My experiences as an ex-EVS Mirjam Kodi Ex-EVS2008

Mirjam – EVS and ex-EVS EVS – Wales, 2004 (6 months) ex-EVS – Estonia, –Euroopa Noored (Estonian NA) –Diaconia Year in Estonia, Ave Bremse –NGO The Citizen of the World

Euroopa Noored (Estonian NA) Euroopa Noored is engageing ex-EVS volunteers continuously in different events: Seminars Trainings Information events Accreditation of the hosting organisations

The Citizen of the World NGO uniting the former volunteers of EVS Called into existence by Estonian National Agency Established and run by ex-EVS volunteers Received EUR grant from Youth programme organized nearly 20 different events for ex-EVS (seminars, gatherings, meetings etc) Each event gathered ca participants

NGO The Citizen of the World Stopped acting 2007 after finishing the Youth programme project. The 4-5 formal and informal leaders of the NGO got tired but failed to find new members to carry on.

Diaconia Year in Estonia NGO that sends, hosts & coordinates voluntary projects “One-man-band” – run by one woman, Ave Bremse Involves into everyday work ex-EVS volunteers, future EVS volunteers, local hosting people and number of other helpful people. Ordinary tasks for volunteers: organizing events, seminars, supporting incoming and outgoing volunteers, etc.

Diaconia Year in Estonia 2008 – alive and active and still going strong Most of the DYE ex-EVS are in touch with the organization and more or less actively involved in the activities

My remarks: The “ex-EVS” status and possibilities are not very clear Many EVS volunteers are not aware of the possibilities as an ex-EVS Many sending organizations are not aware what potential ex-EVS volunteers have and how can they be involved

There are ex-EVS volunteers who would like to prolong their EVS experience There are ex-EVS volunteers who are not interested about EVS after the project Most ex-EVS volunteers feel no obligations to EVS topic after the project

Most of the active ex-EVSs are happy to be occasionally involved in different volunteering activities and participate in social events Most of the ex-EVSs are not ready to organize any EVS-theme activities themselves

If I may – my advise to the ex-EVS Choose the right sending organisation for you Keep in contact with them during your EVS and after it They have done a lot of work for you – give something back Let Euroopa Noored know that you are willing to help

If I may – my advise to the sending organisation Choose the right volunteer for you Discuss your cooperation possibilities before the project Keep in contact with her/him during the EVS and after it Be smart and benefit also from the volunteers who’s sending org.-s are not as smart

THANK YOU! Mirjam Kodi