{"id":43314,"date":"2026-03-16T16:10:44","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T14:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/?page_id=43314"},"modified":"2026-03-16T16:31:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T14:31:25","slug":"social-innovation-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/social-innovation-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Innovation News"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div\r\n\t\t\tclass='wp-block-ap-block-posts free  alignwide'\r\n\t\t\tid='apbAdvancedPosts-1c9157d8-2'\r\n\t\t\tdata-nonce='&quot;9034ac687b&quot;'\r\n\t\t\tdata-attributes='{&quot;cId&quot;:&quot;1c9157d8-2&quot;,&quot;subLayout&quot;:&quot;title-meta&quot;,&quot;selectedCategories&quot;:[28463],&quot;isPostsPerPageAll&quot;:true,&quot;postsPerPage&quot;:-1,&quot;contentBG&quot;:{&quot;color&quot;:&quot;rgba(210, 208, 214, 0)&quot;,&quot;styles&quot;:&quot;background-color: 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read&quot;,&quot;isMetaComment&quot;:false,&quot;metaCommentIcon&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;metaTextColor&quot;:&quot;#333&quot;,&quot;metaLinkColor&quot;:&quot;#8344c5&quot;,&quot;metaIconColor&quot;:&quot;#4527a4&quot;,&quot;isExcerpt&quot;:true,&quot;isEllipsisOnExcerpt&quot;:false,&quot;excerptLength&quot;:25,&quot;excerptAlign&quot;:&quot;justify&quot;,&quot;excerptColor&quot;:&quot;#333&quot;,&quot;isReadMore&quot;:true,&quot;readMorePosition&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;isLinkNewTab&quot;:false,&quot;readMoreAlign&quot;:&quot;left&quot;}'\r\n\t\t\tdata-extra='{&quot;totalPosts&quot;:11}'\r\n\t\t\tdata-firstposts='[{&quot;id&quot;:44110,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/does-the-phrase-social-innovation-resonate-with-you-come-and-co-create-at-our-networking-day\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;does-the-phrase-social-innovation-resonate-with-you-come-and-co-create-at-our-networking-day&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/tunnus_network-connection-concept-scaled.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Does the phrase \\u201csocial innovation\\u201d resonate with you? Come and co-create at our networking day&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;Have you ever wondered how good ideas turn into solutions that actually work in society? On 14 May, the social innovators\\u2019 idea day \\u201cV\\u00f5rsumine\\u201d will take place at the Energy Discovery Centre (Energia Avastuskeskus) in Tallinn. The event brings together people who work with these questions on a daily basis, as well as those who would like to contribute more to the field.&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Have you ever wondered how good ideas turn into solutions that actually work in society? On 14 May, the social innovators\\u2019 idea day \\&quot;Sprouting\\u201d will take place at the Energy Discovery Centre (Energia Avastuskeskus) in Tallinn. The event brings together people who work with these questions on a daily basis, as well as those who would like to contribute more to the field. The focus of the day is on sharing knowledge and connecting people. \\n\\n\\n\\nThe programme includes a panel discussion and presentations introducing current trends and the state of social innovation. Research findings and learning materials that support teaching and implementing social innovation will also be shared.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe second half of the day focuses on collaboration and discussion. There will be roundtable discussions and case-based sessions where participants can exchange ideas, share experiences, and jointly seek new solutions. Networking is also a key part of the event, offering opportunities to build new contacts and partnerships.\\n\\n\\n\\nStudents, researchers, social innovators and enterprises, public sector representatives, and anyone interested in contributing to societal impact are welcome to attend. Participation is free of charge, but places are limited.\\n\\n\\n\\nAgenda of 14.05.2026 social innovators networking day \\u201csprouting\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nModerator of the day: Triin K\\u00fcbar, PhD student in Political Science at Tallinn University\\n\\n\\n\\n10.30 Arrival and welcome snacks\\n\\n\\n\\n11.00 Introduction to the day. Evelyn Valtin, National Foundation of Civil Society. Project Manager of social innovation activities of the Swiss-Estonian cooperation program \\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\n11.10 Panel on social innovation cooperation and visioning the future. Discussion moderated by Marko Uibu, Associate Professor of Social Innovation at the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Tartu\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nKatri-Liis Lepik PhD, Associate Professor at the Institute of Social Sciences, Tallinn University\\n\\n\\n\\nMarju M\\u00e4ger, National Foundation of Civil Society, Project Manager for the Development of the Competence Center for Social Innovation\\n\\n\\n\\nMinna Harjo, Advisor to the Department of Religious Affairs and Civil Society of the Ministry of the Interior\\n\\n\\n\\nAnnely Aer, CEO of the Association for Sustainable Enterprise - KELL\\n\\n\\n\\nErik Reinhold, Head of the P\\u00e4rnu County Development Center\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n12.00 Overview of the current state of social entrepreneurship and social innovation according to the European Social Entrepreneurship Monitor (ESEM). Merle Levassor, PhD student in Political Science at Tallinn University and coordinator of entrepreneurship studies\\n\\n\\n\\n12.20 Advertising minutes and invitations to join, moderated by Maris Praats, National Foundation of Civil Society, communication specialist for social innovation activities of the Swiss-Estonian cooperation program \\&quot;Supporting Social Inclusion\\&quot;\\n\\n\\n\\n12.45 Lunch\\n\\n\\n\\n13.30 Experience story about public sector innovation, Kadi Villers, Advisor to the Government Office for Innovation\\n\\n\\n\\n13.50 Experience story about innovation in educational, M\\u00e4rt Aro, DreamApply co-fouder\\n\\n\\n\\n14.10 Experience story about the social incubation program, Pirkko Valge, CEO of the Good Deed Foundation\\n\\n\\n\\n14.30 Overview of the social innovation materials of the RESIST project, Reet Kasekamp, RESIST project manager at Development Center of V\\u00f5ru County&nbsp;\\n\\n\\n\\n14.45 Break\\n\\n\\n\\n15.00 \\u201cSave the World in 90 minutes\\u201d and discussion circles. Katri-Liis Lepik PhD, Associate Professor, Institute of Social Sciences, Tallinn University\\n\\n\\n\\n16.30 Conclusions\\n\\n\\n\\n17.00 End\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nRegister here\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThis activity is co-funded by the following projects:\\n\\n\\n\\nRESIST \\u2013 The project aims to create better and more supportive ecosystems for social innovation and social entrepreneurship, and to make existing innovation support more accessible to social entrepreneurs.\\n\\n\\n\\nSwiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme \\u201cEnhancing Social Inclusion\\u201d, which focuses on strengthening civil society through the promotion of social innovation. The programme is co-funded by Switzerland to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Apr 2, 2026&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-04-02 10:01:35&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-04-10 14:22:23&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-04-10 11:22:23&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;, &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:2,&quot;sec&quot;:51},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:44034,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/are-you-the-next-idea-master-turn-challenges-into-solutions\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;are-you-the-next-idea-master-turn-challenges-into-solutions&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/ideemeistrid-ruut-eng.png&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Are You the Next Idea Master? Turn Challenges into Solutions&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;As part of the social innovation activities under the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme \\u201cEnhancing Social Inclusion,\\u201d a new programme has been launched to identify and develop solutions to integration and inclusion challenges in Estonia.&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;As part of the social innovation activities under the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme \\u201cEnhancing Social Inclusion,\\u201d a new programme has been launched to identify and develop solutions to integration and inclusion challenges in Estonia.\\n\\n\\n\\nAt the heart of the programme is the Idea Masters programme, implemented by the Visionest Institute. This initiative offers an opportunity for anyone who notices a challenge in society and wants to help solve it. Whether it is limited access to community life, low inclusion of different target groups, or barriers to integration, Idea Masters invites people not only to recognise these issues but also to address them.\\n\\n\\n\\nImportantly, you do not need to come with a fully developed project, team, or solution. A single observation, question, or early-stage idea is enough. If you have a concept that brings people together or helps strengthen communities, this is the right place to develop it. And if you do not yet have an idea, you can join others and contribute with your skills and experience.\\n\\n\\n\\nParticipation is possible in Estonian, English, Russian, and Ukrainian. Diverse teams bringing together different cultural backgrounds are especially encouraged.\\n\\n\\n\\nHow does an idea become a solution?\\n\\n\\n\\nThe journey begins with an idea\\u2014even if it is still unfinished. You can write it down, and if needed, artificial intelligence tools can help you refine and develop it further. You can then form a team or join an existing one. Programme organisers will also help match participants with suitable teammates.\\n\\n\\n\\nEach idea receives expert feedback, helping participants understand its strengths, identify areas for improvement, and define the next steps.\\n\\n\\n\\nParticipants then come together on Idea Day, a hackathon-style event where ideas are developed into clearer solution concepts. Together with mentors and experts, participants define the problem, target group, and impact, and create an initial action plan.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe most promising ideas will move forward into a five-month development programme featuring workshops, mentoring sessions, and hands-on work. Participants will receive support in finding partners, testing solutions, and taking the first steps toward implementation.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nKey dates to keep in mind\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n17 April 2026 \\u2013 Deadline for submitting ideas\\n\\n\\n\\n5 May 2026 \\u2013 Pre-event for Idea Day, where participants, teams, and mentors meet for the first time\\n\\n\\n\\n13 May 2026 \\u2013 Idea Day, where initial solution concepts are developed\\n\\n\\n\\nAugust to December 2026 \\u2013 Idea development programme, covering topics such as digital skills, AI tools, problem and impact analysis, solution testing, sustainability, and pitching\\n\\n\\n\\n2 December 2026 \\u2013 Final event \\u201cMoment of Impact,\\u201d celebrating participants\\u2019 journeys, recognising mentors, and showcasing the developed solutions\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWatch also information session\\n\\n\\n\\nLearn more and submit your idea\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Idea Masters programme is part of the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme \\u201cEnhancing Social Inclusion,\\u201d aimed at strengthening civil society through social innovation. The activities are co-financed by Switzerland to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union. The programme is implemented by the Visionest Institute.