Looking into how effective web-based youth centers are in promoting equality and participation using E-House as a case study

Abstract

In recent years, the number of services offering web-based youth work in Finland has increased. The goal of this thesis was to find out if youth work done online met one of the main goal of the Finnish youth work which is to support and promote equality and active citizenship (participation). As it is virtually impossible to look into all web-based youth centers in Finland, this thesis was made as a case study focusing only on one web-based youth house (E-House).

The study was made as a qualitative study. Data was collected through an online questionnaire promoted by E-House and as a result, 11 people replied to the questionnaire. Questionnaire questions composed of both open ended and multiple choice questions. The main reasons for this was due to the studies target group (13-19) and setting (online).

Data collected showed factors such as freedom of self-expression, acceptance and fair treatment, experience of service, involvement, input and contribution, and staff involvement to influencing how equality and participation are experienced and supported in E-House.

In conclusion, gotten result showed that E-House which is a web-based youth center does meet the main goal of the Finnish youth work which is to promote and support equality and active citizenship (participation).