Tartu - a Child- and Youth-Friendly City

The Estonian National Committee for UNICEF has decided that the ti-tle"Child Friendly City" will remain in Tartu for another three years, until 201 I.Tartu was first awarded this title in 2004.

This title is not only a sign of winning the competition, but it shows that Tartu has been acknowledged as a city that cares about its little citizens and tries to guarantee they get the best possible childhood. UNICEF has specifically pointed out that Tartu has got a systematic organisation of youth work- the city supports children's active spending of leisure time and youth centres, it has been involving young people in discussions concerning relevant questions. Tartu has organised UNICEF's blue weekand hosted the Club of Child Friendly Cities.

Tartu City Government wants to take the children's and young people's interests and needs into consideration in decision-making processes. The mayor of Tartu, Urmas Kruuse has said that the title awarded by UNICEF is not only a recognition but rather responsibility and obligation. A work group for making the city more childand youth-friendly has been formed in Tartu. This group draws the attention of the City Government to the problems and proposes ideas about improvements needed to make Tartu a good living environment for children and youth. Also, the work group that consists of young citizens and specialists is planning to involve citizens more in the discussion of child and youth friendliness. The big number of young citizens is a peculiarity of Tartu - almost half of the citizens are under 35 years of age. You will notice that when walking in the streets of Tartu.

Tartu City Government does everything to make Tartu as child and youth friendly as possible. New kindergarten are created, opportunities for spending leisure time are extended and different events are organised for children and young people every year. The City Government is working towards the goal of making the general appearance, image and design of the city as convenient and pleasant as possible for children and their families. We want to ensure that Tartu has well-maintained parks, safe light traffic roads, child-friendly playgrounds "and easily accessible public buildings. In Estonia, the title of a Child Friendly City is currently held by eleven cities.