Cultures united at the table

Title of the Project

Cultures united at the table

Organisation

Yedi İklim Culture Art Education Science and Solidarity Association

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/yediiklimder/

Project link

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP1TFovjf5z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Project dates

2025-01-01

2025-12-31

What is it about?

The project was an inclusive volunteering initiative bringing together young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds through a shared kitchen workshop. Participants included children from Palestine receiving medical treatment and their accompanying family members, war-affected volunteers from Azerbaijan, financially disadvantaged volunteers from Morocco, and Turkish young people aged 16–18, many of whom had limited access to international opportunities.

All participants took part in a collective cooking workshop where each individual introduced and prepared traditional dishes from their own culture. The kitchen was used as a safe and equal space to encourage interaction, mutual understanding, and social inclusion beyond linguistic, cultural, or socio-economic barriers.

Following the workshop, a shared meal created a natural environment for dialogue, during which European opportunities were introduced and volunteers shared their personal experiences in volunteering and solidarity projects. Through experiential and non-formal learning methods, the project aimed to promote inclusion, intercultural dialogue, equal participation, and awareness of European Solidarity Corps opportunities among young people who might not otherwise access such programmes.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This initiative directly corresponds to the Inclusive Youth Information theme by ensuring that European opportunities and youth information were accessible to young people facing social, economic, health-related, or conflict-related barriers. The project targeted groups with fewer opportunities, including children receiving medical treatment and their families, war-affected and financially disadvantaged volunteers, and local young people with limited access to international information.

Youth information was delivered in a safe, informal, and inclusive environment through non-formal learning methods. Instead of traditional information sessions, European opportunities and Eurodesk services were introduced during shared activities, using simple language and peer-to-peer experience sharing. This approach reduced barriers to information, encouraged participation, and ensured equal access to reliable youth information for all participants, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.

What was the impact of the project?

The project created a meaningful social and educational impact by bringing together young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds in an inclusive and supportive environment. For many participants—especially children receiving medical treatment and their families, war-affected volunteers, and financially disadvantaged young people—this activity represented a rare opportunity to feel welcomed, valued, and actively involved in a community setting.

By using a kitchen workshop as a shared learning space, the project fostered intercultural dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect. Participants were not passive recipients but active contributors, sharing their cultural identities through food. This helped reduce prejudices, strengthen social bonds, and promote a sense of belonging among individuals who might otherwise feel isolated due to health, economic, or social challenges.

The project also increased awareness of European opportunities among young people who had little or no prior knowledge of programmes such as the European Solidarity Corps or Eurodesk. Through peer-to-peer experience sharing, participants gained practical and relatable information, making European opportunities feel more accessible and achievable. This encouraged curiosity, motivation, and confidence, particularly among local youth aged 16–18.

At the community level, the initiative demonstrated how inclusive, low-threshold activities can effectively reach underrepresented groups and turn diversity into a strength. It strengthened cooperation between local youth, international volunteers, and families, contributing to social cohesion and a more inclusive community culture. Overall, the project empowered young people, raised awareness, and left a positive and lasting impression on both participants and the wider community.

Did the project have any green focus?

Yes, the project integrated eco-friendly practices by promoting sustainable and responsible use of resources throughout the activity. During the kitchen workshop, ingredients were selected with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced products in order to reduce environmental impact and support local producers. Food waste was minimised through careful portion planning, and leftover food was shared among participants.

Single-use plastics were avoided as much as possible by using reusable kitchen utensils, plates, and cups. Participants were encouraged to be mindful of water and energy consumption during cooking activities. In addition, information sharing and communication related to the project were mainly conducted digitally to reduce paper use. Through these simple but effective measures, the project raised environmental awareness while demonstrating that small, everyday actions can contribute to more sustainable and environmentally responsible youth activities.

How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?

Eurodesk visibility was ensured through the use of Eurodesk-branded flags displayed during the activity. After the event, social media posts were shared and reposted by the Turkish National Agency, Eurodesk Turkey, and the official Eurodesk channels, with careful attention paid to correct logo use and visibility guidelines.

Project highlights

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP1TFovjf5z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Your project on video

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP1TFovjf5z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==