In the early days the emphasis of the youth association activity was in public education, which was typical for the improvement societies of the period. Reading rooms, theatre and sports activ ...
In the early days the emphasis of the youth association activity was in public education, which was typical for the improvement societies of the period. Reading rooms, theatre and sports activity as well as soirees offered many young people the forms of activity by which it was possible to develop oneself, to become a good person and a decent citizen. Elementary teaching in the form of home studies was arranged in the youth associations, and these soon developed into study clubs.
Step inside the Youth Association Museum
In the Youth Association Museum the visitor can get acquainted with the exciting and eventful history of our organization spanning 135 years. How did we become us? We have gathered a basic collection around thematic entities, that each recount our history. Here are some samples from our exhibition.
People’s houses
The youth association houses encase dance, theatre, sports, decision making, thousands of hours of volunteer work – the joy of doing.
Familiarize yourself with our association with the help of the Youth Association board game. Who is the first one to establish a youth association in Utsjoki? Toss the dice and step into an adventure!
The good person and the decent citizen – the national civilization activity in youth associations.
In the early days the emphasis of the youth association activity was in public education, which was typical for the improvement societies of the period. Reading rooms, theatre and sports activity as well as soirees offered many young people the forms of activity by which it was possible to develop oneself, to become a good person and a decent citizen. Elementary teaching in the form of home studies was arranged in the youth associations, and these soon developed into study clubs.
Sit in the desk and try out the abacus. What may have thought the young person, who learned to read and write at the youth association house. What kind of books did young people borrow from the library of the people’s house.
A peek in the décor – theatre activity in the youth association.
Drama activity gained great popularity among the youth associations already during the first years. Theatre activity has been lively in the youth associations since the beginning, and there could be six play productions in one year at its peak. When reaching the 1950s the pace slowed down, which also had a positive effect on the quality of the performances. During the 1960s there was improvement also in the theatre activity of children and adolescents.
Step onstage and try out acting. On offer are plays for every taste. If you don’t wish to act, you can always sing! It’s allowed to perform in our museum.
Mens sana in corpore sano – A healthy soul in a healthy body.
Sports was intertwined with public education already in the beginning of the youth association movement. The educational ideals of the intelligentsia were realized in the youth associations, voluntary fire brigades, and temperance and workers’ associations since the 1880s – the harmony of a person’s mental and physical development.
Try the human pyramid with your friend. It’s allowed to endeavor with oneself in our museum!
