All posts by imece network

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.

Erasmusdays 2023

İmece Network Erasmusdays 2023

Yes friends! We realised our Erasmusdays event 🙂

This year, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, we brang together a variety of youth institutions for you. In this way, young people had a chance to see many institutions and organizations together and participated in the workshops, presentations and interviews they were interested in.

Participated Organizations:

EUROPUBlic
Faal Derneği
Genç Düşünce Enstitüsü
Gençlik Mevsimi Derneği (Youth Season)
Hürriyet Masası
IAESTE Türkiye
İBB Gençlik ve Spor Müdürlüğü
İBB “Kampüste Çözüm”
İmece Network Education & Culture
İstanbul Kent Konseyi Gençlik Meclisi
Nişantaşı Erasmus Kulübü
Öğrenme Tasarımları
Pulsec
Roman Hafıza Çalışmaları Derneği
T4 Technology Team
TOG – Toplum Gönüllüleri Vakfı
Uluslararası Aktif Şehirler Derneği
Yücel Kültür Vakfı

Realised Workshops:

11:00 “Youth Exchanges” Imece Network Education & Culture
12:00 “Internship Abroad” IAESTE Türkiye
13:00 “Learning Designs” Öğrenme Tasarımları
13:00 “Erasmus and Philosophy” Hürriyet Masası
14:00 “Culture, Art & Youth” Yücel Kültür Vakfı
15:00 “What does Erasmus clubs add to students?” Nişantaşı Erasmus Kulübü
16:00 “ESC Humanitarian Aid Programme” Youth Season
17:00 “Volunteering Law” Genç Düşünce Enstitüsü
18:00 “Electronic Waste Inspection/Removal Workshop” Pulsec

The meeting took place between 11: 00-19: 00 on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Şişli İBB Habitat Yaşam Merkezi in cooperation with İmece Network, İPA and İBB Youth and Sports Directorate.

Gallery will be here soon!

#erasmusdays #erasmus #ulusalajans #eurodesk #erasmusplus #imecenetwork #imece #ipaistanbul #ibbgenclikvespor

Training Course “ReACTion” in Pujalt

Between September 5th and 12th, four volunteers from İmece Network attended the training course organized by Back to the Roots Association. After the project, in which a total of 24 participants from 6 countries took part, let’s take a closer look at our volunteers’ thoughts about the project!

Here is Berra’s comment:

Hello.I’m Berra.From September 5th to 12th, I had the opportunity to travel to the beautiful town of Pujalt in Spain for an Erasmus+ Training Course. This experience took place as part of a project supported by the European Union and has become one of the most unforgettable memories of my life.

During the week I spent in this charming town, I had the chance to delve deep into the world of theatre. Throughout the course, we participated in various improvisation workshops.

The most memorable moments were the practical exercises. We worked on different games and performances to enhance our own theatre skills. Interacting with participants from other countries, we experienced a cultural exchange that broadened our perspectives.

This training course not only helped us better understand the art of theatre but also provided an opportunity to meet people from diverse cultures and form new friendships.

This experience reaffirmed the value of European Union cultural exchange projects. The theatre training course in Pujalt was highly enriching for me, both personally and professionally. I look forward to participating in future projects and hope for these experiences to be shared with even more people.

Ahmet expresses his experience as follows:

This experience took place within the scope of a project supported by the European Union and it was an incredible experience for me.

During the week I spent in this town, we did many theater-related activities and I learned a lot about theatre. During the course, we took theater-related improvisation classes. The improvisational theater experience has helped me a lot, not only on stage but also in all areas of life. It improved my ability to make split-second decisions, increased my self-confidence, and taught me what an enriching experience it is to work with people from different cultures. We worked on different plays and performances to improve our theater skills. We had a cultural exchange with our friends from other countries and I learned different things.

With this training, I learned a lot about theater and made great friends. As a result, the improvisational theater experience I had during the Erasmus event in the town of Pujat, Spain, became one of the most valuable memories of my life. It improved my ability to express myself, helped me make new friends and gave me the opportunity to better understand different cultures. This experience will remain an adventure I will always remember.

Here is Mert’s comments:

During the week I spent in Pujalt, we delved into the depths of the art of theatre. Throughout the course, we received various improvisation lessons, and, more importantly, engaged in hands-on activities to enhance our theatre skills. We worked on different plays and performances, fostering our creativity and expressive abilities. Additionally, interacting with participants from different countries enriched us with a cultural exchange, providing us with different perspectives.