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Apr 1, 2026&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-04-01 05:47:25&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-04-01 13:37:24&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-04-01 10:37:24&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;, &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:2,&quot;sec&quot;:24},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43920,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/study-visit-on-social-innovation2026\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;study-visit-on-social-innovation2026&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/DSC01253-1-scaled.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Study Visit on Social Innovation to Ida-Viru County: How Communities, Youth, and Courage Shape the Future&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;The image of Ida-Viru County in Estonia has for years been multifaceted \\u2013 shaped by the shadows of its industrial past, language barriers, and the perception of a region in need of support. At the same time, in recent years, a number of targeted grants and investments have been directed to the region with the aim of revitalising local life, strengthening entrepreneurship, and creating an attractive living environment. However, the most important change does not come from funding alone \\u2013 it is driven by people, ideas, and collaboration.&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;The image of Ida-Viru County in Estonia has for years been multifaceted \\u2013 shaped by the shadows of its industrial past, language barriers, and the perception of a region in need of support. At the same time, in recent years, a number of targeted grants and investments have been directed to the region with the aim of revitalising local life, strengthening entrepreneurship, and creating an attractive living environment. However, the most important change does not come from funding alone \\u2013 it is driven by people, ideas, and collaboration.\\n\\n\\n\\nThis was clearly demonstrated during the two-day social innovation study visit to Ida-Viru County, organised on 24\\u201325 March under the leadership of the National Foundation of Civil Society. The aim of the study visit was to bring together representatives of civil society organisations, the public sector, and businesses to explore effective community-based solutions and to support the exchange of knowledge and experience. Interest was remarkable \\u2013 140 people applied for 25 available places.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe initiatives visited over the two days clearly showed that Ida-Viru County is not merely a target area for support, but an environment where these resources are increasingly being applied in creative and sustainable ways.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Toila Volunteer Sea Rescue team recently completed a building where they can store their equipment. The facility was constructed with support from the Just Transition Fund.\\n\\n\\n\\nAt kood\\\/J\\u00f5hvi, participants also had the opportunity to try out what the entrance test looks like.\\n\\n\\n\\nBoth domestic and wild animals are brought to P\\u00e4ite Animal Park.\\n\\n\\n\\nSillart has been created by people who want to make Sillam\\u00e4e a better place and attract more tourism to the area.\\n\\n\\n\\nWithin the tourism cluster, a distinctive logo has been developed that can be seen on flags as well as across their visual designs. In addition, Ida-Viru County is known as a land of records.\\n\\n\\n\\nStudy visit participants together with the volunteer sea rescuers.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nEducation as a Driver of Change\\n\\n\\n\\nThe first stop of the study visit took participants to the kood\\\/J\\u00f5hvi learning centre. Originally launched in Sillam\\u00e4e, the programme has evolved over time \\u2013 from an initial focus on Eastern Estonia into a model that aims to offer opportunities to anyone interested, regardless of their background.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe numbers speak for themselves: learners represent 33 nationalities, 21% are women, and the average age is 29. Flexibility is also a key feature of the programme \\u2013 in addition to adult learners, opportunities have been created for upper secondary school elective courses, and participants range from highly educated individuals to enthusiastic basic school graduates.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe programme\\u2019s strength lies in its hands-on, project-based learning approach. For example, a team of four is currently working on a solution aimed at bringing non-profit organisations together \\u2013 a strong example of how technology can support social impact.\\n\\n\\n\\nFrom Animal Rescue to a Systemic Solution\\n\\n\\n\\nAt P\\u00e4ite Animal Park, established by the NGO Ayuda, participants encountered an initiative that has grown out of a genuine desire to help. The founder made the decision to move from Tallinn to Ida-Viru County in order to rescue animals. What began as an animal rescue effort has developed into a multifaceted centre where both domestic and wild animals are treated and cared for, alongside the organisation of various events.\\n\\n\\n\\nA key element here is collaboration \\u2013 both with local municipalities and at the international level. For example, animal rehabilitation and relocation efforts have led to partnerships with Slovakia and other countries.\\n\\n\\n\\nNew Life Born from Crisis\\n\\n\\n\\nVoka Inc. Cuisine Brutale, located in Voka, is a vivid example of how creativity knows no bounds and how food does not have to rely solely on conventional ingredients. For instance, the restaurant has created an \\u201coffal festival\\u201d to offer visitors something a bit out of the ordinary. Housed in a former school building, the venue stands out both for its distinctive design and its inventive solutions. During the COVID-19 restrictions, for example, the owner built a church on-site \\u2013 because attending church was allowed at the time, while visiting a restaurant was not.\\n\\n\\n\\nToday, this space serves a new role as a community gathering place. It demonstrates how unused infrastructure, when combined with the right idea and leadership, can become a driver of regional development.\\n\\n\\n\\nCulture as a Creator of Identity\\n\\n\\n\\nSillart, operating in Sillam\\u00e4e, is an example of a community-driven cultural initiative. Led by volunteers, an old school building is being transformed into a contemporary art gallery and creative centre.\\n\\n\\n\\nSillart\\u2019s ambitions go beyond a gallery \\u2013 plans include concerts, video production opportunities, training sessions, and creative workshops. It represents a classic bottom-up approach to cultural policy, where the community itself builds its cultural infrastructure and creates opportunities for local artists to shine.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Future Is Not Planned Alone\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Ida-Viru Future 2050 initiative brings together different sectors to shape a long-term vision for the region. More than 120 ideas collected from local residents form the basis of a vision document that has also been presented to decision-makers.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe initiative is led by young people, with the aim of ensuring that the county remains a viable place to live and work in the future.\\n\\n\\n\\nAt the heart of the process is inclusion \\u2013 ideas are not developed behind closed doors, but through dialogue with the community. This year\\u2019s focus is on building bridges, emphasising the need to connect different stakeholders for shared development.\\n\\n\\n\\nCommunity Safety and Maritime Identity\\n\\n\\n\\nToila Sea Rescue and Toila Yacht Club illustrate how volunteerism and community responsibility create value.\\n\\n\\n\\nToila Sea Rescue operates in an area where national response capacity does not always meet local needs, making this volunteer-based organisation a critical community service. Currently, the Sea Rescue unit has 14 members and has been active for nearly 20 years, making it the oldest volunteer sea rescue unit in Estonia. In addition to its members, it has developed a system of regular community supporters, ensuring sustainability while also strengthening local cooperation. The organisation also provides maritime education for young people, with plans to expand these activities in the future.\\n\\n\\n\\nOperating alongside it, the Toila Yacht Club focuses on the future \\u2013 young people \\u2013 by offering sailing training, international experience, and a strong sense of community belonging. For example, last year a regatta brought together more than 120 young sailors. The club collaborates with other organisations and actively involves parents in its activities.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe synergy between these two organisations creates a complete ecosystem where safety, education, and the next generation support one another, developing the harbour as a community hub and a \\u201csea stadium.\\u201d In addition, the harbour features a seaside restaurant, with accommodation opportunities planned for the future.\\n\\n\\n\\nCollaboration as a Strategic Choice\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study visit concluded with discussions led by the Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre, where regional cooperation models were introduced \\u2013 including tourism, creative, and education clusters, as well as IdaHub as a support platform for entrepreneurship and innovation.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn the field of education, targeted steps have been taken in recent years to make learning more inclusive and attractive for young people. One example is the education cluster Helikopter, which brings together educational institutions and partners to develop innovative solutions and better align education with regional needs.\\n\\n\\n\\nAt the same time, significant investments have been made in the tourism sector, based on the understanding that Ida-Viru County offers a diverse and distinctive visitor experience that deserves stronger promotion. With support from the Just Transition Fund, approximately \\u20ac100 million has been directed to the region, including plans to build four new hotels. In parallel, a tourism cluster has been established, bringing together nearly a quarter of the region\\u2019s tourism businesses. Under the shared concept of an \\u201cadventure land,\\u201d stakeholders collaborate to strengthen the region\\u2019s image and attract more visitors.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn addition, a creative cluster operates in Ida-Viru County, including a database of creative professionals. This enables quick identification of partners for project-based collaboration and supports the visibility and development of the creative sector. Important steps have also been taken to attract more international film projects to the region \\u2013 Ida-Viru County is being deliberately positioned as an attractive and diverse filming location.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study visit confirmed one thing: Ida-Viru County is no longer merely a target area for development programmes. It is an environment where experimentation, learning, and innovation take place. The most important resource is not funding, but people \\u2013 those who see opportunities, build connections, and take action.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe next study visit will take place already this autumn, so it is worth keeping an eye on K\\u00dcSK\\u2019s channels!