Estonia in your hearts, anywhere in the world: If every spine counts, so does every good deed!

One in five Estonians live abroad today – and, referring to the role of clever hedgehogs in Estonian culture, every spine counts. The Good Deed Foundation brings Estonians from all over the world together to make Estonia more caring and healthier. Whether you live in Sydney, Stockholm, Toronto or elsewhere, your good deed counts.

Author: Ingi Mihkelsoo, Head of Cooperation, Heateo SA

Estonia in your hearts, anywhere in the world 
Immediately after Estonia restored its independence, our family moved to Konstanz, Germany, a university town on the Swiss border, which is a small and academically bright city like Tartu. I was three ­years old when my mother received a DAAD scholarship and took the family with her. At first, we were meant to stay for only a year, but my parents’ research progressed well, and so we stayed in Germany for eight years. 

My parents considered it very important for us to grow up abroad with the Estonian spirit. At home, we spoke only Estonian, the cooperation between the University of Konstanz and the University of Tartu grew under the leadership of our mother, and more and more Estonian students were given the opportunity to study at the University of Konstanz. On the initiative of my family, a small, united Estonian community emerged in Konstanz. We celebrated Estonian Independence Day and Midsummer Day together, and every year some students gave me and my brother Estonian language and music lessons.

In 2000 we moved back to Tartu, where I started 6th grade. We always knew we were coming home. The desire to direct the knowledge and contacts gained abroad to the development of Estonia was tacit in our departure from the beginning.

I have since lived in many other places – Germany, Switzerland, Belgium – and I have experienced that wherever life takes me, it is possible to keep Estonia in my heart and my actions. Like my parents, I have tried to build bridges with Estonia while living abroad.

Estonia is a shared responsibility of all
There is no abstract “Estonian state” – the state is made up of us. At home or abroad, we all have the opportunity to influence what Estonia is like today and tomorrow. If there are only a million of us and one in five live outside Estonia, it is clear: every spine counts. We are like a hedgehog – small but sturdy.

When I talk to Estonians all over the world, I have experienced that questions of identity and belonging can be painful, but love for Estonia is strong. There is a great desire to contribute but people do not often know where to start. They want to be closer to Estonia, both at heart and in their actions.

Everyone can contribute – be it by volunteering, sharing experiences and contacts, or donating – to help tackle important societal challenges.

Small nation, big challenges 
Estonia is known in the world for its digital state and innovation, but serious concerns stand out from a deeper perspective.

Children and education

• Bullying: 3rd place among 11-year-old boys in Europe.
• School likeability: last place among 15-year-olds.
• Age of teachers: 1 in 2 teachers over 50, many already retired.

Mental and physical health

• Mental health disorders: risk of depression in every 4th adult, generalized anxiety disorder in every 5th adult.
• Lack of movement: only 10% are active on a daily basis.
• Excessive use of alcohol: approximately 1/5 of adults.

Equal opportunities

• Young people not in education, employment or training: as high as 9.6%.
• Gender pay gap: the largest in Europe.
• Well-being of the elderly: 10 out of 7 retired people live in relative poverty.

These are not just numbers – they are the people around us. But like hedgehogs, Estonians have the strength and wisdom to overcome difficulties. Iceland is an inspiring example: In the 1990s, through social agreement and consistent action, this small nation managed to reduce young people’s alcohol consumption and smoking to one of the lowest levels in Europe. If Iceland can do it, so can we.

Good Deed Foundation – every spine does a good deed 
There are many people and initiatives working in Estonia for a healthier and more caring Estonia. Unfortunately, state funding for NGOs is often scarce, which makes it difficult to increase the impact.

The Good Deed Foundation – the only leader of strategic philanthropy in Estonia – is here to help. For 22 years, we have been helping to grow social initiatives that create systemic change in education, the well-being of children and families, mental and physical health and equal opportunities. We contribute to initiatives financially, with strategic advice and pro bono expert classes. Our work is entirely based on private donations and pro bono contributions.

This year we took on a significant challenge – to grow the Good Deed community beyond the borders of Estonia. We have established our first contacts with Estonians from Australia, Canada, Sweden and the USA and are still looking for those who recognise: Estonia needs me – I can and want to contribute to Estonia. 

If you also care about the challenges of Estonian society and wish to contribute to the birth of positive changes, we look forward to welcoming you to the Good Deed community!