TC “From Mental Health to Democratic Participation”

At 15th of july our volunteers participated in a week long Erasmus+ training course in Pamporovo Bulgaria.

Topics of the training were:
Raising awareness about how mental health effects all aspects of our everyday life.
And exercises we can do promote our mental and physical well being.

The project included 19 participants from different backgrounds and nationalities.

During the project participants did lots of activities and workshops together. Such as drawing and discussing. Allowing them to learning by doing.

Outside of sessions participants organized cultural nights to represent their countries. Showing traditional dances, musics and offering snacks.

At the end of the project volunteers left to return their counties as more open minded and mentally resilient individuals. Therefore contributing more to their communities.

SociALL Up “Social Awareness Festival”

As being Imece Network participated in SociALL Up “Social Awareness Festival” organized by IU Entrepreneurship Club in IPA Florya Campus.

Among the 20 others, Imece Network was the only organization dealing with Erasmus + programs.

We could share all the projects our participants joined, new friends that they made and interesting things they learned. The event lasted till the late evening hours when we finished our gathering with a concert that completed the whole day of fun that we had!

TC “Innovative and Good Practices in the Youth Work”

On the 8th of May our adventure started. Three of our volunteers attended the five-day training course that took place in Varna. The training course was organized by the association “Inspiration” Ruse, Bulgaria. Eight countries took part in this course, besides Turkey.

The youth workers played lots of fun games, had some challenging activities and got a chance to improve their communication skills, to be more open-minded, learned not to trust everything they hear in the newspaper. One of the topics that volunteers had a chance to discuss was the topic of human rights.

Of course, every job deserves a treat. On the training courses, we call them intercultural evenings. Every night we brought new information about the other countries that participated in the project. Some countries even did some quizzes to see how much they remembered the presentation or to give them a chance to learn something new about their country.

Sadly, as everything on this project came to an end by the 14th of May, when our volunteers packed their bags and hit the road to Turkey, where they came with lots of excitement and good memories of new friends and places!

Youth Exchange “Our Rights: Human Rights”

From 29th March to 6th April 2024, the Infinite Opportunities Association organised a 7 days exchange programme called ‘Our Rights: Human Rights’, which was co-funded by the European Union.

The aim of the programme was to bring together youth from multiple countries in the world, and give an international and intercultural perspective on human rights. There were 36 participants in total, of which 5 were from Turkey.

Each day was packed with workshops and activities aimed at understanding human rights issues and to encourage conversation on challenging topics. These sessions included: understanding stereotypes and prejudices, freedom of speech versus hate speech, women’s rights and gender equality, understanding privileges in society and who are the underprivileged.

Non-formal learning approaches were used to try to give a solution to the issues discussed. Gamification and campaigning were discussed as tools for promoting social inclusion and human rights. Participants were also encouraged to share literature such as books and leaflets, enriching each other’s understanding and commitment to human rights advocacy.

Intercultural nights allowed participants to share their local foods and drinks with those from other countries, and promoted learning about different cultures too. There were also recreational activities such as tourism or sports that allowed for team building and forming friendships.

By the end of the programme, these young ambassadors returned home, ready to uphold human rights and effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

Imece Iftar 2024

The evening began with a welcoming atmosphere as attendees gathered, sharing stories and laughter. As the call to prayer signaled the end of the fast, everyone sat down to a beautifully arranged table filled with traditional iftar dishes.

The spread included dates, lentil soup, freshly baked bread, and a variety of savory and sweet delights. Conversations flowed naturally, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the participants. Each attendee contributed to the meal, bringing homemade dishes that showcased their culinary skills and cultural heritage. The sense of togetherness was palpable, making the event feel like a large family gathering. The evening also included a short speech by one of the organizers, expressing gratitude for the presence and contributions of everyone.

As the night progressed, the group enjoyed tea and desserts, deepening their connections through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations. The iftar at Macka Democracy Park was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit of Ramadan.

