Inclusive Youth Information Award category

One Precaution Saves a Thousand Lives

Title of the Project

One Precaution Saves a Thousand Lives

Organisation

SORGUN YOUTH ASSOCIATION (SORGED)

WEBSITE

https://www.sorged.org/

Project link

https://www.sorged.org/dokuman/bir-tedbir-bin-hayat.kurtarir.pdf

Project dates

2023-10-31

2024-12-30

What is it about?

This project idea emerged in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, centred in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, which revealed significant losses, a strong need for social solidarity, and clear gaps in disaster preparedness. Based on the understanding that disasters are managed not only during the response phase but also through pre-disaster preparedness and public awareness, our project team designed this initiative with the aim of reducing disaster risks, preventing loss of life and property, and establishing a community-based culture of preparedness.

The project specifically targeted young people living in the Yozgat region who are willing to take an active volunteer role in disaster management. Within the scope of the project, 30 young participants received both theoretical and practical training on disaster awareness, search and rescue, leadership in disasters, and teamwork. At the end of the training process, a volunteer youth team capable of taking active roles during and after disasters was established.

As part of the dissemination activities, the volunteer team organised disaster awareness sessions in schools and youth centres, contributing to the increase of public awareness at the local level. Currently, this volunteer team continues to provide voluntary support in disaster and emergency response activities in cooperation with the Yozgat Provincial Directorate of AFAD. The project was implemented by a team of five young people and, through the active participation of youth, has made a significant contribution to the establishment of a sustainable disaster volunteerism model in Yozgat.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

Our project directly contributed to the principle of inclusive youth information by targeting young people living in the yozgat region who have limited access to information and opportunities in the fields of disaster preparedness, volunteering, and active citizenship. The trainings and dissemination activities were designed using simple, accessible, and practice-based methods, ensuring equal access to information for young people from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. Through the eurodesk network, European-level volunteering and youth opportunities were introduced, enabling young people to access international information resources more easily.

At the same time, our project contributed to “the contribution of youth volunteering to resilience and the European preparedness strategy” and strongly addressed the theme of youth participation and democracy. Young people were positioned not as passive recipients of information, but as active actors who took part in decision-making processes, played an active role in disaster volunteering, and generated tangible social impact. Following the training activities, the volunteer youth team carried out disaster awareness initiatives in schools and youth centers, promoting active citizenship and a sense of social responsibility at the local level.

Furthermore, the project applied creative youth information methods based on peer-to-peer learning, experiential activities, and knowledge sharing in real-life settings. This approach supported young people in expressing themselves, strengthening their leadership and teamwork skills, and internalizing a culture of democratic participation.

Overall, with its inclusive, participatory, and empowering structure, the project provided a direct and effective contribution to the selected thematic category.

What was the impact of the project?

Our project created a lasting, multi-layered, and transformative impact on young people and the local community. First and foremost, the knowledge, awareness, and self-confidence of young people who previously lacked sufficient information about disaster preparedness increased significantly. Through theoretical and practical trainings, young participants gained concrete skills in identifying disaster risks, learning appropriate response behaviours, and taking responsibility during crisis situations.

Throughout the project, young people were not merely participants in educational activities but became active agents of the process. By being involved in decision-making, planning, implementation, and dissemination stages, they strengthened their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. This experience enhanced their confidence in themselves and in their ability to contribute to society, while also fostering a stronger sense of active citizenship.

The volunteer youth team established at the end of the project created a multiplier effect through disaster awareness activities carried out in schools and youth centres. As a result, not only the project participants but also a wider group of young people and the local community were reached with disaster awareness initiatives. The understanding that disaster preparedness is not solely the responsibility of institutions, but also a shared responsibility of individuals and volunteers, was significantly reinforced within the community.

Moreover, the project transformed young people’s perceptions of volunteering. Volunteering came to be seen not as a short-term activity, but as a sustainable form of social responsibility. The fact that young people continue their voluntary engagement in cooperation with local institutions clearly demonstrates the long-term and lasting nature of the project’s outcomes.

Overall, the project made a meaningful contribution by empowering young people, raising community awareness, and supporting the development of a culture of resilience at the local level.

Did the project have any green focus?

Yes, throughout the project we paid particular attention to being environmentally responsible. We tried to minimise paper use as much as possible by sharing information texts, forms, and training materials digitally. During trainings and meetings, we avoided single-use products and preferred reusable materials. Participants were informed about waste separation and recycling, and these practices were supported through everyday actions.

When selecting the venues for the activities, we made sure they were easily accessible in order to encourage the use of public transport and reduce our environmental impact. In addition, while addressing disaster preparedness, we emphasised that protecting the environment and adopting sustainable behaviours are also an important part of this process. The project not only raised awareness about disasters but also supported young people in thinking and acting in a more environmentally conscious way.

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

During the trainings, workshops, and dissemination activities organised within the scope of the project, participants were informed about the Eurodesk network and the European opportunities it offers (Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, youth mobility opportunities, etc.). Young people participating in disaster awareness trainings were introduced, through concrete examples, to European-level opportunities related to volunteering and active citizenship via Eurodesk. Throughout the project, the Eurodesk name and logo were included in social media posts, posters, presentations, training materials, and informative documents prepared within the framework of the activities. During the dissemination sessions carried out in schools and youth centres, Eurodesk was always promoted.

Project highlights

https://www.sorged.org/dokuman/bir-tedbir-bin-hayat.kurtarir.pdf

Your project on video

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