Tag Archives: Youth Exchange

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

13 April 2025 imece network Leave a comment

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

8 April 2025 imece network Leave a comment

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

Youth Exchange “Our Rights: Human Rights”

6 April 2024 imece network Leave a comment

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.

Youth Exchange “The Art of Photography: Diversity and Inclusion”

10 May 2023 imece network Leave a comment

A mobility period took place in May 2023, in Horezu, Romania, where participants engaged in cultural exchange and collaborative efforts. Through non-formal activities, the project focused on enhancing the quality of youth services, promoting inclusion and diversity, and developing essential skills.

Objectives:

Strengthening Organizational Capacity: Three organizations, including a new one, improved their operational capacity through project activities.
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity: Over 30 young individuals, participated in workshops, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns to challenge discrimination and promote inclusivity.
Skill Development for the Community: Ten practical activities, including workshops and exhibitions, enabled young participants to acquire new skills and contribute positively to their communities.

Participants prepared presentations showcasing their countries’ traditions and attractions. They explored inclusion and diversity through photos, videos, and other creative means.

The project successfully empowered youth, strengthened organizations, and promoted inclusion and diversity. The mobility period provided a platform for cultural exchange and collaborative efforts to combat social barriers. Through their participation, the youth became change-makers in their communities, fostering a more inclusive future.

Youth Exchange in Timisoara

27 November 2022 imece network Leave a comment

Timisoara, Romania, was a hub of youthful peacemakers from Portugal, Romania, Turkey, and the UK from November 21 to November 27, 2022. These aspirant community educators and future reconciliation workers benefited greatly from the RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace event.

The program sought to give participants the skills needed to resolve interpersonal conflicts and deal with social conflicts on a local level through encouraging multicultural experiences, improving skills, and promoting understanding. Three boys and three girls from Imece Network participated in the event, and they recounted their motivational journeys of self-discovery and new connections.

One of the most impactful aspects of projects like “RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace” is the opportunity to interact with cultures previously unfamiliar to participants. Fatih acknowledges the significance of these encounters, stating, “These projects help me interact with cultures that I have never encountered before in a short time.” Through engaging with diverse perspectives, the participants expanded their horizons, challenged their preconceptions, and developed a deeper understanding of global issues.

RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace provided an environment that encouraged participants to venture beyond their comfort zones, fostering personal development and cultivating the skills necessary to address social conflicts within their communities.

Through their experiences, participants discovered the profound importance of peace and the power of cultural exchange in overcoming personal conflicts and addressing social challenges. As they continue on their journeys, these young peace builders are equipped with the skills, understanding, and passion to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

Youth Exchange in London

5 November 2022 imece network Leave a comment

From October 30 to November 5, 2022, London, UK became a hub of youthful energy and global connections as the RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace youth exchange took place. This transformative program brought together young participants aged 18-25 from various countries to develop essential non-cognitive skills and engage in activities centered around peacebuilding.

The exchange presented an exclusive chance for participants to establish meaningful connections with peers hailing from diverse backgrounds. They had the privilege to fully immerse themselves in the dynamic and lively culture of London. Moreover, the exchange empowered them to initiate and launch social action activities within their own communities, making a positive impact on the world around them.

In the lively metropolis of London, the exchange unfolded, immersing participants in a captivating cultural journey. The organizers thoughtfully curated a series of formal meals and events to enrich the participants’ cultural immersion. The Welcome Lunch, Cultural Night, and Farewell Dinner provided the perfect backdrop for participants to build connections, foster bonds, and gain a deep appreciation for the vibrant tapestry of London’s diverse culture.

Youth Exchange in Istanbul

2 October 2022 imece network Leave a comment

Let’s take a moment to look back on the incredible event called RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace that took place in Istanbul, Turkey. It was an amazing journey that brought together young people from different places, and here’s what made it so special.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to explore the fascinating city of Istanbul. The streets were lively, the markets were colorful, and the buildings were breathtaking. It felt like stepping into a magical world where history and tradition came to life.

One of the highlights of the event was the chance to make a positive impact on the local community. Participants joined in a treasure hunt, visited organizations doing good work, and enjoyed a delightful picnic. They also celebrated their diverse cultures and engaged in meaningful conversations, creating a sense of unity and understanding.

RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace was an unforgettable event that united young people from diverse backgrounds. The exploration of Istanbul, the fun and interactive learning, and the collective effort to make a difference left a lasting impression on everyone involved. While the event has come to an end, the memories and lessons learned will continue to shape the participants’ lives.

Youth Exchange in Cascais

18 September 2022 imece network Leave a comment

The power of youth in promoting peace and fostering understanding across cultures cannot be underestimated. On 12-18 September 2022, a transformative youth exchange program, RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace, took place in the beautiful coastal town of Cascais, Portugal.

This initiative provided a unique platform for young peacebuilders from the United Kingdom, Turkey, Portugal, and Romania to come together, learn from one another, and develop the skills necessary to create positive change in their communities. Over the youth exchange of a week, 30 participants, including three girls and three boys from Turkey, immersed themselves in a journey of personal growth and intercultural exploration.

By emphasizing the use of dialogue, meditation, play, and sport for development, the program aimed to foster understanding, overcome gender inequalities, and empower participants to become effective social leaders within their communities.

YE “Sport A Language We All Speak” in Bulgaria

31 May 2022 imece network Leave a comment

Young people from Turkey had a chance to participate in a project in Bulgaria. Between 25 – 31 May, they gathered with other young people from Europe in a Lozen, a village located in the Stolichna Municipality of Sofia.

The project dealt with the importance of sport as an educational tool for intercultural learning, fighting discrimination and promoting social inclusion. Imece network was represented by 4 participants and 1 leader. One of them was Efe, who shares: “For me this project was incredible. Before the project, I always had a question mark about its subject, but they told us the subject in a very good way with the workshops they prepared meticulously.”

The moment he remembers the most is when they took on the roles they gave them and tried to play them for 1 hour.“This left a good impression on me. We cannot prevent discrimination in sports, even if we do not want it due to the media. While everyone knows very famous male actors, we may not even be aware of the existence of female athletes with the same degree. This is true for all sports and athletes.”

The project in Sofia left an impact on all participants. Efe adds: “I have removed one more obstacle in my mind”.

Testimonials From Youth Exchange in London

22 May 2022 imece network Leave a comment

Hello, I’m Âsûde.

I was a participant from Turkey in the Resolve: Peace Camps project in London on May 17-22. This project has participants from Cyprus, Hungary, Spain and Bosnia.

The Resolve: Peace Camps project consisted of many events emphasizing peace on a global axis. It was a full-blown session where we discussed what we can prioritize from the past conflicts with the guest speakers, visited the war museum about Britain and talked about the conflicts on the artefacts here, information has be given about the European Union and Brexit in the Europe House, and discussed the issues that occupy the agenda in international relations specific to various identities.

In addition, being involved in a project in London, one of the world’s leading metropolises, is enough to have unique experiences in many ways. You can encounter a different celebration every season. It was also enjoyable to explore the streets and talk to the people you met there.

There are many parameters that ensure the healthy development of communication on platforms where people from different cultures come together. I had no difficulty in communicating and establishing relationships with the participants in this project. All of them were people I was very happy to meet, had a great time with and would like to meet again in the future.

Finally, I believe that such projects support development in many areas. I am very happy to be with İmece Network in this project and I would like to thank İmece Network for this.

Âsûde Özkal

International Platform on Education, Culture