Raising awareness of the value of diversity and critical thinking

Kristi, from Estonia, volunteered in 2001 in The Netherlands with the project 'Engage to Empower' with the support of the Estonian Family Planning Association (nowadays the Estonian Sexual Health Association, ESHA), Engage! InterAct.

Project Engage to Empower's objective was to develop critical thinking and create learning structures in organisations and communities in order to explore and value diversity as a reality and resource in society.

🎤 What has been the most memorable or impactful moment from your volunteering experience — something you will never forget?

"There are many stories I still tell, even 25 years later – about the washing machine that boiled our laundry, my flatmate’s pet rat Luna who would come at night to inspect the sleepers on their pillows, or my own culture shock. But the day that will probably stay with me for the rest of my life is September 11, which started like a sunny, ordinary working day. Until one of us glanced into a café window and saw the news on TV: planes flying straight info the skyscrapers. 

Realising what was happening, we rushed to work where our supervisors and colleagues were already waiting for us. For the rest of the day, we discussed cause-and-effect relationships, talked about the roots of violence and terrorism, the importance of compassion, dialogue, and understanding another perspective. We also spoke about our personal views, prejudices and fears stirred up inside us. We understood that this day had changed the course of human history. Yet the conversation we had in that circle – deeply personal and exposing human vulnerability – helped to restore a shaken sense of safety and reminded of the power of human connection."

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"Although before my voluntary service I had already "become independent“ – had a job, lived abroad etc – it was this experience that shaped me the most as a person. Looking back, those 8 months changed my worldview, attitudes and approach to life, people, and my surroundings more than the previous 25 years. I re-evaluated many values and personal boundaries that once seemed unshakeable. Much of this came from sharing a flat with five very different personalities, each with their own habits and ways of understanding everyday life. 

Voluntary service provides a certain safety net, making it easy to stay in your comfort zone and contribute only as much as is required. Yet this experience made me rethink the importance of personal responsibility – both in shaping my own life and the world around me. I still remember what one colleague said: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never spent a night in a tent with a mosquito." All my later professional work stems from what I learned in European Voluntary Service (EVS). Thanks to it, I accepted a job offer and met my future spouse. Now, we have 3 children and our eldest plans to volunteer after high school."

🎤 What is your birthday wish for the 30th anniversary of EU supported volunteering — and for the next 30 years to come?

"Once, during a mid-term training, as we discussed the purpose and impact of the EVS programme from a financial perspective, one young person shared their view on its value: When you travel around Europe, you see signs saying "Built with EU support" – on roads, hospitals, schools. In the same way, every volunteer who has taken part in the programme should have such a sign on their forehead, because EVS (now ESC) is a programme for building people. Its impact is immeasurable, because every participant carries it forward into every human interaction.

My birthday wish is a sincere thank you – to all the young people who have found the courage to “build themselves“ and to all tutors, mentors, organisations and communities who supported them, and through that helped create a better world!"

Updated on Teisipäev, 14/04/2026