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study visit was organised by the National Foundation of Civil Society.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study visit is part of the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme \\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d, which is aimed at strengthening civil society through the promotion of social innovation.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Mar 30, 2026&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-30 07:21:34&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-04-16 15:03:48&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-04-16 12:03:48&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;, &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:7,&quot;sec&quot;:15},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43384,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/11th-european-congress-of-local-governments-intergenerational-culture-in-practice\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;11th-european-congress-of-local-governments-intergenerational-culture-in-practice&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-08-at-20.50.59-1.jpeg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Evelyn Valtin osales Poolas kohalike omavalitsuse konkuressil&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;11th European Congress of Local Governments: Intergenerational Culture in Practice&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;From 2\\u20133 March 2026, the 11th European Congress of Local Governments took place in Mikolajki, Poland, bringing together local government representatives, policymakers, and civil society actors to discuss the future of cities and communities across Europe. Evelyn Valtin, Project Manager for social innovation activities under the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme measure\\u00a0\\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d at the National Foundation of Civil Society of Estonia, participated as a panelist in the discussion \\u201cCity for Children and Seniors: Intergenerational Culture in Practice,\\u201d sharing insights from Estonia\\u2019s experience and initiatives fostering intergenerational connections.&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;From 2\\u20133 March 2026, the 11th European Congress of Local Governments took place in Mikolajki, Poland, bringing togethermore than 3000 local government representatives, policymakers, and civil society actors to discuss the future of cities and communities across Europe. Evelyn Valtin, Project Manager for social innovation activities under the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme measure&nbsp;\\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d at the National Foundation of Civil Society of Estonia, participated as a panelist in the discussion \\u201cCity for Children and Seniors: Intergenerational Culture in Practice,\\u201d sharing insights from Estonia\\u2019s experience and initiatives fostering intergenerational connections.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nEvelyn Valtin\\n\\n\\n\\nEvelyn Valtin&nbsp;participated&nbsp;at the 11th of European Congress for Local Governments. She joined as guest at the panel discussion on the topic \\u201eCity for Children and Seniors: Intergenerational Culture in Practice. \\u201c&nbsp;The panel was chaired by Ewa Kubejko-Polanska, President of the Board of the Rzeszow Smart City Association, Poland. The discussion featured distinguished speakers, including Marcela Ivancova, Mayor of the City of Svidnik, Slovakia; Dominika Piotrowska, Mayor of the Golub-Dobrzyn City Council, Poland; Joanna Wicha, Deputy in the Sejm, Poland; Bart\\u0142omiej G\\u0142uszak, CEO of the Federation of Social Organizations of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship FOSa, Poland; Jaros\\u0142aw Bieli\\u0144ski, President of the Board of Pole of Development, Poland; and Evelyn Valtin, Project Manager in Social Innovation at the National Foundation of Civil Society, Estonia.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Need for Intergenerational Engagement\\n\\n\\n\\nIntergenerational initiatives\\u2014such as shared activities, local-history storytelling, volunteering, and neighbourhood \\u201csupport points\\u201d\\u2014have proven effective in strengthening social bonds and reducing loneliness. At the same time, Europe, including Estonia, faces demographic and societal challenges: an aging population, urban migration of young people, and closures of rural services. These trends make it increasingly important to develop structured approaches that promote meaningful connections between young people and seniors, preventing social disconnection.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn Estonia, the population is currently 1,332,712 (as of 12 March 2026, based on Worldometer\\u2019s elaboration of United Nations data). The median age is approximately 41.9\\u201343.8 years, with seniors (65+) comprising around 20\\u201321% of the population, working-age adults (20\\u201364) 58\\u201361%, and minors 19\\u201321%. Notably, the number of people in their 20s has significantly decreased over the past decade, highlighting the need for intergenerational initiatives.\\n\\n\\n\\nNFCS Role in Fostering Intergenerational Connections\\n\\n\\n\\nThe National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS), established in 2008 by the Estonian Government, has been one of a key player in strengthening communities and civil society organisations. While NFCS is not exclusively focused on intergenerational practices, it supports initiatives that connect children, youth, and seniors through grants, advisory support, and capacity-building tools.\\n\\n\\n\\nCurrently&nbsp;NFCS manages&nbsp;grants for&nbsp;Developmental&nbsp;Leap and&nbsp;its&nbsp;preparation calls,&nbsp;International&nbsp;Cooperation&nbsp;Grants, Community Leader Scholarship&nbsp;and is running&nbsp;Civil Society Innovation Fund.&nbsp;For ten years&nbsp;NULA incubation&nbsp;programme&nbsp;has been&nbsp;run together with the Good Deed Foundation&nbsp;\\u2013&nbsp;it\\u2019s&nbsp;the&nbsp;development programme created by NFCS to offer support smart, effective, and innovative ideas.&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n\\n\\nNFCS to offer support smart, effective, and innovative ideas.&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n\\n\\nNFCS is&nbsp;coordinating&nbsp;Social Innovation Competence&nbsp;Centre&nbsp;of 9 organisation from all sectors and academia in Estonia&nbsp;to&nbsp;raise&nbsp;the awareness and competences of SI and SE,&nbsp;to&nbsp;bring together the network&nbsp;and support innovative solutions for the societal&nbsp;challenges.&nbsp;Swiss-Estonian&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;programme&nbsp;on Social Inclusion, focussing on SI; and&nbsp;European Social Fund+,&nbsp;are the main supporters.&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n\\n\\nAdditionally,&nbsp;two ESF funded project, one of which is increasing Civil Society Impact through Youth Engagement&nbsp;and the other is empowering civil society organisations to involve newcomers,&nbsp;people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and returning Estonians in community activities. NFSC is coordinating CERV Contact Point in Estonia&nbsp;and&nbsp;also&nbsp;coordinating&nbsp;CSO consultants working&nbsp;in County Development&nbsp;Centres.&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nInitiatives from Estonia Strengthening Intergenerational Integration\\n\\n\\n\\nEstonia offers a range of projects and initiatives that mostly focus on building capacities, enhancing competences, and creating meaningful opportunities for children, youth, and seniors to interact and learn from each other, and some of them foster intergenerational connections as well.&nbsp;\\n\\n\\n\\nAt the system level, programmes such as Silver Cluster provide trainings, workshops, and engagement activities aimed at maintaining seniors\\u2019 health and strengthening their social participation. They have also created EAKATON as a separate initiative, which aims to create solutions to improve the quality of life of older people.\\n\\n\\n\\nSimilarly, Golden League works strategically to shape age-friendly communities and policies, collaborating with the Ministry of the Social Affairs. Local structures like Senior Councils, Youth Councils, and the Toddler Council Network ensure that voices from all age groups\\u2014from young children to older adults\\u2014are included in decision-making and community life. Community Engagement Specialists at local governments further support these intergenerational connections.\\n\\n\\n\\nSeveral initiatives directly address social challenges such as loneliness and isolation. Narrator, inspired by the Norwegian social enterprise Generation, connected seniors in nursing homes with young volunteers through intergenerational communication and shared activities. Over five years, the project reached over 400 seniors with the support of 200 young volunteers, raising awareness about elderly inclusion and inspiring similar initiatives.\\n\\n\\n\\nOther practical examples include The Merry-Go-Round, which engages isolated seniors in community activities through song and dance, and the Men\\u2019s Group 55+, which provides a space for older men to reflect on aging and life transitions. Voluntary Companions for Elderly People and programmes supporting seniors\\u2019 mental health and digital skills, such as those facilitated by young volunteers, further strengthen social bonds. Several such initiatives have originated from the VunkiMano hackathon, which aims to support social innovation initiatives.\\n\\n\\n\\nDigital platforms and innovation programmes also play an important role. CommuniCare connects volunteers with seniors in nursing homes to reduce communication gaps, while Seniorship mediates internship programmes for older adults, creating opportunities to retrain and re-enter the labor market. Many of these initiatives are nurtured through NULA social incubator, which supports smart, effective, and innovative solutions to societal challenges.\\n\\n\\n\\nTogether, these projects demonstrate Estonia\\u2019s holistic approach to intergenerational integration, combining capacity-building, community engagement, and social innovation to deliver measurable results and long-term impact.\\n\\n\\n\\nBroader Insights from the Congress\\n\\n\\n\\nIn addition to the panel on intergenerational culture, Evelyn Valtin attended several other discussions addressing key societal challenges:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nSmall Homelands, Great Potential \\u2013 Rural Areas and Small Towns in the 21st Century\\n\\n\\n\\nIs Social Activism Born in Local Government?\\n\\n\\n\\nLocal Security in the Face of Global Challenges: The Power of Social Responsibility in NGOs\\n\\n\\n\\nComparing Integration Models Across Countries \\u2013 What Works Locally and Can Be Transferred\\n\\n\\n\\nCooperation Between Central Government and NGOs in Ensuring State Security\\n\\n\\n\\nYoung People and Local Governments: How to Build the Future Together\\n\\n\\n\\nWomen in Local Government and Politics\\n\\n\\n\\nNurseries, Schools, and Public Kindergartens \\u2013 A Necessity That Poses a Challenge\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThese discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and active community engagement in shaping inclusive and sustainable local policies.