The First Peipsiääre Municipality Hackathon Brought Together Young People from Across the Parish
On October 16–17, the first Peipsiääre Municipality youth hackhathon ’How to Become (Culturally) Rich in Your Hometown?’ took place at Kadrina Manor. Five teams with 14 young participants from Alatskivi, Kolkja, Pala, and Vara schools took part. Over two days, the youngsters developed and tested their ideas. The youth hackhathon for 12–25-year-olds is part of the town’s Baltic Sea Cultural Pearl 2025 programme.
The moderator of the hachkaton was international inspiration coach Harald Lepisk. The young participants were further inspired by Ergo-Hart Västrik, leader of the Kodavere Heritage Centre, and Laura Lillepalu-Scott, director of the Alatskivi Castle Foundation. Mentors from Creative Estonia, Viljandi Culture Academy, the Estonian Association of Engineers, and Peipsiääre Municipality helped the teams bring their ideas to life.
After an intense day of brainstorming, the first evening of the hackathon was brightened by traditional musicians – the ensemble Klõmm and the Kodavere accordion players. The hosts of Kadrina Manor provided delicious food and cozy accommodation. The preparation of the hackhaton was supported by KUVAKE’s youth and culture workers and the schools’ hobby coordinators.
The jury included Piibe Koemets, Mayor of Peipsiääre Municipality, Laura Lillepalu-Scott, Director of Alatskivi Castle Foundation, and Ave Matsin, Lecturer in National Textile at the Viljandi Culture Academy.
The main prize of EUR 1000,- for implementing the winning idea was provided by the Peipsiääre Municipality Culture and Leisure Centre. The grand prize went to the boys from Vara School for their idea PEIPSI COMPASS – a hiking app that allows users to discover their home region through fun, game-based, and guided hikes. The team members were Indrek Lillemäe, Gerhard Värv, and Rihard Laksaar.
The Alatskivi Castle Foundation awarded a special prize to the Pala School boys’ team for their idea FROM YOUTH TO YOUTH. Ats Laugamets, Robin Värk, and Andreas Tarto, who wish to organize events that genuinely interest young people, received free use of Alatskivi Castle’s carriage stables for hosting their youth event.
The Tartu Centre for Creative Industries offered a special award – two training spots – which went to another Pala School team with their idea YOUTH HERITAGE CAFÉ “KARASKI KAMBER”. The team members Karmen Kivistik, Anneli Kaur, Cristelle Raudmäe, and Aaron Menind will have the chance to further develop and refine their café concept through these trainings.
Young people from Alatskivi and Kolkja schools formed a joint team at the hackathon, as their idea A QUIET SPOT AT SCHOOL shared a similar vision – creating a cozy corner for relaxation and socializing. The joint team included Meribel Mogom and Meribel Kalda from Alatskivi School, and Alisa Buinitska and Milana Murova from Kolkja School.
All participants of the hackathon will spend a joint day in Viljandi, exploring study programs and the CAMP Creative Entrepreneurship Centre at the Culture Academy. They will also visit the Tartu Centre for Creative Industries (including Antoniuse Courtyard), where they will learn more about creative industries and how to start their own business.
The participating teams will have access to mentoring support for up to a year to help them implement their ideas. They can turn to the KUVAKE team as well as the development adviser, communication specialist, and marketing manager of Peipsiääre Municipality.
There is no idea too small, and no creator too young. Every big thing begins with a first step. The young people of Peipsiääre Municipality have courage, ideas, and support – together we can make our home region culturally richer.
Text and photos by Reet Kruup, Cultural Activities Specialist, Peipsiääre Municipality Culture and Leisure Centre
