided insights into addressing the specific challenges faced by NEET youth.
Island Education: A memorable session held on a nearby island emphasized the therapeutic potential of nature and its role in the process of self-discovery.
Reflective Techniques: Practical reflection methods for use in youth work were shared.
The idea of the Nuotta Seminar originated from a study visit organized in Jordan by Jugendzentrum Perg. Recognizing the need for effective support for NEET youth, organizations came together to plan this seminar. Participants exchanged ideas, discussed challenges, and explored opportunities for international cooperation in the field of youth work.
For Turkuaz Youth Association, attending the Nuotta Seminar was an invaluable experience. We gained new perspectives, practical tools, and inspiring approaches to improve our work with NEET youth. The spirit of collaboration reinforced the importance of networking and learning from diverse methods to support youth development.
We are eager to put the strategies we learned into practice and continue our mission of empowering young people. The Nuotta Seminar was not just a training program, but an important step toward creating meaningful change for youth around the world.