\\n\\n\\n\\nMore info:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nEvelyn ValtinManagement of the Social Innovation Component under the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme measure \\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d5133 656Evelyn.Valtin@kysk.ee&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Mar 17, 2026&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 09:32:05&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-19 17:57:45&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-19 15:57:45&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:5,&quot;sec&quot;:19},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43366,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/invitation-to-participate-a-two-day-study-trip-exploring-the-paths-of-social-innovation\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;invitation-to-participate-a-two-day-study-trip-exploring-the-paths-of-social-innovation&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/oppereis-1.png&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Invitation to Participate \\u2013 a Two-Day Study Trip Exploring the Paths of Social Innovation&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;How do real changes in communities come about? What happens when people from different sectors \\u2013 civil society organisations, businesses, and local governments \\u2013 sit down at the same table and start thinking together, genuinely and purposefully? And what does social innovation look like when it is no longer just a concept on paper, but a living part of people\\u2019s everyday lives?\\n\\n\\n\\nThese questions will be explored for the second time during the Social Innovation Study Trip, which this year will take place on&nbsp;24\\u201325 March&nbsp;and lead us to&nbsp;Ida-Viru County. Over two days, we will meet people who have created solutions that inspire and reinforce belief in the power of collaboration.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhy take part?\\n\\n\\n\\nIn Estonia, we talk a lot about cooperation and social innovation. We know they are necessary, yet too often they remain abstract ideas. In Ida-Viru County, we will experience them up close \\u2013 see with our own eyes how ideas are turned into reality and how people have created initiatives that benefit entire communities.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study trip is designed for everyone who wants to broaden their horizons, gain new ideas, and find cooperation partners \\u2013 whether you are a consultant in the civil society sector, a local government development specialist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in collaboration and community development. Over the course of two days, you will experience:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nReal-life examples of social innovation initiated by local people.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe power of cooperation, bringing together civil society organisations, businesses, and municipalities around one table.\\n\\n\\n\\nInspiration and contacts that you can immediately apply in your own work or community.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat have previous participants said?\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study trip broadened my horizons and developed my thinking about how to plan and implement initiatives. It reinforced the understanding that when something seems impossible, the real task is simply to figure out how it can be done.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAn excellent opportunity to broaden your horizons and meet enthusiasts in the field. It gave me faith and motivation to keep going. Social entrepreneurship gives space to breathe.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nRecognition is often forgotten and becomes taken for granted, which leads to burnout among community leaders. This study trip motivates, supports, and reflects back to you \\u2013 showing how inspiring, dedicated, caring, and hardworking you are, and how important you are to your community.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Social Innovation Study Trip was a truly human opportunity to step out of everyday routines and experience two days of inspiring meetings and visits with positive and inspiring people.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat lies ahead?\\n\\n\\n\\nOver two days, we will travel together by bus from Rakvere through communities in Eastern Estonia. We will visit initiatives born from cross-sector collaboration \\u2013 youth-led initiatives, partnerships between businesses and local organisations, and joint community ventures. The study trip will conclude back in Rakvere. Transportation costs to Rakvere are the responsibility of each participant.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe full programme will be announced later, as part of the experience lies in discovery. What we can promise, however, is that the meetings will introduce you to people whose stories have already inspired many others. The themes covered will include education, animal welfare, creativity, the future, tourism, internal security, projects, and much more.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn the evening, we will gather for a joint reflection session to make sense of what we have seen and heard. These discussions form the true value of the study trip \\u2013 when experiences begin to connect with your own work and the challenges faced by your community.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nApply for the study trip today!\\n\\n\\n\\nThe aim of the study trip is to bring together a diverse group of participants \\u2013 people with different experiences, professional backgrounds, and perspectives who can learn from one another. Participation is therefore based on an application process, and&nbsp;up to 25 participants&nbsp;will be selected. Priority will be given to those who have not previously taken part in a study trip, but the opportunity is open to everyone.The application deadline is 22 February.\\n\\n\\n\\nApply herehttps:\\\/\\\/docs.google.com\\\/forms\\\/d\\\/e\\\/1FAIpQLSeb4jOfYp0Fe-KUI17Z1pE1ATCVToAg8LtCBuz49TAu9Pnlzg\\\/viewform?embedded=true\\n\\n\\n\\nFurther information:Elmo Puidet \\u2013&nbsp;Elmo.puidet@kysk.ee&nbsp;| +372 506 3306\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study trip is organised by the&nbsp;National Foundation of Civil Society. It is part of the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme&nbsp;\\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d, which focuses on strengthening civil society through the promotion of social innovation.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Mar 17, 2026&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 08:04:35&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 10:04:36&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 08:04:36&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:3,&quot;sec&quot;:26},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43357,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/evelyn-valtin-it-all-starts-with-caring\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;evelyn-valtin-it-all-starts-with-caring&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/485888402_10161386487196542_8536390644813264406_n-1.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Evelyn Valtin: \\u201cIt All Starts with Caring\\u201d&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Get to know a person for whom creating social impact starts with personal values and a balanced way of life. Evelyn Valtin, Project Manager for social innovation activities under the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme measure&nbsp;\\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d, shares her thoughts and experiences in a Q\\\\&amp;A format \\u2013 from animal welfare and sustainable living to international projects.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nEvelyn was recognised with a letter of appreciation at the Ministry of the Interior\\u2019s ceremony dedicated to the 106th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. Photo by Rasmus Kooskora.\\n\\n\\n\\nSocial innovation practitioners at Impact Day.\\n\\n\\n\\nEvelyn in her home garden flower bed, with a nearly 100-year-old preserved house in the background.\\n\\n\\n\\nEvelyn with her cat Katya, who was rescued from a so-called cat breeding facility that was shut down in Estonia.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe International Animal Welfare Conference held in 2024\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nHow would you describe yourself most accurately?\\n\\n\\n\\nI am active, with a positive and optimistic attitude to life, oriented towards solutions and cooperation. I\\u2019m interested in various life topics. I consider it important to contribute my time to activities that are in line with my values \\u200b\\u200band also by doing what I feel is creating positive impact in the society. For me, physical, mental and spiritual well-being and a balanced lifestyle is important, where in addition to work and volunteering, I have enough time for rest, fun and relaxing activities. I value empathy, the appreciation and interconnectedness of all living beings, including our planet as a whole.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat task have you started to fulfill at NFCS and what question can be addressed to you (in the sense that not your colleagues but rather from outside the organisation \\u2013 we all communicate, after all)?\\n\\n\\n\\nI started working at NFSC on January 1, 2017 as the Estonian coordinator of the Europe for Citizens Programme\\u2019s Contact Point and as the coordinator of Estonian international cooperation call.\\n\\n\\n\\nSince the spring of 2021, my main focus area at NFCS has been social innovation, including the launch of a social innovation competence centre together with a network. Also, finding additional funds for thematic activities by preparing one international project with several partners and another national project launched with several ministries, etc., for which I was recognized with a letter of appreciation at the ceremony dedicated to the 106th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia by the Ministry of the Interior in 2024.\\n\\n\\n\\nSince the summer of 2024, I have been working at NFCS as the project manager of social innovation activities of the Swiss-Estonian cooperation programme of the Social Innovation Competence Centre, keeping the focus on organising and implementing project activities, contributing to international cooperation, several working groups, supporting the network and the sustainability of the field.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn the meantime, I have also contributed to the coordination and support of CSO consultants of the county development centers\\u2019 and the organising activities under the Estonian Diversity Charter and Respecting Differences label.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat is your previous contact with civil society, have you been a member of an CSO or community yourself, etc.?\\n\\n\\n\\nMy first contacts and voluntary assistance date back to the 1990s, when I helped homeless cats and dogs with my family, some of whom also found temporary homes and later found new homes.\\n\\n\\n\\nI have been actively involved in civil society since 2004, when I joined the international student organization AIESEC, where I volunteered&nbsp; for 4 years, including leading the all-Estonian student awareness-raising study series \\u201cKlapid eest!\\u201d (meaning open your eyes) and also contributing to the team supporting the organisation\\u2019s national board with IT developments.\\n\\n\\n\\nSince 2006, I have been active in the Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals, which I led for seven years from 2007 on the board and as CEO from 2008-2013, contributing in many ways, from involving volunteers, organising events, offering foster home to animals and h\\u00e4ving meetings with Estonian members of European Parliament in Brussels. I contributed to the ban on fur farms and the use of wild animals in circuses in Estonia. I still contribute as a volunteer in the organisation, and for the last six years, I have been organising and moderating an international animal welfare conference in Estonia with my team. I\\u2019m giving lectures at general education schools on animal protection, and advising on coping with the grief of the death of a pet. In addition to the Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals, I am also a member of the Estonian Green Movement and the Estonian Vegan Society and have also contributed to the activities of these organisations. In the meantime, I also contribute to other activities, for example, I am currently a mentor in The Integration Foundation\\u2019s Language Friend Program and this year\\u2019s Teeme \\u00e4ra! I am a dream leader during the cleaning campaign, doing some dream collection circles.