With participants of Youth Dialogue Lab we visited this year’s Opinion Festival / Arvamusfestival in Paide, in the heart of Estonia.
For the participants, it was their first time attending the festival. This annual democracy festival sees over 200 public discussions take place, with more than 10,000 people visiting over the two-day event.
Our group participated in conversations about libraries, youth, equality in education, democracy, and Baltic cooperation.
Taaniel Raudsepp, the leader of the festival, was very kind to welcome our participants. He talked about the background to the festival, recent developments and answered their questions.
We also visited the area of the European Parliament in Estonia and discussed social rights in Europe while sitting on a swing: ‘Räägime!’ (Let’s talk!).
Finally, our group took part in a lively dialogue about democracy. A great conversation about democracy in schools unfolded here. Some of our group members are on the student council of their school. Others expressed frustration that their school does not value student participation.
But what makes a school democratic? This is a question we explored from different perspectives. Thank you Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Estonia for welcoming our group and thank you Kadri Sikk for your facilitation.
One thing is for sure: Youth Dialogue Lab will be back next year at Arvamusfestival! During the coming school year, the young members will develop their dialogue and critical thinking skills.
Next year in Paide, they will organise and facilitate their own public dialogue, focusing on the issues they believe should be discussed. You are already invited!
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