The International Youth Quest Association (UGARD) participated in the “Quality Label Training for Organisations” organised by the Turkish National Agency under the Directorate for European Union Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, held in Mardin between 24–27 June 2026.

The training, organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, focused on the Quality Label process, strengthening organisational capacity, quality project management, the implementation of quality standards in international mobility activities, and sustainability. Throughout the programme, participants had the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge of current approaches and good practices aimed at improving quality in international projects.

As UGARD, we aim to integrate the knowledge and experience gained through this training into our international activities, further strengthen our project development capacity, implement higher-quality activities under the Erasmus+ Programme, and provide more international opportunities for young people.

We remain committed to strengthening international cooperation and developing impactful projects by embracing a quality-oriented approach in youth work.

A large-scale advocacy campaign has been launched to address the lack of tactile paving (guiding paths) along the Atakum coastal promenade in Samsun, which restricts the safe and independent mobility of visually impaired individuals. Based on the principle that access to public spaces is not a privilege but a fundamental right, the campaign calls for the promenade to be redesigned in accordance with universal design standards and made fully accessible for people with visual impairments.

To turn this legitimate demand into reality, official petitions will be submitted to the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, meetings will be held with decision-makers, and public awareness will be raised through social media campaigns. Supported by the Association for the Education of the Visually Impaired, the Samsun Federation of Persons with Disabilities, and the Albinism Association, this initiative invites all rights advocates, civil society organizations, and everyone who supports equality and accessibility to join our efforts and help us build a more inclusive Atakum.

Established in 2013 with the support of the Sabancı Foundation, the Disability Rights Monitoring Platform (EHİP) has relaunched its efforts to strengthen its organizational structure and prioritize the active participation of young people.

The “New Generation Advocacy for Disability Rights Project,” led by the International Youth Search Association, has launched its activities in collaboration with the Association for the Visually Impaired in Education and the Turkish Youth Union Association.

Focusing on young people and a culture of inclusive living, the project aims to build a stronger, more participatory, and sustainable advocacy for disability rights at both the local and national levels. Participants are invited to take responsibility for creating a life where people with disabilities can equally enjoy their rights and to support efforts in this field.

As an association, we remain committed to continuing our work to strengthen disability rights and enhance the feasibility of the solutions we develop.

Wednesday, May 12, we gathered with our volunteers for a fun and educational day surrounded by nature. The event was filled with experiences that highlighted the importance of teamwork while connecting with nature.

Through the orienteering activities, which were among the day’s first events, participants personally experienced the value of moving together and solving problems as a team. Additionally, during the long nature walks, volunteers had the opportunity to discover various plant species, gaining a closer understanding of nature and learning about natural life.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Amazon Forest Workshop for hosting the event and to the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality for providing transportation for our volunteers. We believe that such events contribute to enhancing our volunteers’ environmental awareness while also strengthening their social bonds.

As an association, we will continue to expand opportunities for learning and experiencing nature firsthand, and we look forward to meeting our volunteers again at new events.

We have successfully completed the “Capacity Building Program on Erasmus+ Youth Projects and International Opportunities within the Scope of International Youth Work”, implemented in cooperation with ÜNİDES, FETAV, and Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Science and Research Community. Within the scope of this project, we went through an intensive three-day training process.

Throughout the program, participants conducted research and developed projects in teams under the following themes:

• Digital Skills for All
• Turtle Guardians: Youth Voices for Marine Life
• Accessible Tourism Route
• The Cyber Guardians (Cyberbullying)
• Green Steps: Youth and Climate Action

By experiencing the project writing process in a practical way, participants had the opportunity to strengthen their competencies in Erasmus+ project development. At the end of the program, project writing certificates were presented to all participants, marking the successful completion of this three-day educational journey.

Within the scope of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering project numbered 2024-2-TR01-ESC51-VTJ-000291047, supported by the Turkish National Agency and for which we are the applicant organization, an online introductory and preparation meeting was held with our short-term volunteers with and without disabilities who will take part in volunteering activities in North Macedonia.

During the meeting, a comprehensive overview of the project was presented. Detailed information was shared regarding the planned volunteering activities, the responsibilities of participants, and key aspects of the project implementation process. In addition, important details about the project timeline and overall workflow were provided to ensure a clear understanding of the process.

The meeting also offered an interactive space where volunteers had the opportunity to introduce themselves and get to know each other. This exchange allowed participants to share expectations and contributed to strengthening communication among the group.

Overall, the meeting served as a productive and meaningful step toward the upcoming volunteering experience, ensuring a well-prepared and informed start for all participants.

#esc #erasmus