There are currently 55 youth councils in Estonia. These are local councils where young people can participate in their city or municipality decisions. Many members say that cooperation with governments is good, but involvement and a sense of achievement are missing.
The chair of Tartu Youth Council, Lisett Hansen, says that young people join for various reasons. Some want to change their city, others want to gain experience. Hansen herself wants to participate in decision-making. She wants the city to give young people space to experiment and grow.
The visibility of youth councils is important. For example, Tartu organized a competition "My Dream Tartu". Young people were asked for their ideas there. Debates and meetings are also good opportunities to participate.
The chair of Viimsi Youth Council, Emilia Eller, says that cooperation with the government is good. Every idea is heard and discussed. Eller says that young people expect results. They want to feel heard.
Viimsi Youth Council organized an ideas discussion. Proposals were presented there. For example, it was suggested to build a light rail. Sirelin Ermann, a member of Saaremaa Youth Council, says that cooperation has been successful. Decision-makers are youth-friendly.
In Saaremaa, young people practiced local council work. Most proposals are about transportation. Ermann says many young people are passive. Schools should provide more opportunities to participate.
A Tartu study showed that 55% of young people know the objectives of youth councils. 48% are unaware of the existence of youth councils. Robert Lippin says young people should know why their ideas aren’t used.
The study recommends showing results to young people. Young people want to see what became of their opinions. Lippin says young people should participate more in regular decision-making.
Hansen says politicians have a great responsibility. Engaging youth shouldn’t just be a checklist. If young people’s opinions are asked, they should also be heard. There are 55 youth councils in Estonia. The largest is in Tallinn, smaller places have fewer members.