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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Our Russian Speaking Club was held for 2 months, creating a vibrant space for language enthusiasts. Participants of all proficiency levels gathered to practice and improve their Russian in a supportive environment. Each session started with a casual chat to break the ice, allowing everyone to get comfortable.
The club’s facilitator, a native Russian speaker, introduced various topics each week, ranging from culture and history to current events. Interactive activities such as role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions kept the sessions engaging and fun. Members were encouraged to speak as much as possible, helping them build confidence in their language skills. Occasionally, the club featured guest speakers who 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 opportunity to learn and connect with others who shared their passion for the Russian language. Overall, the weekly Russian speaking club became a highlight for many, fostering both linguistic and cultural exchange.
