Young people from Avinurme Gymnasium start international entrepreneurship training in Imatra, Finland

The aim of the training program is to support young people in border areas by helping them turn local nature, cultural heritage and traditions into sustainable business ideas. The project will help solve the problems of youth unemployment, limited self-realization opportunities and emigration in North-East Estonia (Peipsi region) and South Karelia in Finland. 

A total of 72 young people will participate in the HeritageHunters&Business training program over three training cycles. In the first training cycle, 12 young people from Estonia, from Avinurme Gymnasium, will participate, studying and working together with Finnish youth in an international and collaborative learning environment. 

The content of the training program is developed and implemented in cooperation with the Viljandi Cultural Academy of the University of Tartu, which is responsible for the methodology, curriculum and mentoring of the entrepreneurship training. The training combines workshops, field trips, nature-based activities and reflection to develop the participants’ entrepreneurial mindset, creativity and practical skills. Kristina Pikas, the head of studies at Avinurme Gymnasium, which is involved in the project, supports the idea: “Our goal is to encourage young people to believe that the nature and heritage of their home can be a strong foundation for creating future jobs and businesses. International cooperation will definitely give them a broader perspective and new ideas.” 

During the opening event in Imatra: Learn about the unique characteristics of Estonian and Finnish nature and cultural heritage and their role in the economy Introduce successful heritage-based businesses Visit local businesses and heritage sites in South Karelia Develop first business ideas through practical workshops and mentoring