In the Youth Corner project of the Ilmajoki association of Mannerheim Children's Protection Association, a new and active model of youth network work is being developed. The goal is to find a functioning channel online, which allows young people to get in touch and activate young people to search for information and inspire new hobbies with the help of the network.
The Youth Corner project started in April 2016. The project develops various activities for young people based on their own wishes. The project works in close cooperation with Ilmajoki municipality and other associations and third sector operators.
- The central idea of the project is the prevention of loneliness among young people, says Hymy Larimo-Tullila, coordinator of the Youth Corner project.
As a result of the project, a space called Nuorten Nurkka was opened in the center of Ilmajoki in the summer of 2016, where young people are allowed to hang out, meet friends and have the opportunity to participate in the planning and implementation of the activities themselves together with safe and present adults. In addition to farm operations, the project organizes various small group activities aimed at young people. There are currently two different clubs running; dance club for 5–6 graders and Tubettajat club for 7–9 graders.
In the Tubettajat club, young people produce their own content for the YouTube channel of Nuorten Nurka. The club is part of the development of the project's youth network work. In addition to the club, the project is launching a national "My story" live series on its YouTube channel. "My story" brings together real-life stories from around Finland. The narrators are adults, each of whom has their own story to tell about their youth. The themes of the stories are very varied; survival stories from bullying, experiences of living abroad, self-esteem, hobbies, dreams and gratitude. All the stories are united by their topicality in the lives of young people. The live broadcasts will start in spring 2017 and the stories are to be told once a month. Those following the broadcast have the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the theme in real time using the chat function. The story will remain available for viewing on Nuorten Nurka's YouTube channel even after the live broadcast, so it is possible to watch the story later as well.
Bringing the internet into the project's youth work gives additional opportunities and functions as an integral part of Nuorten Nurka's activities. However, it does not replace face-to-face interactive work.
- However, with the help of online youth work, we also reach those young people who, for one reason or another, we do not meet face-to-face, thinks Hymy Larimo-Tullila.