All posts by imece network

Imece Network at SociALL Up: Spreading Awareness Through Action

24 May 2025 imece network Leave a comment

Recently, Imece Network took part in the SociALL Up Social Awareness Festival, organized by Istanbul University’s Entrepreneurship Club at IPA Florya Campus.

At our booth, we introduced Imece Network’s vision and mission, focusing on our Erasmus+ projects and the international opportunities we offer to young people. Our volunteers shared their personal experiences from past programs, helping visitors better understand the impact of our work. We highlighted our core belief — that in Imece, everyone supports each other. If you’re willing to help, there’s always a way to contribute. So why wait? Join us!

As one of the three volunteers representing Imece Network at the event, I found it truly inspiring to connect with so many enthusiastic young people. It was a pleasure to raise awareness about youth participation, activism, and solidarity.

The day was filled with energy and joy — from dancing to participating in a Zumba session, the festival was as fun as it was meaningful!

Eren Vural

Imece Network Youth Participated in the LEAD Youth Exchange in Romania!

13 April 2025 imece network Leave a comment

Between April 5-13, 2025, a team of 8 young people from Imece Network — including one team leader (Tuncay) and seven participants — took part in the Learning, Engaging, Acting for Democracy (LEAD) youth exchange, hosted in Horezu, Romania. For most of the participants, this was their very first international experience.

The project gathered 46 young people from Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Hungary, creating a multicultural environment where ideas and cultures could meet. The program combined workshops, debates, role-plays, simulations, and outdoor activities to foster learning through non-formal education methods.

Throughout the exchange, participants explored key topics like democracy, cultural understanding, and active participation. The activities were designed and facilitated by experienced youth leaders, focusing on teamwork, creativity, and open-mindedness.

Our participants shared that this experience helped them break down prejudices, especially towards neighboring cultures. Many also expressed that their self-confidence and English communication skills improved significantly during the project.

The LEAD project was not only a platform for learning but also a place for new friendships and meaningful cultural exchange. As Imece Network, we are proud to continue supporting young people in their personal and international development journeys!

My Digital Journey Through Bulgaria: A Youth Exchange Experience

8 April 2025 imece network Leave a comment

I’m Melike, and I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the “Digital Storytelling on Rails 0.2” Youth Exchange project, which took place from March 31 to April 8, 2025, across three Bulgarian cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo. The project brought together participants from Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Armenia, creating a vibrant multicultural environment focused on the power of storytelling through digital tools.

The main theme of the project was exploring storytelling techniques using digital skills. Throughout the exchange, we engaged in various interactive activities. One of the highlights was creating our own stories using drawing-based narration and visual storytelling techniques. These creative exercises helped us strengthen our digital competencies and experiment with different narrative styles.

In addition to the workshops, we enjoyed cultural nights, where each country shared elements of their culture. These evenings were not only fun but also enriching, allowing us to learn about each other’s traditions, music, food, and values. It was a beautiful way to build friendships and deepen our understanding of other cultures.

A unique aspect of the project was that it took place in multiple cities, and we traveled between them by train. These train journeys became more than just transportation—they turned into moving classrooms where we brainstormed ideas, shared stories, and reflected on our learning experiences. Traveling through Bulgaria’s picturesque landscapes added a magical backdrop to our discussions on digital storytelling.

As we explored each city’s cultural and historical richness, we also had the chance to apply and develop our storytelling skills in real-world contexts. This made our learning more engaging and meaningful.

In conclusion, this project offered me not just a chance to improve my digital storytelling techniques, but also a profound opportunity to connect with people from different cultural backgrounds. The friendships we formed, the stories we shared, and the memories we created all contributed to an unforgettable experience. Projects like this, I believe, are essential for young people to broaden their perspectives, enhance their digital and cultural literacy, and truly feel like part of a global community.

Melike Beygirci

Haklar Project: Advocating for Youth Rights

20 December 2024 imece network Leave a comment

On December 20, 2024, Imece Network’s founder, Özkan Uzelli, proudly represented our organization at the closing panel of the “Haklar Project” in Ankara. This significant event was organized under the European Union’s Democracy and Human Rights program, led by the Youth Services Center Association, with the “Mardin Ortak Kadın İşbirliği Derneği” and the “Uğur Mumcu Araştırmacı Gazetecilik Vakfı” as partner organizations.

The panel took place at the Occidental Hotel’s grand ballroom and brought together youth representatives, civil society leaders, and human rights experts from across Turkey. The event emphasized the theme “Equal Rights, Equal Humans,” reflecting on the project’s journey since its inception on February 1, 2022. Through education, monitoring, and advocacy efforts, the Haklar Project has reached thousands of individuals, strengthening youth participation and promoting human rights and youth rights.

The day began with a welcoming reception, followed by opening speeches from key stakeholders, including Mehmet Arslan, the Project Director, and representatives from partner organizations. These inspiring addresses set the stage for a day of insightful discussions and knowledge sharing.

