Tag Archives: Imece Network

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

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

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

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.

ErasmusDays 2024

Erasmusdays 2024
Erasmusdays 2024

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”

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.

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.

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