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

Would you like to take some time for yourself, step away from daily busyness, and support your well-being?

In this 1-hour workshop organized by our association, you will have the opportunity to relax and reconnect with yourself through short mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and guided sharing sessions.

What awaits you in this session?

• Introduction and a short warm-up activity
• Breathing awareness exercises
• Mindfulness activities focused on being present in the moment
• Sharing practices that support well-being
• Simple and practical tips for daily life
• Closing and relaxation exercise

We would be delighted to have you join us and gift yourself this small but meaningful break.

You can access the session link via the Instagram post that will be shared on the day and time of the meeting.