Tag Archives: Training Course

Imece Network’s Journey to Latvia: Empowering Youth Workers

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!

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!

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.

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

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”

Training Course “The Road to Recovery” in Pamporovo

Spiritual and mental healing was the main goal of the project that took part in Pamporovo, Bulgaria. Young people from 8 different countries faced their fears and learned how to get through them.

The project was held between the 8th and 14th of August. Imece was represented by 3 people. The project aimed to improve the opportunities for the personal and professional realization of young people after the global pandemic, by building healthy habits, improving their motor skills and understanding the factors influencing all aspects of the physical, spiritual and emotional development of the individual. 24 participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine and Bulgaria spent 7 days together in the middle of nature and talked about their lives during a pandemic.

“We had very good days from the first day of the project. We bonded with each other and shared our feelings. I especially liked the activity we imagined we were on the ship. I realized what I wanted to do with my life”, shares Cemile.

Other participants agree that this time was unforgettable. Sumeyra adds: “It was so nice to meet people who can understand what you feel, what you have been through during coronavirus days. As it always happens in Erasmus+ Projects; we didn’t want to say goodbye to each other on the last day. However, we know that we will always remember and support each other even if we can’t meet again, thanks to this project”.

Training “CLAIM IT” in Mugla

Our volunteer – Rumeysa took part in the training in Fethiye Oludeniz. The main goal of the project is to increase dialogue between public institutions and youth organizations at the national and international levels.

The first part of the training took place between 1st and 7th August. A group of young people gathered together to discuss the importance of youth organizations, their role in the country and cooperation with public institutions. The training was given by GoFor – Youth Organizations Forum in Turkey.

“We learnt about public resources and EU funds that we can use in this programme in the days of public resources and civil society relationship, as well as EU funds, being international public resource”, says Rumeysa. It is worth nothing that according to the Mapping and Needs Analysis Report of Youth Organizations in Turkey, prepared in 2021 by GoFor, of which we are one of the member associations, 6 out of 10 youth organizations find their cooperation with public institutions almost non-existent or insufficient.

During the training, participant had a chance to learn also about legislation for civil society. “I think we will better understand that in the second part of the project, which will take place in Ankara”, adds Rumeysa.

Training Course “RISE”

Irem and Ebru participated to Training Course “RISE” in Valencia / Spain.

RISE “Resources for improving Social Inclusion and Equality – based on applied entrepreneurial competences” was a 5-day long youth workers mobility Training Course by Emprende Empleo.

The TC was carried out in Puerto de Sagunto, small municipality in east coast Spain, with one of the most beautiful beaches from Valencia region and 20 kilometers far from Valencia city center.

A group of 25 participants from 10 countries worked on the topics of social inclusion, equality and diversity, by developing and applying into action a set of entrepreneurial competences (Entrecomp and Digcomp) in the context of non-formal education.