Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile is a non-profit, non-governmental youth organization founded in 2005. Our organization is dedicated to fostering the intellectual, creative, and personal development of young people through various initiatives. With a mission to create, experience, and be together, we aim to provide opportunities that empower local communities and contribute to the growth of youth on both local and international levels.
Our organization's primary goals are threefold: creating, experiencing, and being together. We strive to enable local communities to learn, participate, and self-realize (Creating), offer experiences at the local and international levels to promote personal development among young people (Experience), and cultivate an environment where young individuals can develop competencies for the growth of their communities (Being together).
The organization is committed to fulfilling these goals through a range of tasks and programs. These include:
1. Youth Initiatives: We actively develop and promote youth initiatives, fostering favorable conditions for intellectual and creative development.
2. Non-formal Education: Providing young people with opportunities to acquire essential life skills, knowledge, and competencies through non-formal education.
3. Leisure Time Activities: Offering opportunities for young individuals to make good use of their leisure time in meaningful ways.
4. Information Access: Ensuring young people have access to relevant information for their developmental needs.
To address the needs of youth with fewer opportunities, we implement outdoor education and adventure pedagogy through various non-formal education programs. Additionally, our international voluntary work camps program promotes intercultural learning, community development, and peace education.
In low-populated areas, we conduct mobile youth work, providing essential youth services where municipalities may not cover them. Advocacy at the regional level is a crucial aspect of our work, advocating for the quality of youth work and the development of participatory youth policy.
Furthermore, our active involvement in traditional folk and cultural events aims to introduce these aspects to the youth, preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community. DIY workshops are organized to support young people in learning practical skills necessary for life.
While the organization was established in 2005, we have grown to be a values-based youth association with a significant impact on local communities and the personal development of young individuals. Our commitment to creating, experiencing, and being together drives our efforts to empower the youth and contribute to the well-being of the broader community.