Association of Estonian Open Youth Centres (AEYC)

Association of Estonian Open Youth Centres (AEYC) is a nationwide umbrella organisation which connects youth centers from whole Estonia. AEYC was founded on the 9th of November 2001. Currently, the association has over 180 youth centres from all over the country as its members. Youth centres in Estonia are considered the main youth work service providers in the local municipalities and AEYC aims to support the implementation and quality of the local level youth work through different activities, programs, and partnerships. AEYC aim is to create a network of youth centers in Estonia, support the activities on local level and partnership activities between members on the national level. AEYC cooperates with state and local governments, youth organizations in Estonia and abroad, and other institutions involved in youth work. The association is standing for open youth work, supporting new youth centres, analyzing current situation and needs of youth centres, supporting youth workers, organizing seminars and training, introducing new methods in youth work, arranging information exchange between different actors, sharing ideas and inputs for national youth policy. AEYC develops local and international projects and partnership shaping youth policy at the national and local level. Since 2015 AEYC is European Voluntary Service hosting, sending and coordinating organisation and is actively taking part in international collaborations.