- 4h
- free
- unlimited
- English, Estonian
Description
Young World-Changers is a civic education program initiated by the Tallinn Education Department, based on the Finnish Gutsy Go intervention method (2017). The aim of the program is to strengthen young people’s participation and motivation to be active citizens by identifying issues in their communities and working together to solve them.
Over four school days, 8th-grade students step away from their regular curriculum to form 10-person teams. Each team, supported by trained facilitators, identifies a community challenge and implements a real-life solution. Projects can range from reducing school bullying to supporting elderly neighbors or environmental actions.
Method & Activity Information.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Session location: Talinn, Estonia
- Test date: 22/04/2025
- Duration: 4h
- Costs: free
- Materials used: Worksheets, video equipment, planning tools, pens, creative materials
- Youth participated: 60
- Registration: none
Case Description
Stakeholders: Tallinn schools, teachers, youth workers, local communities
Needs & Requirements: Increase youth engagement and civic responsibility
Problems: Lack of youth participation in solving community issues
Topics & Themes: Peacebuilding, civic engagement, social responsibility, teamwork
Method Usage
Context: Formal school setting, civic/social education
Country & City: Estonia, Tallinn
Target group: 8th-grade students (13–14 years old)
Purpose & Reason for Using the Method: To help youth experience being agents of change and to build problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills
Description of Session Setup:
Day 1: Introduction, identifying problems
Day 2: Planning solutions
Day 3: Implementation in real-life settings
Day 4: Presentation and reflection
Summary of Session Results:
Participantshave successfully executed various community projects, such as anti-bullying initiatives, intergenerational support activities, and environmental cleanups. Students have reported gaining a stronger sense of agency and understanding the impact of small actions.
Method & Activity Feedback
Facilitator
Category
Likert-7 AVG
Description
Effectiveness
6.8
Facilitators agreed the activity effectively supported deep understanding of the topic.
Efficiency
6.8
The method worked well in the physical setting and achieved results efficiently.
Learnability
6.8
The method was easy to adapt and implement for the group’s level and context.
Enjoyability
7
All facilitators reported enjoying the session greatly.
Adaptability
7
Facilitators could flexibly adjust the activity to suit the group’s needs.
Feedback (recommendation)
7
All facilitators would recommend this method to others.
Observer
Category
Likert-7 AVG
Description
Engagement & Participation
7
Most students were actively involved, worked in teams, and remained engaged throughout the program.
Comprehension & Knowledge
7
Observer noted students made strong connections between the project and real-world social issues. Reflections showed high awareness and critical thinking.
Game Mechanics & Functionality
6
The method functioned well, with clear structure and enough flexibility. Minor timing issues emerged in execution due to external dependencies (e.g., sponsors).
Participant Experience
Category
Likert-7 AVG
Description
Enjoyment
6.4
Participants found the experience enjoyable and uplifting.
Usability
6.2
The method was intuitive, though some encountered practical time limitations.
Learnability
6.3
Youth reflected on personal growth, collaboration, and new perspectives.
Recommendation score
6.5
Support for making this program available to more students and schools.
Positive
“Very fun! It was a great and heartwarming project.”
“It was a good and fun break from regular schoolwork. It proved to me that with the right people, contacts, and ideas, anything is possible in a short time.”
“It seemed scary at first, but in the end, I really liked it.”
Negative
“Based on the student’s feedback, some projects felt they had too little time to create the outcome they wished for.”
Suggestions & tips
The method is very adaptable and empowering. It offers hands-on learning that strongly complements formal education. Ensuring enough support for group project planning is crucial.
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