The aim was to create a harmonious environment for young people by establishing youth centers and open spaces in Lithuania, creating favorable conditions for the formation of a young person's personality and his or her successful integration into society. This initiative was also adopted by Ukmerge’s District Municipality. In 2008, in the Youth School’s, located in the surroundings of the apartment buildings of the Pivonia micro -district and in the premises of the pre - existing kindergarten, was established the Youth Leisure Center. Currently, the Youth Leisure Center administers the entire building as the spaces in it also the area around it.

Spaces for youth activities cover over 300 square meters. There is a music and recording studios, table tennis and table football play areas, a kitchenette, activity and study rooms and a cellar for concerts and discos. As part of the wellness program in 2015 outdoor exercise equipment area was installed in the yard, which is also used by the local community. The support of UAB Maxima and Ukrenga provided an opportunity for the volleyball court and gazebo to ‘appear’ and enliven the yard.

The center has become a place of employment for the whole community: under one roof can accommodate both young people and tenants working in education, health and culture sectors. Since the establishment of the center cooperation with local authorities and organizations has been undertaken, sometimes with the help of local businesses. Events, discussions, campaigns, festivals, activities and initiatives are organized both in the center, in Ukmerge and beyond.

Working with young people obliges to constantly improve, to be curious, to look for innovations and to set a good example for them. Sharing experience and communion with other partners in Lithuanian youth centers and spaces provided an opportunity to act more widely, smarter and purposefully.

During more than a decade of the center's life, various traditions has been adopted. The Youth Festival, which is held every year, changes the names of the cities and is organized by hosting youth center in their city, meetings and couching, other events are attended by fellow youth workers.

The center initiates and participates in Erasmus+ youth exchange projects and training of youth workers on average four times a year. By representing Lithuania abroad teams gain opportunities to broaden their horizons, make new acquaintances, gain experience and knowledge in the context of the world.

We are proud that we raise volunteers. The director of the center Daiva Pranskeviciene has been an active volunteer ambassador for many years. The Youth Leisure Center participates in the National Volunteering program also obtained the European Solidarity Corps quality label which provides an opportunity to accept a volunteer from another European country for project work.

Since October 2019 till December 2022 another open space for youth named ‘House’ opened its doors in the separate building of the Old Town Pro-gymnasium in Ukmerge. In this space, the principles of open youth work are linked with a variety of young people and children with different segregation, who do not fit elsewhere as well as delinquent behavior. The aim of this project was to give young people the opportunity to learn to spend time meaningfully and productively by setting up bicycle repair shop and thus develop their business and make a profit. Activities in the ‘House’ were based on physical activity and do not require academic ability. A youth worker worked with the target group to build a connection and relationship by communicating, organizing activities or entertainment on a daily basis.

Noticing that in some rural areas especially away from the district center, there is a lack of organizers / initiators, youth leaders, no functioning youth organizations, no youth worker and lack of forms of meaningful leisure, mobile youth workers started working with young people in those areas. After selecting three village councils once a week 2 mobile employees meet the youth living there. During that time individual conversations are arranged, worries and achievements are discussed in groups and individually, hikes, cognitive hikes, recreation evenings, sports competitions and discos are organized. Mobile youth workers not only help to solve problems for young people, chat, promote ideas, organize various leisure activities, but also mediate in building closer ties with the community and village councils.

Watch short video about our hometown Ukmerge: ‘Open your eyes’