In English
The Estonian Association of Youth Workers unites professional paid youth workers and youth work volunteers.
The Association is open to qualified Youth Workers or who are in the middle of Youth Work studies as well as those without formal qualifications but with extensive youth work experience. The organisation is run by the Board of Management which is elected by its members in every three years at the Annual General Meeting.
We are open to international collaboration as well as to having Erasmus students doing both short and long-term placements with us.
Please view our digital brochure.
For further information please contact: info@enk.ee
Youth Worker is a Lifestyle
“European youth workers unite to empower youth and youth field – Youth worker is a lifestyle” is a project of 9 partners inspired by the Declaration of 3d European Youth Work Convention.
With the support of Erasmus+ (Estonian National Agency), the project started in November 2021 and lasts till November 2024.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Strengthening the Professionalisation of Youth Work through Codes of Ethical Practice
The aim of the Erasmus+ KA2 project “Strengthening the Professionalisation of Youth Work through Codes of Ethical Practice“ was to establish a strategic partnership between Estonia, Iceland and Australia to strengthen youth workers’ professional associations and provide an impetus for the greater application of Youth Work Codes of Ethics.
This project took place 2019–2022 and was funded with support from the European Commission Erasmus+ programme.
As part of the project the following three research reports were produced.
Alliance of Youth Workers Associations – AYWA
The Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (AYWA) aims to strengthen the recognition of the youth work profession so that the voices of youth workers can be better heard across Europe.
On March 18, 2024, the founding agreement of the Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (AYWA) was signed in Brussels—a remarkable event for youth workers both in Estonia and across Europe.
Although the need for such an organization had been discussed for several decades, the establishment of AYWA was finally achieved as a result of a three-year project led by the Estonian Association of Youth Workers (ENK). AYWA supports the development of youth work in Europe more broadly, influences policies at higher levels, and promotes the best practices from Estonia’s youth work success story.
On October 17, 2025, the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Agency of the Education and Youth Board of Estonia recognized the most impactful beneficiaries and projects that have significantly contributed to the development of the education and youth field.
The Golden Apple in the youth field was awarded to the Estonian Association of Youth Workers’ project “European youth workers unite to empower youth and the youth field – Youth worker is a lifestyle.”
As a result of this project, a European umbrella organization, the Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (AYWA), was established, which now actively participates in shaping European youth policy.
Edgar Schlümmer, Chair of the Board of ENK, also serves on the AYWA Board.
Contact:
Edgar Schlümmer
Chair of the Board of the Estonian Association of Youth Workers
edgar@enk.ee