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat do you do in your free time?\\n\\n\\n\\nBeing in nature is important to me, and in my free time I go out in nature or, depending on the season, do gardening. I like to experience nature and all its living beings, admire it and be amazed by how diverse and valuable it is. I have been photographing nature for a couple of decades, so a camera or mobile phone is often my good companion.\\n\\n\\n\\nFor almost a decade, I have dedicated a part of my free time to do research on my family and heritage. It has been an exciting journey, going through old church books and other archival documents, visiting ancestral homes and trails, and listening to and recording stories about life from my grandmother, relatives and other people. I feel like it has given me a greater sense of connection, peace of mind, well-being and understanding. There have been many awesome adventures and meetings on this journey, and there are still discoveries to be made.\\n\\n\\n\\nGood and close relationships are important to me, so I dedicate some of my free time to my son, family and friends, both with fun activities and deeper conversations. I am fascinated by how people and the world work, how we develop and how the connections are being formed. I read, listen and watch media sources on psychology with excitement, support people close to me when necessary and possible, and provide peer support method and circles. Important books that I think should be on everyone\\u2019s reading list at least once are, for example, Lindsay C. Gibson\\u2019s \\u201cThe Legacy of Emotionally Immature Parents\\u201d, Marshall B. Rosenberg\\u2019s \\u201cNonviolent Communication\\u201d.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat do you wish for Estonian civil society, civil society, communities, what is your heartfelt desire?\\n\\n\\n\\nMy wish is that there would be more understanding, goodwill and consideration for each other in the entire society in general, and finding solutions by involving different parties. Bringing greater attention to the value that is in nature and people, in joint activities and presence. I wish that civil society, civil society organisation and communities would also have more cooperation, consideration of the connection between different topics and valuing everyone\\u2019s contribution by seeing the bigger picture. It is also important to take care of yourself and take time for yourself, your family and others, to maintain a good wellbeing and prevent burnout. I would like more financial resources to have on the field, as well as external involvement and noticing how important the so-called resource and competence are in it.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat is social innovation for you? Which initiative do you particularly like?\\n\\n\\n\\nFor me, social innovation is finding solutions to social problems by doing it together in dialogues with different parties and in an innovative way, as a result of which the problem is solved better than with the methods used so far.\\n\\n\\n\\nWorld Cleanup Day is a very important socially innovative initiative for me. Every day, you can pick up trash yourself, whether on the street or in nature, and in this way do something for people, animals and other living beings. On World Cleanup Day, you can come together with millions of people around the world, join forces to create change and bring even greater attention to the problem of garbage and overconsumption and its solutions. Over the past 7 years, 114,000,000 people from 211 countries around the world have cleaned up as part of World Cleanup Day, which is about 1.4% of the planet\\u2019s population.\\n\\n\\n\\nWorld Cleanup Day was first held in 2018, growing out of the nationwide Teeme \\u00c4ra cleanup day. In 2024, World Cleanup Day was added to the UN\\u2019s calendar of international days and weeks, taking place every year on September 20. The first major garbage cleanup in Estonia took place in 2008, the following year a nationwide brainstorming session was organized, and since 2010, the Let\\u2019s Do It Day has been held on the first Saturday of May, bringing residents\\u2019 involvement in other ways and topics in addition to cleaning.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Mar 17, 2026&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 07:59:39&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 09:59:39&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 07:59:39&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:7,&quot;sec&quot;:17},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43379,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/the-swiss-estonian-cooperation-programme-brings-exciting-hackathons-and-new-opportunities-to-explore-social-innovation-in-2026\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;the-swiss-estonian-cooperation-programme-brings-exciting-hackathons-and-new-opportunities-to-explore-social-innovation-in-2026&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/DSC00686-scaled.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;The Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme Brings Exciting Hackathons and New Opportunities to Explore Social Innovation in 2026&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Have you ever wondered how to solve major challenges in your community \\u2014 for example, how to help newcomers integrate more smoothly or how to make environments more accessible for everyone? The year 2026 is dedicated to exactly these kinds of smart solutions, known as social innovation.\\n\\n\\n\\nFor the team behind the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme activity \\u201cStrengthening Civil Society through the Promotion of Social Innovation,\\u201d 2026 will be an exceptionally active year. While 2025 was largely a preparation phase \\u2014 setting plans and developing the necessary documentation \\u2014 2026 is the time to bring these ideas to life.\\n\\n\\n\\nHackathons and incubators: from idea to real solution\\n\\n\\n\\nThe first social innovation hackathon will take place at the very beginning of the year. It is an intensive team-based format where, with the support of mentors, participants develop new and impactful solutions to societal challenges. This will be followed by an incubation programme running until the end of the year, helping the best ideas evolve into fully functioning solutions.\\n\\n\\n\\nAt the start of the year, K\\u00dcSK will also launch a public procurement to find a partner to provide advisory services focused on developing products and services with social impact.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn addition, K\\u00dcSK opened a public call in early January to design and deliver two training programmes. These programmes are primarily aimed at NGO and entrepreneurship consultants working in County Development Centres, with the goal of strengthening their capacity to apply and share knowledge on social innovation in their daily advisory work.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cAll these activities are interconnected, supporting the development of socially impactful ideas at different stages \\u2014 from early concept to implementation. Launching these activities is exciting, but for us the most important task will be to assess results and impact: to understand how and to what extent these activities contribute to achieving social impact, and what we can learn from them. In other words, it will be an exciting year where we can help plant the seeds of impact and already see the first shoots emerging. And of course, we can do all of this thanks to strong cooperation with our partners \\u2014 we are very much looking forward to working together in the coming year,\\u201d said Sandra Paulus, Coordinator of Activities.\\n\\n\\n\\nStudy trips in Estonia and across Europe\\n\\n\\n\\nIn April 2026, a study trip to Switzerland will take place to explore innovative approaches to citizen engagement and to learn about national funding mechanisms. In the third quarter, another study visit within Europe will be organised, bringing together experts from the public, NGO, and business sectors. At the end of the year, a workshop in Estonia will share Nordic experiences in supporting the integration of newcomers.\\n\\n\\n\\nOpportunities to learn are also available within Estonia: two study visits to different regions will take place during the year, offering insight into inspiring local initiatives. In addition, various networking events will be organised both online and in person.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cThe first study visit will take place at the end of March in Ida-Virumaa \\u2014 incredible work is being done there across many different fields. So be ready if you didn\\u2019t get a spot on the first trip. And our social innovation network events are already starting in January \\u2014 there is room for everyone interested. We will share inspiring content and also help participants exchange knowledge among themselves,\\u201d commented Elmo Puidet, Coordinator of Activities.\\n\\n\\n\\nSocial innovation on your screen and in your headphones\\n\\n\\n\\nTo ensure the topic reaches a wide audience, significant effort will be put into content creation in 2026. In the first half of the year, a public procurement will be announced for the production of a television series, and six full-length podcast episodes will be recorded throughout the year. In addition, short videos and behind-the-scenes insights into social innovation will be shared across various social media channels.\\n\\n\\n\\nPractical materials for developing ideas\\n\\n\\n\\nTo ensure that social innovation does not remain just a buzzword, several practical resources will be developed in 2026, offering both inspiration and concrete tools for idea development. Within the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme, the following materials will be created: an e-learning programme on social innovation and social entrepreneurship, a database of best practices, and a handbook.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cAs part of this activity, we also consider both national and international cooperation essential \\u2014 to stay up to date with developments in the field, to take into account what is happening within networks when implementing programme activities, and to ensure that we ourselves remain visible so that our activities, events, and materials reach users in the most effective way,\\u201d commented the project manager for social innovation activities under the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme measure \\u201cSocial Inclusion Support.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nAll activities are coordinated by the National Foundation of Civil Society.The programme is co-financed by Switzerland to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Jan 20, 2026&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-01-20 08:16:56&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 10:18:29&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 08:18:29&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:4,&quot;sec&quot;:0},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43371,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-study-trip-in-south-east-estonia\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;si-study-trip-in-south-east-estonia&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/DSC00803-1-scaled.