NGO “IDEA”

ABOUT US & OUR MISSION

NGO “Idea” (MTÜ Idee) is an Estonian non-profit educational and research organization dedicated to advancing social work as an academic profession and fostering professional social welfare practices.

Following the Global Standards of Social Work, we operate on the core principle that high-level academic education and continuous professional development are critical components of social sector professionalism. Our work is anchored in human rights, social policy, values, ethics, and democratic citizenship, striving to promote social justice and empower all individuals.

For over two decades, NGO “Idea” has actively contributed to the development of Estonian civil society through three core pillars:

  1. Research & Policy Analysis

  2. Professional Education & Training

  3. Supervision & Institutional Partnership

KEY MILESTONES & CIVIL SOCIETY IMPACT

Period Strategic Initiatives & Achievements
2000–2004 Civil Society Development & Regional Coordination: Active participant in the Estonian NGO development project; project coordinator in Viru County. Served on expert working groups for the Lääne-Viru County Government, Association of Municipal Governments, and the Lääne-Viru Development Center Council to improve third-sector sustainability.
2004 EU Integration & Social Policy: Led European Commission-funded information campaigns at the local level on EU social policy during Estonia’s integration into the European Union.
2005–2011 Diaconia & Community Programs: Offered training programs in cooperation with the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELC) and the Estonian Council of Churches, focusing on church community development and professional-volunteer partnerships.
Present Adult Continuing Education (Täienduskoolitused): Providing state-aligned qualification training programs for Activity Instructors (Tegevusjuhendaja) and Personal Support Workers (Tugiisik).

CURRENT TRAINING CALENDAR (2026–2027)

We offer accredited continuing education tailored to prepare candidates for national occupational qualification exams (Kutseeksam) and direct community work.

Program Name (English / Estonian) Format Volume / Credits Schedule

Preparation for Mental Health Support Worker
Qualification Exam

 

(Ettevalmistus tegevusjuhendaja kutseeksamiks)

 E-Learning (Online) 78 hours (3 ECTS / AP) Jan 12, 2026 – Mar 08, 2026

Mental Health Support Worker, Basic Training

 

(Kombineeritud tegevusjuhendaja baaskoolitus)

 Hybrid (Online + Internship) 280 hours (7 ECTS / AP) Mar 30, 2026 – Jun 19, 2026

Personal Support Person Basic Training

 

(Kombineeritud tugiisiku baaskoolitus)

 Hybrid (Online + Internship) 280 hours (7 ECTS / AP) Mar 30, 2026 – Jun 19, 2026

Preparation for Support Person Qualification Exam

 

(Ettevalmistus tugiisiku kutseeksamiks)

 E-Learning (Online) 120 hours (3 ECTS / AP) Jan 12, 2026 – Mar 08, 2026

Mental Health Support Worker, Basic Training
(Autumn Intake)

 

(Kombineeritud tegevusjuhendaja baaskoolitus)

 Hybrid (Online + Internship) 280 hours (7 ECTS / AP) Nov 03, 2026 – Mar 31, 2027

NOTABLE RESEARCH, REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS

Our organization has consistently engaged in policy analysis, municipal welfare evaluation, and international academic exchange:

  • 2011: Report: “Community Development in the Churches in Estonia: Practice of Community Development in Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church”.

  • 2011: Presentation: “The Professionals and the Volunteers: Developing the Partnership” (6th International Diaconia Conference, EELC Institute of Theology).

  • 2009: Academic Presentation: “Long-term Perspectives of the Estonian Social Welfare System” (Diakonhjemmet University College, Norway).

  • 2007: Presentation: “Diaconia and Social Welfare: Challenges to Municipal Social Welfare Development” (3rd International Diaconia Conference).

  • 2007: Report: “Long-term Perspectives of the Estonian Social Welfare System: Sustainability of Municipal Social Welfare as a Key Question” (ESAK VII).

  • 2006: Conference Study: “Identity and Challenges of Diaconia in a Post-Socialist Society – Case Study Estonia” (Järvenpää, Finland).

  • 2006: Publication: “Challenges of Diaconia for the Social Welfare System in Estonia 1996–2006” (Published in The Handbook of Diaconia).

  • 2006: Regional Analysis: The Access and Coverage of Social Services in Lääne-Viru County.

  • 2005: Conference Paper: “The Role of NGOs in the Estonian Social Welfare System” (3rd Congress of Social Work, Tallinn).

  • 2005: Academic Paper: “Private Social Welfare System: History, Present, and Future Perspectives” (University of Tartu, 80 Years of Organized Social Welfare in Estonia).

  • 2004: Policy Impact Study: Merging (Reforming) Government-Funded Institutions – Impact on Service Availability in Lääne-Viru & Ida-Viru Counties.

  • 2002–2004: Sector Analyses: Analysis of Social Welfare Services (2000–2004), NGO Social Service Provision Analysis (1999–2001), and Lääne-Viru NGO Sector Study.

CONTACT & ENROLLMENT

Whether you wish to register for qualification courses or collaborate on research and development projects:

  • Official Website: cognitio.ee

  • Email: mtyidee20@gmail.com