Tag Archives: Education

Haklar Project: Advocating for Youth Rights

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”

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.