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;A Bus Full of Ideas: How Social Innovation Really Emerges in South-East Estonia&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;On 28\\u201329 October, a two-day social innovation study trip took place, organised by the National Foundation of Civil Society (K\\u00dcSK). The aim was to bring together leaders from NGOs, municipalities, and businesses to explore functioning community-based solutions and support the exchange of knowledge and experience.&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;On 28\\u201329 October, a two-day social innovation study trip took place, organised by the National Foundation of Civil Society (K\\u00dcSK). The aim was to bring together leaders from NGOs, municipalities, and businesses to explore functioning community-based solutions and support the exchange of knowledge and experience.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nParticipants of the study trip.\\n\\n\\n\\nInspiring messages help spark new ideas. Such a wall can be seen at V\\u00f5ru HUUB, where everyone can also write down their own ideas.\\n\\n\\n\\nkood\\\/V\\u00f5ru is located in a newly renovated building equipped with everything needed to feel comfortable while learning, even though it often does not look like a traditional school.\\n\\n\\n\\nVunki Mano was introduced by Kadri Kangro, Kristi Vals and Mai Timmi.\\n\\n\\n\\nTiit Toots, the only head of a municipal association to receive a presidential decoration, spoke about social innovation initiatives that help improve the region.\\n\\n\\n\\nLisanne Elm, project manager of the South-East Estonia remote work centres, explained how they have built a collaboration network.\\n\\n\\n\\nAccording to Hendrik Noore, head of S\\u00e4nna Inventors\\u2019 Village School, the school originally emerged from a simple need: finding a place for their own children to study. Today, families are moving to the area specifically so their children can attend this school.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe school places strong emphasis on project-based learning and hands-on activities. For example, students have created their own \\u201cmini-world\\u201d where they can observe social processes and collaboratively find solutions to problems.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIt is 11:02. A bus rolls into the parking lot of L\\u00f5unakeskus in Tartu. Through the windows, you can see people in coats and backpacks. They have not come just to admire the autumn colours. They have come to find an answer to one question: how does social innovation emerge?\\n\\n\\n\\nNearly 80 people applied for this study trip \\u2014 on average, three applicants per place. These are not tourists. They are community leaders, entrepreneurs, municipal employees, and youth sector professionals. People who do not just talk about change, but bring it to life.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe bus doors close. The wheels start turning. A journey begins \\u2014 one that will end in the same place two days later. It is a journey along the paths of social innovation in South-East Estonia. The stops have been chosen to showcase real cross-sector collaboration: youth-led initiatives, joint projects between entrepreneurs and municipalities, and solutions driven by communities.\\n\\n\\n\\nV\\u00f5ru HUUB: \\u201cWe are not afraid of change\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nThe first stop is V\\u00f5ru HUUB \\u2014 a joint environment created by the city and the development centre, engaging young people aged 16\\u201330+. This is not a traditional youth centre, but a space where young people lead their own projects and events, test services, and collaborate with local actors. Currently, around 70 young people are active at HUUB, developing their entrepreneurial skills.\\n\\n\\n\\nWe hear how such an environment was created, what its future directions are, how teams produce marketing content for real businesses, explore revenue models, and build communities among both young people and entrepreneurs. The focus is simple: when responsibility and space are in the hands of young people, it creates energy that draws people in and keeps the place alive.\\n\\n\\n\\nkood\\\/V\\u00f5ru: a school that teaches doing, not listening\\n\\n\\n\\nFrom HUUB, we walk to the kood\\\/V\\u00f5ru technology school. This is a South-East Estonian extension of a privately initiated IT education model, run jointly by entrepreneurs and the local municipality. The space resembles a startup rather than a classroom. There is no \\u201cteacher in front, students in rows\\u201d \\u2014 instead, there are projects, teams, and a clear principle: learning happens through doing.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe programme develops coding skills through projects, elective courses for upper secondary schools, and partnerships, with the aim of scalability and regional impact. There is also discussion of cooperation with Harno and a young developer programme. The message of kood\\\/V\\u00f5ru is clear: IT education does not have to be located in the capital, and talent does not have to leave rural areas. While in 2020 the kood school existed only in J\\u00f5hvi, by 2025 there were already three locations in Estonia, along with additional programmes and study opportunities abroad.\\n\\n\\n\\nNavi Village Association &amp; Vunki Mano: \\u201cPeople are walking treasures\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nAfter lunch, the bus stops in front of the Navi village community house. From the outside, the modest building does not reveal what lies within: a community that has built its own identity and rhythm. The association was founded on 14 March 2000. The village has 216 residents, 47 of whom are members of the association. It has a five-member board, and the community house was completed in 2010.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe house hosts childcare services, a men\\u2019s club, a senior university, a history group, community gatherings, and traditional village events. It is not just a building \\u2014 it is infrastructure for sustaining community life.\\n\\n\\n\\nCommunity leader Mai Timmi presents a slide describing the village\\u2019s identity: a learning village, a caring village, an open village, a cohesive village, a sporty village, and a safe village. Navi does not operate project by project \\u2014 it operates on principles. The village does not ask for permission; it finds a way. Yet a paradox remains: \\u201cpeople want to belong, but not necessarily to contribute.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cThe most important thing is that the house is never empty,\\u201d says Timmi, noting that the building itself was created through local initiative. At peak times, more than 100 people pass through the house in a single day.\\n\\n\\n\\nWe also hear about what Vunki Mano really is. It is not an event where people simply write down ideas. It is a co-creation format that takes the region\\u2019s biggest challenges and places them into joint development by community members, entrepreneurs, officials, and experts. This year marked its ninth edition. According to the organisers, creating the right atmosphere is crucial for new solutions to grow and develop.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe organisers have continuously refined the concept, experimenting with three-day formats as well as remote participation. Importantly, teams do not need to consist solely of experts in the problem area.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cPeople are walking treasures \\u2014 when they reach the right environment, ideas begin to grow,\\u201d says Kadri Kangro, one of the initiators of Vunki Mano.\\n\\n\\n\\nV\\u00f5ru County Development Centre: municipalities can support innovation\\n\\n\\n\\nThe second day begins calmly and reflectively. Over coffee, Tiit Toots, head of the V\\u00f5ru County Development Centre, speaks about how municipalities can act as catalysts of social innovation \\u2014 not merely as funders or decision-makers, but as enablers. He emphasises that change happens where municipalities create space and trust, not control.\\n\\n\\n\\nHe shares concrete examples of the development centre\\u2019s work: a one-stop-shop service for apartment building renovations, helping residents navigate the entire process; an entrepreneurship incubator that supports initiatives with space, mentoring, and incubation programmes; and mental health support for young people and families through training programmes, e-courses, and a county-wide partnership network. Efforts are also made to maintain the visibility of local language and culture in educational institutions.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cThe role of a municipality is not to do everything itself,\\u201d Tiit concludes, \\u201cbut to create the conditions for solutions to emerge.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nKupland \\u2013 when a region functions as a platform\\n\\n\\n\\nAfter hearing from the development centre, we learn about Kupland \\u2014 a network of remote workspaces and community initiatives in South Estonia. While remote work is often seen as isolated office spaces, Kupland is much more. It is a shared regional agreement that work, entrepreneurship, and community life do not have to take place in cities.\\n\\n\\n\\nKupland brings together spaces, communities, and people \\u2014 not to standardise activities, but to ensure that no one has to do everything alone. It does not build new infrastructure, but creates value from what already exists: if one space has equipment, another has contacts, and a third has people, collaboration emerges. Kupland shows that innovation is not always about building something new \\u2014 often it is about using existing resources wisely and believing that even small places have a role to play.\\n\\n\\n\\nS\\u00e4nna Inventors\\u2019 Village School \\u2013 a school that chose to be different\\n\\n\\n\\nS\\u00e4nna Inventors\\u2019 Village School is a vivid example of educational innovation \\u2014 a school where learning is not limited by time or space, but guided by the children themselves. There are two classes and about 50 students in total, with roughly half present at any given time. Children move freely between spaces and choose what to work on, while the teacher\\u2019s role is not to assign tasks, but to create the conditions for learning to happen.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cWe don\\u2019t raise students,\\u201d one teacher says, \\u201cwe raise people.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nLearning takes place in a manor house, park, forest, and the wider community. To study the solar system, students go outside and map it on the ground. To understand how democracy works, they hold general assemblies where children have both voice and responsibility.\\n\\n\\n\\nInspiration that lasts\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cIt was powerful to see social innovation not on slides, but in real life. We saw initiatives driven by young people, sustained by village associations, built through entrepreneurial collaboration, and supported by municipalities. These examples show that when people are given space and trust, ideas begin to grow,\\u201d said Elmo Puidet, organiser of the study trip from the National Foundation of Civil Society.\\n\\n\\n\\nAccording to him, the study trip format itself creates impact:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cWhen we travel as a group, share experiences, and reflect on what we see, each new insight is multiplied. Inspiration turns into decisions, and ideas turn into action.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nHe added that the success of South-East Estonia is no coincidence:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cThis is fertile ground for social innovation \\u2014 from Vunki Mano co-creation events to open collaboration and municipalities willing to experiment. It is the result of years of systematic work.