Society and Enterprise Development Institute

Society and Enterprise Development Institute (SEDI) has been a fully operating NGO since 2018, dedicated to fostering social and civic engagement, volunteering, and entrepreneurship in Lithuania’s remote regions and beyond. With a dynamic team of three full-time employees, six part-time mentors, six international volunteers through the European Solidarity Corps program, and 20 local youth volunteers, SEDI drives impactful initiatives that empower young people and strengthen local communities. Our expertise lies in designing and implementing projects of local, national, and international significance—ranging from youth initiatives and international exchanges to democracy projects and strategic partnerships. These efforts are built on trust and long-term collaboration with schools, universities, NGOs, and foreign embassies. Through these partnerships, SEDI fosters meaningful cross-border connections across the European Union and beyond, highlighting inclusive and effective communication as a key value. SEDI’s activities are primarily concentrated in the Marijampolė and Alytus regions, while collaborations extend nationwide. We maintain a strong professional network of over 70 youth workers, career counselors, and tutors, directly engaging 100–120 young people each month. At the same time, our coordination of the local Youth Information Center allows us to reach up to 10,000 young people monthly via social media. Our strategic focus is centered on four priorities: Entrepreneurship and employability – nurturing creativity, innovation, and business skills. Volunteering – strengthening volunteer structures, mentorship, and international mobility. Inclusion – creating opportunities for young people with fewer advantages and addressing sensitive issues such as mental health and sexuality education. Citizenship – empowering youth to take part in civic life, solidarity initiatives, and environmental action. Beyond youth empowerment, SEDI also coordinates a regional network of organizations—including libraries, kindergartens, hospitals, cultural and youth centers—that host and support volunteers. To amplify impact, we actively collaborate with local and national media such as Marijampolė Television, suduvosgidas.lt, musu savaite.lt, etaplius.lt, and the youth portal zinauviska.lt. Since 2019, we have refined our mission into four action areas: Volunteering: Coordinating Youth Voluntary Service programs and European Solidarity Corps projects, while supporting mentors and coordinators through training, study visits, and knowledge exchange. Entrepreneurship: Running creativity and mentoring sessions, supporting young founders through our Entrepreneurship Academy, and encouraging storytelling and innovation as the basis for business creation. Inclusion: Supporting youth with fewer opportunities through advocacy and tailored initiatives, such as the Suvalkijos saulytės day center for children with disabilities. For the past five years, SEDI has also championed youth mental health through initiatives like Mental Health Youth Ambassadors and the Look Deeper campaign—breaking stigma, encouraging emotional awareness, and building a more inclusive society. Citizenship: Developing civic responsibility through youth-led initiatives, international volunteering, and programs promoting solidarity and environmental awareness. SEDI has played a leading role in major youth initiatives, including the Lithuanian Youth Capital 2023 program in Marijampolė, where we coordinated ambassador activities, youth engagement, and communications. Our current Erasmus+ KA2 partnerships include developing a toolkit for non-formal entrepreneurship education with partners from Iceland and Spain, and exploring artistic rejection narratives with partners from Lithuania, Estonia, and Italy. With Erasmus+ accreditation, SEDI organizes annual training courses, youth exchanges, and national conferences, ensuring continuous high-quality opportunities for young people. At the same time, our ongoing Participation Projects in Marijampolė and Alytus help to sustain vibrant, active youth communities in these regions. With a growing team, an expanding network of trusted partners, and a track record of successful initiatives, SEDI continues to deliver innovative programs that inspire, empower, and connect young people—contributing to a more inclusive, entrepreneurial, and engaged society in Lithuania and beyond.