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How One Teen Is Transforming Narva's Future Through Youth Activism

At just 19, Zlata Karuke is proving that young voices can rewrite a city's story. From theatre fundraisers to policy debates, Narva's teens are leading the way.

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2 min read
The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner that reads "Abolish...
The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner that reads "Abolish Borders, Abolish Frontiers, Put an End to Deportations, Freedom of Movement 4 Everyone". The street is lined with buildings with windows, trees, and bicycles, and the sky is filled with clouds.

How One Teen Is Transforming Narva's Future Through Youth Activism

Zlata Karuke has spent the last five years working to improve life for young people in her hometown of Narva. As a member of the Narva Youth Parliament, she has pushed for changes that reflect the needs of local teenagers. Her efforts include advocating for a dedicated space for those aged 14 and over at the Narva Youth Center.

The youth parliament itself plays a key role in voicing concerns to the local government. Its recent projects have tackled issues like education reforms and community engagement, all while raising funds for charity. Karuke’s involvement with the youth parliament began during a significant period for Estonia. The country was transitioning to Estonian as the only language of instruction in schools, a change that affected many young people in Narva. The group responded by staging a play inspired by The Little Prince, exploring the challenges of adapting to new language rules. The performance also raised €700 for a local cancer charity.

Beyond theatre, Karuke has contributed to broader civic projects. One of her successes was securing a dedicated zone for teenagers at the Narva Youth Center. She has also taken part in events like Future Day, the opening conference of Station Narva—a festival that brings music and Estonian culture to the city.

For Karuke, these efforts are about more than short-term fixes. She wants Narva to shed outdated stereotypes and attract better job prospects for young residents. Speaking about her generation, she insists they have the power to reshape how the city is seen.

Station Narva itself has become a platform for change. The annual festival introduces visitors to the city’s culture while giving locals a chance to showcase their work. Karuke presented the youth parliament’s achievements there in 2025, highlighting how young people are driving progress. Karuke’s work reflects a wider push by Narva’s youth to create opportunities and challenge perceptions. The youth parliament continues to address issues like education and employment, while events like Station Narva put the city in the spotlight. With projects ranging from charity fundraisers to policy discussions, young residents are shaping Narva’s future—one initiative at a time.

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