We are ICYE in Finland

Maailmanvaihto represents in Finland the ICYE (International Cultural Youth Excange) network.

The ICYE network offers international volunteering opportunities for young people. It operates altogether in over 40 countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Oceania.

The mission is to provide challenging intercultural learning experiences for young people. The network aims at promoting their social and personal development through international volunteer programs as well as promoting intercultural understanding, equality of opportunity, tolerance and peace among people in the world.

The mission is to provide challenging intercultural learning experiences for young people.

In co-operation the ICYE organizations develop further the quality of the ICYE voluntary work program, organize training and share experiences and information. The organizations have agreed upon minimum quality standards to ensure high quality for the program in each member country.

ICYE has co-operation with UNESCO and UN-ECOSOC and it is a participating member of the Co-ordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service and World Council of Churches. In 1987, in recognition of “a significant contribution to the programme and objectives of the International Year of Peace, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly”, the UN designated ICYE as a Peace Messenger.

Logo of the ICYE Federation

How does ICYE work?

ICYE is a Federation of national committees which are autonomous bodies with national offices and local networks of volunteers. In each country the voluntary work program can be adapted to the needs of youth of the country and developed further on this base, following the policies and guidelines prepared and adopted by the General Assembly of the Federation.

General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Federation. It meets every second year, with a representative from each national member national committee.

Board of Managers acts and decides on behalf of the General Assembly in between General Assemblies. It meets twice a year.

International Office Carries out and co-ordinates activities and programs as decided by the General Assembly. It is located in Berlin, Germany. It’s tasks also include developing further the voluntary work program and creating new co-operation networks.

National Committees

Introductions of Full and Associate Member National Committees of ICYE can be found from the website of International Cultural Youth Exchange. Have a look!