International Youth Association EstYES was established in 1991 and it is one of the first organizations in Estonia which deals with cultural and youth exchange. Our main field of activity is coordinating international projects to offer everyone to discover themselves and the world around us through non-formal study and voluntary service.

Our objectives

  • Enabling personal development of young people through non-formal education and intercultural learning
  • Supporting local communities though (international) voluntary service
  • International mutual understanding, tolerance, promoting solidarity and respect through global cooperation and international youth work

Every summer EstYES organises over 50 voluntary camps all over Estonia, welcoming around 600 international volunteers. Each year over 40 volunteers from different European countries come here to join a long-term ESC project (up to 12 months) in the field of social services, youth work and education. EstYES gives young Estonians a chance to take part in various projects abroad (voluntary camps, youth exchange, ESC, training activities, seminars, youth meetings, etc.)

Target Groups 

EstYES mainly works with young people aged from 14 to 30; however, voluntary projects are available to people of all ages. Physically challenged young people are a group of special consideration.

Our Partners

Since 1994-1995 we have exchanges with branches of SCI (Service Civil International) and with members of Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organizations, and their partner organizations.

Starting from 1999, we cooperate with ICYE (International Cultural Youth Exchange). In 1997 EstYES became a member of Alliance and in 2007 a member of the Coordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) by UNESCO. Most of our partner organisations belong to these networks. Over the past years, EstYES has been actively cooperating with youth and voluntary service organisations in China and South East Asia as well as with Mexico through EU Capacity Building projects.

Sources of Income

EstYES’s income consists of contributions and subscription fees from the participants of our programs. EstYES receives grants from foundations like Erasmus+ Programme, European Youth Foundation, Europe for Citizens, European Solidarity Corps, etc. EstYES does not receive any support from the state.