One of the highlights was the session “From the Youth’s Perspective,” where young participants shared their experiences and the impact of the Haklar Project on their advocacy efforts for both human rights and youth rights. This was followed by a panel on evidence-based approaches to human rights, featuring distinguished academics and legal experts.

The closing panel not only celebrated the project’s achievements but also fostered an environment of mutual learning and exploration. Imece Network’s involvement in such a vital initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance education, culture, and youth participation on an international scale. We are excited to carry forward the insights and connections gained from this experience, continuing our work to inspire and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive future.

Participated “Akran Program”

8 December 2024 imece network Leave a comment

On 7-8th December, our team member Fulya Ateş participated in the “Akran Program,” an intensive and rewarding two-day initiative focused on youth participation, advocacy, and campaign creation, fostering collaboration and sparking future advocacy ideas.

“Peer Program” organized by the Youth Services Center, aimed at increasing youth participation in civic initiatives. The program kicked off with an insightful discussion on advocacy and lobbying, which laid a solid foundation for understanding the key concepts. Subsequent sessions explored youth engagement, participation mechanisms, and practices both in Turkey and globally, providing a comprehensive perspective on the topic.

On Sunday, the focus shifted to campaign creation. They analyzed the “Interface Campaign” as a case study before forming groups based on issues they prioritized. Each group then developed and presented their own campaign, fostering creativity and collaboration. The participants were predominantly from outside the city, with notable representation from the other cities and regions.

The two-day program was both intensive and rewarding. It combined in-depth discussions with hands-on activities, creating an environment for meaningful learning and exchange. The diverse group of participants and the collaborative spirit made it an enriching experience, sparking ideas for future advocacy efforts.

Imece Network’s Journey to Latvia: Empowering Youth Workers

30 November 2024 imece network Leave a comment

From November 22 to 30, 2024, Imece Network sent three participants to the Erasmus+ training course “Smooth and Successful Transition into a Labour Market” in Saulkrasti, Latvia. This program gathered 28 youth workers, educators, and NGO representatives from across Europe.

The project aimed to equip youth workers with essential knowledge, tools, and skills to support young people’s transition from education to employment. Through non-formal education and experiential learning, participants explored challenges and solutions for bridging the skills gap in the European labor market.

Workshops focused on mentorship techniques, practical strategies, and creative approaches, encouraging learning by doing. Intercultural evenings added a cultural exchange dimension, where Imece Network’s team proudly represented Turkey.

Our three representatives returned with fresh perspectives, enhanced skills, and strong international connections. Their experience reflects Imece Network’s commitment to promoting non-formal education and strengthening youth work across borders.

Stay tuned for more stories from our international journey!

ErasmusDays 2024

19 October 2024 imece network Leave a comment

3 senedir devam ettirdiğimiz Gençlik Buluşması etkinliğimiz bu sene 19 Ekim Cumartesi günü Şişli İPA Habitat’da gerçekleşti.

İPA ve İBB Gençlik Hizmetleri Müdürlüğü iş birliğiyle hazırladığımız programda 10:00-19:00 arası Gençlik STK’ları fuarı ve yine gün boyu atölyeler ve söyleşiler yapıldı.

Katılan Kurumlar:

AEGEE Istanbul
Aktif Şehirler Derneği
Circle Up
Erasmus İstanbul Sports (ESI)
European Youth Parliament
EUROPUBlic
Genç Düşünce Enstitüsü
GHD Gönüllü Hizmetler Derneği
İBB Gençlik Ofisleri
İklim Öncüleri
İmece Network Eğitim ve Kültür Derneği
İmza Dergisi – Z Kuşağı
JCI İstanbul
Nişantaşı Üniversitesi Erasmus Kulübü
Takım Yıldızı SK
Young Future Association
Yücel Kültür Vakfı

Atölye ve Söyleşi Programı

10:30-11:00 Human Bingo
11.00-11.30 Uluslararası Gençlik Kampı
11.45-12.15 Gençlik ve Kampçılık
12.30-13.00 Proje Yazma Üzerine Temel Bilgiler
13.15-14.15 Postürünle Gücünü Hisset
14.30-15.00 Erasmus Spor
15.15-16.15 XVIII. Crossroads Uluslararası Kısa Film Festivali
16.30-17.00 Erasmus Faaliyetleri ve Sürpriz Oyun
17.15-18.15 Yazarlık Atölyesi
18.30-19.00 Erasmus Staj

Resim galerisi yakında eklenecek!

Stay tuned!

#imecenetwork #imece #erasmusdays #erasmusplus #eurodesk #eurodesktr

TC “From Mental Health to Democratic Participation”

21 July 2024 imece network Leave a comment

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”

18 May 2024 imece network Leave a comment

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”

14 May 2024 imece network Leave a comment

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!

#imecenetwork #imece #erasmusdays #erasmusplus #eurodesk #eurodesktr

International Platform on Education, Culture