A Warm and Communal Iftar at Maçka Democracy Park

The iftar at Maçka Democracy Park was a warm and communal event, attended by 15 people. The evening began with a welcoming atmosphere as attendees gathered, sharing stories and laughter. As the call to prayer signaled the end of the fast, everyone sat down to a beautifully arranged table filled with traditional iftar dishes.

Traditional Iftar Dishes and Shared Moments

The spread included dates, lentil soup, freshly baked bread, and a variety of savory and sweet delights. Conversations flowed naturally, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the participants. Each attendee contributed to the meal, bringing homemade dishes that showcased their culinary skills and cultural heritage. The sense of togetherness was palpable, making the event feel like a large family gathering.

A Heartfelt Speech by the Organizer

As the night progressed, one of the organizers gave a short speech, expressing gratitude for everyone’s presence and contributions. This added a personal and emotional touch to the evening, highlighting the importance of community and collective effort.

Continuing Friendships with Tea and Desserts

As the evening continued, the group enjoyed tea and desserts, deepening their connections through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations. The iftar at Maçka Democracy Park was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit of Ramadan.

Dissemination After the TC in Italy

The “Transfer Experience” event at our office was a fascinating exploration of the Wim Hof Method and Italian cultural experiences. Held in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, the event attracted a diverse group of participants eager to learn and share. The evening began with an engaging introduction to the Wim Hof Method, a breathing and cold exposure technique known for its health benefits.

Our friends Ömer and Ceren, from the training course in Italy, guided the attendees through the basic principles and scientific background of the method. Participants were then led through a practical breathing session, which left many feeling invigorated and curious about incorporating it into their routines. Following this, the focus shifted to Italian experiences, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle of Italy.

Stories about Italian traditions, cuisine, and travel destinations captivated the audience, painting a vivid picture of the country. Our friends shared personal anecdotes from their travels in Italy, offering unique insights and tips for those planning to visit. The evening concluded with an open discussion, where attendees exchanged thoughts and experiences related to both topics. The event was not only informative but also inspired a deeper appreciation for holistic wellness and cultural exploration.

Our Second Russian Speaking Club Concluded Successfully!

Our two-month Russian Speaking Club, which ended on January 4, 2024, created a vibrant and dynamic environment for language enthusiasts. Participants of all proficiency levels had the opportunity to practice and improve their Russian in a supportive atmosphere.

Each session began with casual conversations to help participants relax and get to know each other. Moderated by our Turing intern, the club introduced various topics each week, from culture and history to current events. Interactive activities like role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions made the sessions engaging and fun. Occasionally, guest speakers provided insights into Russian customs and traditions.

The meetings often concluded with light refreshments, allowing participants to socialize and build friendships. Feedback was always positive, with members appreciating the chance to learn and connect with others who shared their passion for the Russian language. Overall, our weekly Russian Speaking Club became a highlight for many, fostering both linguistic and cultural exchange.

LCOY Local Youth Conference

Our NGO’s stand at the LCOY in IPA Florya Campus was a tremendous success. We showcased our ongoing projects and future initiatives to a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. The stand was creatively decorated with informative posters, brochures, and drawing considerable attention from the attendees.

We also organized short presentations to highlight our impact and encourage volunteer participation. Many attendees expressed interest in joining our upcoming events. The atmosphere was lively, with meaningful conversations about community development and social responsibility. Our social media coverage of the event garnered significant engagement, spreading awareness beyond the campus.

Overall, the stand was a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and strengthen our network. We are grateful for the support and excited to build on this momentum for our future endeavors.

The National Youth Conference (LCOY) is an event where young people discuss environmental and sustainability issues and is linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These conferences provide young people with opportunities to collaborate on sustainability issues and make their voices heard, serving as a preparation for the global Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings. LCOY Turkey is organized by İklim Öncüleri and is the largest and most comprehensive conference in this field and presents its reports on international platforms.