Tag: Youth

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New Media of Ida-Viru County: How Young Activists in Narva and Sillamäe Are Building Independent Channels and Podcasts

Ida-Virumaa, Estonia’s easternmost region, has long been a subject of intense geopolitical scrutiny and media stereotyping. Dominated by a Russian-speaking population and industrial landscapes, the region’s actual youth culture is frequently ignored by mainstream national media.

Tired of seeing their hometowns portrayed solely through the lens of political tension, young activists in Narva, Sillamäe, and Jõhvi are taking the mic into their own hands. A new wave of independent podcasts, YouTube shows, and social media channels is emerging to tell the real stories of the border region.

Bypassing Traditional Gatekeepers

Historically, regional news was filtered through heavy political lenses or state broadcaster channels. Today’s youth are bypassing these traditional gatekeepers entirely.

  • Narva’s Creative Renaissance: Utilizing local creative hubs like the OBJEKT multimedia center, young creators are recording high-quality podcasts that explore topics like identity, mental health, and local urbanism.

  • Sillamäe’s Civic Media: Youth initiatives in Sillamäe are using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to organize community discussions, bridge gaps between local municipalities and the younger generation, and show the beauty of the Baltic coastline.

Rewriting the Narrative

These independent media channels serve a crucial double purpose. First, they provide local youth with a sense of pride and belonging, discussing subjects they actually care about—like regional job opportunities, local art, and skate culture. Second, they act as a cultural bridge to the rest of Estonia.

By producing content that is increasingly bilingual or subtitled, these young creators are showing their peers in Tallinn and Tartu that Ida-Virumaa is not a passive, detached borderland, but a vibrant, creative, and essential part of Estonia’s future.

Author: Dmitri Butsenko, youth activist

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Young People in the Labor Market

In today’s society, working while studying has become a natural part of life for many young people. College and high school students find jobs in the service industry, logistics, and retail, or try their hand at freelancing on online platforms. This practice is undoubtedly of great value, as it develops communication skills, fosters a sense of responsibility, and provides initial financial independence. At the same time, this apparent freedom also hides a serious risk. When entering the job market, young people often encounter situations where they are not sufficiently aware of their rights or able to recognize potential risks. In my view, a basic understanding of labor law is essential, as it helps prevent unfair conditions and creates a safer work environment for all of us.

One of the most pressing issues is young people’s willingness to work without a formal contract. The desire to earn an independent income quickly, combined with naive trust in the employer, often plays a cruel trick on newcomers. When the relationship is governed solely by a verbal agreement, the risk of facing delayed wages, non-payment of agreed-upon amounts, or sudden dismissal is very high. Proving your rights after the fact is legally nearly impossible in such a situation. Therefore, it is crucial to agree on all terms before the first day of work and to begin fulfilling your obligations only after both parties have unambiguously signed the document.

Even when an employer offers a formal contract, people run into the next obstacle: an inability or unwillingness to read the document carefully. A common mistake is to scan the text for just one number-the amount of pay. However, equally important points-such as a specific list of job duties, workload, break times, and the probationary period-are overlooked. Complex legal language may seem incomprehensible to a young person, and instead of asking for clarification, they sign the contract blindly. A widespread sense of false shame in society prevents people from asking questions, even though, in reality, seeking clarification demonstrates a mature, responsible, and professional attitude. Everyone should know exactly what they are agreeing to before signing. Continue reading Young People in the Labor Market