Intervillage European Journey

Inclusive Youth Information Award category

Intervillage European Journey

Title of the Project

Intervillage European Journey

Organisation

İzmir Gençlik ve Spor İl Müdürlüğü Bornova Gençlik Merkezi (Izmir Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports Bornova Youth Center)

WEBSITE

Project link

Project dates

January 16, 2022

December 28, 2025

What is it about?

The Köyler Arası Avrupa Yolculuğu (Intervillage European Journey) project is designed to introduce rural youth, many of whom have never travelled beyond their district, to European opportunities while fostering cultural exchange. This initiative aims to inspire and empower young individuals in villages by exposing them to the educational, cultural, and professional prospects available through European programmes.

The project involves hosting events in various villages, featuring information sessions about Erasmus+ programmes, European volunteering opportunities, and exchange projects. To make the experience engaging, international students participating in programmes within Türkiye will be invited to these sessions. By participating in interactive workshops, discussions, and shared activities, rural youth will not only learn about opportunities abroad but also engage with foreign students, breaking cultural barriers and fostering mutual understanding.

Key activities include:

Storytelling sessions by alumni who have benefited from European opportunities.
Live Q&A discussions with international students.
Collaborative cultural activities to highlight diversity and inclusion.

Additionally, practical resources, such as step-by-step guides and mentorship opportunities, will be provided to support the participants in accessing European programmes.

By bringing these opportunities directly to the villages, the project seeks to overcome barriers such as limited mobility and lack of exposure to global perspectives. The Köyler Arası Avrupa Yolculuğu (Intervillage European Journey) project emphasizes the transformative power of cultural exchange and aims to inspire hope, broaden horizons, and connect rural youth with the global community. This journey of discovery and empowerment lays the groundwork for more inclusive and accessible opportunities for all.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

The Köyler Arası Avrupa Yolculuğu (Intervillage European Journey) project aligns closely with the thematic category of Inclusive Youth Information by addressing the barriers faced by rural youth in accessing global opportunities. Many young individuals in rural areas have limited access to information about educational and cultural programmes due to geographic, socio-economic, or technological constraints. This initiative bridges the gap by bringing relevant and accessible information directly to their communities.

Through interactive sessions and engagement with international students, the project ensures that youth from diverse backgrounds—particularly those with minimal exposure to global perspectives—gain a clear understanding of European opportunities. By creating an inclusive environment, the project values and respects the unique challenges and potential of rural youth, ensuring that the information provided is relatable, practical, and actionable.

The inclusion of international students in the programme serves as a powerful example of cultural exchange and diversity. This approach not only demystifies the concept of international collaboration but also inspires young participants to envision themselves as active contributors to a global community. By fostering personal connections and direct communication, the project creates an inclusive and encouraging platform for rural youth.

Moreover, the project provides tailored resources, such as guides and mentorship, to ensure that every participant, regardless of their starting point, has the tools needed to explore and pursue European opportunities. This initiative also empowers young people to take an active role in shaping their futures, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.

In essence, Köyler Arası Avrupa Yolculuğu (Intervillage European Journey) exemplifies Inclusive Youth Information by removing barriers, celebrating diversity, and enabling all young individuals to access and benefit from global opportunities equally.

What was the impact of the project?

The Köyler Arası Avrupa Yolculuğu (Intervillage European Journey) project created a profound and measurable impact on rural youth and their communities by providing access to information and experiences previously unavailable to them. For many participants, this project marked their first exposure to international opportunities and direct interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The project empowered young people by raising awareness about European programmes such as Erasmus+, volunteering, and cultural exchanges. It fostered curiosity and motivation, inspiring participants to imagine new possibilities for their future. Through storytelling sessions and interactive workshops with international students, rural youth gained confidence in their ability to participate in global initiatives, breaking down feelings of isolation and limited horizons.

By bringing information directly to villages, the project eliminated geographic and socio-economic barriers that often hinder rural youth from accessing such opportunities. It equipped participants with practical tools, including guides and mentorship support, enabling them to take concrete steps toward pursuing European opportunities.

On a broader scale, the project strengthened cultural awareness and mutual understanding within the community. Parents and local stakeholders observed the enthusiasm and transformative potential these opportunities provided, fostering a more supportive environment for youth to pursue global experiences.

The international students who participated in the project also benefited from this cultural exchange, learning about rural Türkiye’s rich heritage and values. This two-way interaction further reinforced the project’s inclusivity and its goal of bridging cultural divides.

Ultimately, the Köyler Arası Avrupa Yolculuğu project not only broadened the perspectives of young participants but also ignited a sense of belonging to a global community, leaving a lasting impact on both individuals and their communities.

Did the project have any green focus?

The Köyler Arası Avrupa Yolculuğu (Intervillage European Journey) project adopted an eco-friendly approach, aiming to raise awareness about sustainability among both young participants and the broader community. Throughout the project, all materials used were carefully selected to be as recyclable or reusable as possible. Digital resources were prioritised during informational sessions to minimise paper consumption.

The project’s green focus was supported through workshops and discussions designed to increase environmental awareness. While introducing European opportunities to young people, the project also provided education on sustainability and encouraged environmentally friendly habits.

In this way, the project successfully created both individual awareness and a broader social impact by integrating environmental consciousness into its activities.

Inclusive Youth Information Award category