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cIt was exciting to see, on a very practical level, what is being done in communities. What resonated with me most was how social innovation was used to engage young people \\u2014 especially those aged 16+, a group often overlooked in community work. Many young people leave because there is nothing for them to do locally. Here, there was a clear answer.\\u201d\\u2014 Tiina S\\u00fcnter, education and culture specialist\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cSocial innovation and support opportunities are much more accessible than I had thought. I\\u2019m taking home inspiration above all \\u2014 and the confidence that you can start with small steps.\\u201d\\u2014 Anastasia Pjatakova, master\\u2019s student in social entrepreneurship and founder of a social startup\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cSo many proactive people, all taking action \\u2014 from different places and with very different backgrounds. I\\u2019m taking with me a wealth of emotions, motivation, and many ideas to implement at the community level. My willingness to act has grown.\\u201d\\u2014 Berit Soosaar\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s impressive what kind of people are active in Estonia \\u2014 and the strength with which they bring their ideas to life. There is much the state could learn from small communities, especially in how problems are solved and how collaboration works.\\u201d\\u2014 Triin Soo\\u00e4\\u00e4r, youth sector coordinator\\n\\n\\n\\nThis is the first study trip of its kind this year, but based on the level of interest and feedback, it is clear that such opportunities are highly valued. In 2026, K\\u00dcSK plans to organise two more study trips to give even more active people the chance to participate.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe study trip was organised by the National Foundation of Civil Society.It is part of the Swiss\\u2013Estonian Cooperation Programme \\u201cSocial Inclusion Support,\\u201d aimed at strengthening civil society through the promotion of social innovation.The programme is co-financed by Switzerland to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Oct 31, 2025&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2025-10-31 08:11:00&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 10:13:14&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 08:13:14&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;, &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/uudised\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Uudised&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:9,&quot;sec&quot;:27},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:36507,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/meet-elmo-puidet-one-of-the-driving-forces-behind-social-innovation-at-nfcs\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;meet-elmo-puidet-one-of-the-driving-forces-behind-social-innovation-at-nfcs&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/elmo2-2020-sygis.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Meet Elmo Puidet \\u2013 One of the Driving Forces Behind Social Innovation at NFCS&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Residents of Viljandi visiting their twin town Str\\u0103\\u0219eni, Moldova in 2019K\\u00fcsi ChatGPT vestlusrobotilt\\n\\n\\n\\nElmo is a highly valued trainer. In this photo, his trainees are leaders of NGOs representing national minorities living in Estonia.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nElmo Puidet is an active and curious thinker whose mission is to help spread social innovation as a mindset \\u2013 not only within Estonia\\u2019s civil society and social enterprises but also in the public sector and beyond.\\n\\n\\n\\nElmo believes that a society can truly grow and evolve only when active individuals and organisations have access to support, knowledge, and opportunities for collaboration. For the past few months, he has been working at the National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS) as the coordinator for social innovation sub-activities under the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme. Previously, Elmo led the Viljandimaa Development Centre and has been involved with several NGOs. But who is Elmo as a person, and what does he actually do in his new role?\\n\\n\\n\\nLet\\u2019s get to know him better!\\n\\n\\n\\nTo start off, how would you describe yourself?\\n\\n\\n\\nA curious observer and supporter \\ud83d\\ude0a. I\\u2019m probably not the kind of person who rushes in to help at the first sign of trouble \\u2013 life has taught me that help should go to those who ask for it. But when I do decide to support someone or something, I give it my all. My mission is to make life easier and better for Estonia\\u2019s enterprising people. This includes NGOs and communities too, because they\\u2019re very much part of an entrepreneurial society.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat exactly is your role at NFCS? And what kind of questions can people bring to you?\\n\\n\\n\\nMy role at NFCS is to coordinate the activities of the social innovation project. Anyone who wants to develop their knowledge in this field, gain new perspectives, or apply existing know-how is welcome to reach out. Since I have many years of experience as a trainer, I\\u2019m also planning to create some mini-training programmes and presentations on relevant topics in the near future.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nYou\\u2019ve been active in civil society yourself. Have you been part of any NGOs? Are you still involved?\\n\\n\\n\\nYes, I\\u2019ve been a long-time member of one of Estonia\\u2019s largest NGOs \\u2013 JCI Estonia (Junior Chamber International) \\u2013 and served as its president back in 2005. I still get involved from time to time as a mentor, trainer, or just someone to brainstorm with. For a while, I also sang in a choir.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd when the workday ends, do you still sing in the choir?\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat\\u2019s free time? \\ud83d\\ude0a Right now, my most important role is being a proud new grandfather! I\\u2019m also an avid reader, with a special love for science fiction. And I enjoy travelling \\u2013 especially to places with \\u201cold stones\\u201d where I can soak up history and architecture.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat are your wishes for the third sector?\\n\\n\\n\\nI hope NGOs, communities, and civil society organisations will boldly grow their activities and ideas, generate their own income, collaborate widely, and bring joy to themselves and their wider communities.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIf you would like to get in touch with Elmo, here are his contacts:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\ud83d\\udce7 elmo.puidet@kysk.ee\\ud83d\\udcde +372 506 3306\\n\\n\\n\\nArticle by Priit P\\u00f5iklik.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Jul 18, 2025&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2025-07-18 06:50:50&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-16 16:32:58&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-16 14:32:58&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:2,&quot;sec&quot;:37},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43362,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/maris_praats\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;maris_praats&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/DSC00076-2-scaled.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;New colleague Maris Praats \\u2013 our jack-of-all-trades and a slightly daring optimist&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;One of Maris\\u2019s hobbies is organising events, which often takes her to unique and fascinating places. In the photo: Maris coordinating the JCI Baltic Conference. Photo by V\\u00e4ino Pool\\n\\n\\n\\nBella the dog is both a stress reliever and, at times, a source of stress. Photo by Miilugraaf.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nChallenges are what help us grow. Maris often pushes herself by taking on public speaking engagements. Photo by V\\u00e4ino Pool\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhen Maris joined the NFCS team a few months ago, she brought with her more than just professional skills and expertise \\u2013 she brought warmth, energy, and a genuine curiosity about everything and everyone. When something needs to get done, she organises, connects, and gets the wheels turning \\u2013 that\\u2019s our Maris!\\n\\n\\n\\nMaris doesn\\u2019t shy away from new challenges; she faces them boldly and has a gift for making even complex topics understandable and engaging. She\\u2019s the kind of person you can always count on \\u2013 whether it\\u2019s keeping a work promise or offering a kind word of support. But who is Maris, really? And what are her thoughts on civil society and life in general? Let\\u2019s find out!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWelcome, Maris Praats! How would you describe yourself?\\n\\n\\n\\nI like to call myself a social landscape chameleon, a Jack-of-all-Trades, and a slightly daring optimist who believes even the craziest ideas can be brought to life. When something sparks my passion, I go all in \\u2013 I don\\u2019t know how to do things halfway!\\n\\n\\n\\nYou\\u2019ll find me moving between different fields \\u2013 from communications to internal security and youth work. But you might also catch me hiking in the mountains, tackling an obstacle course, or reflecting on how to make the world a better place while sitting in a sauna. I\\u2019m not the type to sit quietly and wait for things to happen \\u2013 if needed, I\\u2019ll organise, connect, create, and get things moving. I believe no challenge is too big; the important thing is to start!\\n\\n\\n\\nWhen things feel difficult, I take the first step, then the second \\u2013 and soon what seemed impossible becomes reality. I enjoy testing my limits and trying new things \\u2013 whether it\\u2019s taking on an unexpected project, speaking in front of a large audience, or trying a completely new sport that demands both courage and persistence.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat is your role at NFCS, and what kind of questions can people bring to you?\\n\\n\\n\\nAt NFCS, I work as a Communications Specialist, focusing on communicating the social innovation project under the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme. My job is to make complex topics understandable for people, highlight important stories, and help the project reach its target audiences effectively.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat has been your experience with civil society so far?\\n\\n\\n\\nFor me, civil society is both a profession and a way of life. I\\u2019ve been actively involved in youth organisations since middle school and have served as both a volunteer and a leader in various initiatives. Currently, I\\u2019m active in JCI and serve as a volunteer assistant police officer, while also contributing to several smaller and larger projects.\\n\\n\\n\\nI\\u2019m also studying Community Development and Social Wellbeing at the University of Tartu, which gives me a deeper understanding of how civil society works and how different initiatives and organisations can come together to create positive change.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat do you enjoy doing in your free time?\\n\\n\\n\\nI enjoy an active lifestyle and sports, especially public sports events and extreme challenges that push both my body and mind. I\\u2019m also a passionate learner who believes in lifelong development. And yes \\u2013 I\\u2019m quite the organiser: my email inbox is usually so well sorted that you\\u2019ll rarely see more than ten emails on the front page.