Even I had my first experience with youth work in Austria I had to face some challenges in Estonia.
As one of the examples I saw my self for the first time in the role of a German Teacher, which brought me in a situation were I had to think about how this should be done. I knew how this work in a formal way, as I was teached back to my school years but how does this work in a non-formal way? Well first I was reading what I could find about this topic to have at least the feeling of “I am prepared” but for sure, how can I create a session if I don’t know for whom? So I had to learn with which kind of kids I will work, what dose it means to be minority, in what are they interested and on what level is there german. I think the preparation and planning of my lessons gave me a good understanding how to work with people from minority background. This first steps in the new area were very important for all the following activities and projects with Shokkin Group.
One of the first Projects which brought me to the topic of entrepreneurship and creativity was a very exciting streetwear project called Message Wear. The aim was it to lead the local youngsters trough the whole process of creating a Streetwear in every aspect to give them a deeper understanding how to start something, how to plan, how you coordinate and promote your idea and for sure how to develop a finished product from the creative till the logistic process. During this project I had the pleasure to mentor a student company which we involved in the process and let them create there own branch. The work with this student company gave me a much clearer vision of this topic and I could see the profit for both sides.
Very interesting were the new languages, by side the improving of my english skills, which are spoken in a quite good level by the most of the Estonians, I came in contact with Estonian an Russian. English was not always enough so I learned the value of the basics in the other languages and how I communicate if non of my language skills are working. This brought me in a lot of funny situations which I will always remember. I was also not expecting how closer I got to my mother-tongue. I also gave german lessons in a youth center and become more aware about how and why I use my language the way I use it.
The Estonian culture let a huge Impact on me. The gathering with friends in the nature and the estonian forest was always very special for me. Also the Sauna culture and the humor of the people gave me a lot of pleasure. I felt also in love with the traditional songs and dances and met some of the most amazing people I have ever seen. Interesting to see was also the differences between the Russian-estonian and the Estonian-estonian culture and where they crossing all this graves this country a very special and for my sense quite unique culture.
Independence! Something everybody talks about when it comes to living in an other country. I had the feeling I am already quite independent, I lived already alone in Austria and managed all my finances. BUT my year in Estonia brought this to the next level there are so many things which are new and you have to deal with it. Also the complete new building of your social life is something challenging and changed my perspective of being independent. I had to make decisions I was never expect make and all this let me grow in many ways.
The work with the Organization was very familiar we grow together fast and build a great working team. During this year I was part of a lot of project teams, organization teams and workshop teams and I learned how important it is to have a good communication to make things done. I personal appreciate to work in teams and learned to understand the value of it.
All in all I can say this program showed me the possibilities and the connections of the European Union. I feel much more European and I felt in love with Estonia that’s why I want to come back to this wonderful country and continue to work in the NGO field and I will bring this Idea to Austria and share.