This training course not only helped us gain a deeper understanding of the theatre arts but also offered the opportunity to meet different cultures and forge new friendships. This experience reaffirmed the value of European Union cultural exchange projects. The theatre education course in Pujalt was highly productive for me, contributing to both personal and professional development. I look forward to participating in future projects and hope that such experiences can be shared with more people.

As participants of the project, we would like to thank our organization İmece Network and the project owner @backtotheroots.eu.
Organized by: @s.hcli

Trekking in Belgrade Forest

On the morning of 2nd of September we went to a journey to the untouched natured located close, but still far enough from the busy streets of Istanbul. 

The group gathered at the Fatih Belediyesi at 10am. The group was big, 22 people came and a one tiny poppy, that quickly became everyone’s favorite. When we arrived at the Belgrade Forest we took a little coffee break and then stared walking.

During the first part of our walk was the easier cause there weren’t lots of hills so we could causally talk to each others, getting to know the whole group, exploring the forest and the beautiful nature that we often forget to pay attention. Along with our group poppy a three local dogs joined our team and started walking with us. After two hours of walking we had a lunch break. The lunch and the water, as well coffee, was provided by municipality of Fatih. While enjoying our delicious lunch we had a chance to admire the beautiful nature and the wonderful lake. Where we took a few pictures.

Later on we continued our walking, this time with a little more obstacles. New hills to clime up, streams to jump over, but we done it all successfully. Now we became almost a professional at trekking. The whole time trekking we got a chance to meet up new people, catch up with old friends and spend a nice time while being active.

Our walk ended at 2pm and then we slowly started walking to the bus, who was waiting for us to get us back to the Fatih. While we were still tired from the walking the good vibe and talk kept on. We hope that the group will keep growing and that we will go on lots of adventures like this one!

Imece Network’s Canoeing Adventure: A Splashing Success!

Hello, dear friends and adventure enthusiasts! We are thrilled to share the exciting details of our recent canoeing event held at “Kano ve Kürek Sporları Merkezi” on the 21st of August. What a fantastic day it was, and we’re excited to give you a glimpse into the unforgettable experience we shared.

A Splash of Adventure

Our canoeing event was a celebration of the great outdoors, teamwork, and the joy of paddling through the water. We firmly believe that such adventures are not only a source of fun but also offer valuable life lessons and opportunities for personal growth.

The Beauty of Inclusivity

At Imece Network, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. This event was no exception, and we were thrilled to see participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels come together. Canoeing, as it turns out, is a great equalizer. Whether you were an experienced paddler or a first-timer, the sea treated everyone equally.

A Day of Personal Growth

The sea provided not only a picturesque setting but also valuable life lessons. As participants navigated the waters, they also navigated their comfort zones. The event encouraged everyone to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and discover untapped potentials.

Building Bonds and Communities

One of the most beautiful aspects of Imece Network events is the sense of community that is created. The canoeing event was no different. As participants paddled alongside each other, they forged new friendships, strengthened existing bonds, and built a stronger sense of unity.

A Look Back

We were delighted to see participants embrace the adventure. Some experienced canoeing for the first time, while others polished their skills. The laughter, cheers, and shared moments created lasting memories. It was a day of splashing through challenges and embracing the unknown.

The Future of Adventure

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event. Your enthusiasm made it special. We hope you left with a sense of achievement and a desire for more adventures.

Our commitment to community engagement, youth empowerment, and inclusivity continues. We look forward to organizing more exciting events and sharing unforgettable moments with you.

Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming adventures. Keep the spirit of adventure alive in your hearts. Together, we can make a difference, one splash at a time.

Thank you for being a part of the Imece Network family!

TC “Resilient Youth”

The main target of the project held in Pamporovo, Bulgaria was Resilient Youth. Young people from 8 different countries faced their fears and problems expressing their feelings and learned to overcome them.

The project was carried out between 4 and 10 July 2023 . İmece was represented by 3 people. The project aimed to create socially, physically and mentally resilient youth by acquiring healthy habits, developing motor skills and understanding the factors that affect all aspects of an individual’s physical, spiritual and emotional development. 24 participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine and Bulgaria spent 7 days together in the middle of nature and expressed their opinions on the importance of mental health and physical resilience.

Melike said “We had great days from the first day of the project. We were together, we shared our feelings. I really liked the part where we walked in nature and felt like a part of nature”

Other participants also agreed that this expedition was unforgettable. Murat and Yusuf added “It was important for all of us to understand the importance of mental and physical health. The moments we spent communicating and understanding each other’s feelings and thoughts will always be etched in our memories. Just like in all Erasmus+ Projects, saying goodbye on the last day was difficult for us. Despite this, we are grateful for the connections we formed and the support we will continue to provide each other, even if we never meet again”