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhen I\\u2019m not working or chasing new knowledge, you\\u2019ll likely find me in nature \\u2013 hiking, walking in bogs, or just breathing in the fresh air and gathering my thoughts. The forest, sea, and mountains are my recharge zones, where I can slow down, make space for new ideas, and clarify my goals. Often, I\\u2019m accompanied by my four-legged friend, who teaches me the art of living in the moment.\\n\\n\\n\\nI also love travelling and seeking out new experiences. I\\u2019ve participated in youth exchange programmes and simply explored new and fascinating places. Volunteering is another key part of my life \\u2013 I truly believe everyone can contribute to building a better society.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat is your heartfelt wish for Estonia\\u2019s civil society, NGOs, and communities?\\n\\n\\n\\nI wish for Estonian civil society to become more confident, bold, and visible! We have an incredible wealth of ideas and doers, but too often these remain within small circles and don\\u2019t reach a wider audience. I believe collaboration, courage, and telling our stories are key to truly changing the world.\\n\\n\\n\\nI hope more people will realise the power of civic activism and feel that their contribution matters. That they\\u2019ll find their community, feel a sense of belonging, and know their input is valuable. Civil society should be a space where everyone can bring their ideas to life, share knowledge, and create something meaningful together.\\n\\n\\n\\nInterview by Priit P\\u00f5iklik.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Mar 17, 2025&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2025-03-17 08:02:00&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 10:13:43&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 08:13:43&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:4,&quot;sec&quot;:12},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:43359,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/sandra-paulus\\\/&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;sandra-paulus&quot;,&quot;thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/IMG-20241016-WA00011.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sandra Paulus \\u2013 a curious creative spirit who seeks meaning and creates opportunities&quot;,&quot;excerpt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Meet the Next Member of Our Team \\u2013 Sandra Paulus, who works within the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme measure&nbsp;\\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d, where she coordinates social innovation sub-activities.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIn the photo: Sandra with Morris, who eventually found a loving forever home.\\n\\n\\n\\nFood Bank Distribution Day in Viljandi\\n\\n\\n\\nImpact Day 2024\\n\\n\\n\\nOpening Event of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme in Narva\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nHow would you describe yourself in the most accurate way?\\n\\n\\n\\nI\\u2019d say I\\u2019m fairly balanced by nature \\u2013 friendly, empathetic, open, determined, and a little headstrong. Someone once described me as \\u201ca bit like a cat who walks alone.\\u201d Whether they meant it in a good way or not, I actually agree. I\\u2019ve always been drawn to twists and turns over straight roads \\u2013 I crave variety and a dynamic environment.\\n\\n\\n\\nI enjoy reflection, analysis, exploring new ideas, and initiating new activities. That\\u2019s probably why I rarely stay in one \\u201cbox\\u201d for long. My path has taken me from furniture restoration to social sciences, and I have a constant need to move forward, to develop, and to seek out those spaces where I can create added value.\\n\\n\\n\\nAt the same time, I love slowing down and have come to realise that I actually&nbsp;need&nbsp;it. I\\u2019ve been practicing \\u2013 and have gotten pretty good \\u2013 at unplugging for a day and allowing myself to simply rest for the joy of it.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat is your role at NFCS, and what kinds of questions can people bring to you?\\n\\n\\n\\nI joined NFCS in 2020 as the coordinator for international competitions, supporting NGOs in building their capacity to operate internationally. I had just returned to Estonia and this was my first deep dive into Estonian civil society. I\\u2019m extremely grateful for the opportunity \\u2013 I learned and grew rapidly and gained a diverse perspective on how much meaningful impact NGOs actually create.\\n\\n\\n\\nToday, I\\u2019m part of an inspiring and motivated team with the privilege to contribute to an environment that fosters sustainability, impact, and innovative solutions to complex societal challenges. Anyone is welcome to reach out to me with questions, thoughts, or ideas related to social innovation.\\n\\n\\n\\nSocial innovation is a topic close to my heart because it allows us to analyse our environment and approaches and find ways to act more effectively. This, in turn, creates an opportunity to generate greater value in society.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe project I help coordinate and implement is part of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme&nbsp;\\u201cSupporting Social Inclusion\\u201d. The measure&nbsp;\\u201cStrengthening Civil Society through Advancing Social Innovation\\u201d&nbsp;aims to empower stakeholders tackling societal challenges by raising awareness and helping them explore how social innovation can lead to impactful solutions.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat has been your experience with civil society so far?\\n\\n\\n\\nThroughout my life, both in Estonia and abroad, I\\u2019ve contributed here and there in different ways. My first bigger encounter with civil society was over ten years ago when I started fostering cats, which opened my eyes to the challenges of animal welfare. Since then, I\\u2019ve provided foster care in Estonia, the Netherlands, India, and Australia \\u2013 to many cats and even two lovely dogs.\\n\\n\\n\\nOne of my most emotionally inspiring experiences with civil society was in the Netherlands years ago. I was active in two organisations \\u2013&nbsp;De Mensenbieb&nbsp;(\\u201cThe Human Library\\u201d), where I helped organise community dialogue days, photographed, and wrote articles; and at the community centre&nbsp;De Kaskantine, where we hosted book evenings, bike repair workshops, and worked in a community garden. I think that\\u2019s where I first truly realised that I wanted to dedicate my knowledge, skills, and time to civil society.\\n\\n\\n\\nToday, I\\u2019m more active as a member of the NGO Effective Altruism Estonia, which explores how to do good better. I garden at Pelguaed, am a regular blood donor, a recurring donor to a few organisations, and a member of the Women\\u2019s Voluntary Defence Organisation.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat do you do in your free time?\\n\\n\\n\\nI keep active \\u2013 going to the gym and running, and I spend a lot of time outdoors. Occasionally you might find me with Eerik Kumari\\u2019s&nbsp;Field Guide to Estonian Birds&nbsp;and binoculars, birdwatching. My favourite times of the year are summer bike trips and the Haapsalu Blues Festival.\\n\\n\\n\\nFor bursts of creativity, I have a set of watercolours and a guitar at home. Though in recent years I haven\\u2019t had much time for them, they\\u2019re patiently waiting their turn. I also love reading \\u2013 this year the&nbsp;Loomingu Raamatukogu&nbsp;series has been a wonderful addition to my bookshelf. I enjoy going to the cinema and have particularly loved the unprecedented variety and quality of Estonian films this year. And yes, I also enjoy cooking.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat is your heartfelt wish for Estonian civil society, NGOs, and communities?\\n\\n\\n\\nMy heartfelt wish is that we learn to preserve all that we have built so far \\u2013 it\\u2019s of tremendous value and never to be taken for granted. I also hope we take the time to be open, curious, and collaborative in finding creative and impactful solutions to the challenges that affect each of us and those close to us every day.\\n\\n\\n\\nI wish for us to trust ourselves more \\u2013 to believe that within each of us, shaped by our unique life experiences, lies the knowledge and ability to make a meaningful contribution to the world around us.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat does social innovation mean to you? Is there an initiative that particularly resonates with you?\\n\\n\\n\\nFor me, social innovation is a mindset, a set of values, approaches, and methods that help us rethink how we contribute to society \\u2013 whether through non-profit work, entrepreneurship, or public sector roles.\\n\\n\\n\\nIt\\u2019s about analysing what barriers exist today to creating impact and then working to overcome them. The key lies in collaboration across sectors and stakeholders because the systems we live and operate in are complex. Making them more impactful requires diverse experiences, knowledge, skills, and perspectives.\\n\\n\\n\\nThis is also my favourite part of social innovation \\u2013 the collaboration and the insights and opportunities it sparks.\\n\\n\\n\\nThere are many initiatives I admire, but I\\u2019ll highlight one that\\u2019s deeply personal to me. During my master\\u2019s studies at the University of Tartu, I had the chance to contribute to the development of MT\\u00dc T\\u00f6\\u00f6maja\\u2019s activities. Their mission is to support people struggling with addiction in overcoming and managing their challenges and reintegrating into society by offering a range of services.\\n\\n\\n\\nTogether with motivated classmates, we created a service design and social enterprise business plan for T\\u00f6\\u00f6maja. We interviewed service users, collaborated with representatives from the prison system, local governments, and businesses, and organised community engagement events. I experienced first-hand how the input from all these stakeholders dramatically shaped our problem definition and the solutions we proposed. It was powerful to see how new collaboration opportunities emerged and broadened the possibilities for creating impact.\\n\\n\\n\\nA few years later, it\\u2019s inspiring to see how those plans have evolved, adapted to needs, and are now making the very impact we envisioned on paper back then.\\n\\n\\n\\nInterview by Maris Praats.&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Maris Praats&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/author\\\/marisp\\\/&quot;},&quot;date&quot;:&quot;Mar 17, 2025&quot;,&quot;dateGMT&quot;:&quot;2025-03-17 08:01:00&quot;,&quot;modifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 10:13:59&quot;,&quot;modifiedDateGMT&quot;:&quot;2026-03-17 08:13:59&quot;,&quot;commentCount&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;commentStatus&quot;:&quot;closed&quot;,&quot;categories&quot;:{&quot;coma&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;space&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/si-news\\\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;category tag\\&quot;&gt;Social Innovation News&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;taxonomies&quot;:{&quot;translation_priority&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&#039;https:\\\/\\\/kysk.ee\\\/en\\\/?taxonomy=translation_priority&amp;term=optional-en&#039; rel=&#039;translation_priority&#039;&gt;Optional&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;},&quot;readTime&quot;:{&quot;min&quot;:5,&quot;sec&quot;:46},&quot;status&quot;:&quot;publish&quot;}]'\r\n\t\t><\/div>\r\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-el\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43314"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43314"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43314\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43330,"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43314\/revisions\/43330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}