Inclusive Youth Information Award category

SOCIAL COHESION AFTER MIGRATION

Title of the Project

SOCIAL COHESION AFFTER MIGRATION

Organisation

Cedid Derneği

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/cediddernegi/

Project link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRTaQagStE/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRH7wbAiPK/?img_index=6

Project dates

2025-01-01

2025-01-01

What is it about?

Social Cohesion After Migration is a project implemented to address social cohesion challenges arising after migration and to strengthen dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence among young people from different cultural backgrounds. The project was organised within the framework of International Migrants Day on 18 December, taking into account Türkiye’s role as one of the world’s most important migration routes and its multicultural social structure.

The project aimed to create an inclusive and participatory environment by bringing together Syrian children and young people living in Siirt, local youth, and youth organisations from Europe. Implemented in cooperation with European non-governmental organisations, the project promoted intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, and solidarity among participants.

Within the scope of Social Cohesion After Migration, various activities were carried out, including social cohesion training sessions, a social cohesion panel, cultural and artistic activities, sports events, cultural meetings, cultural visits, and awareness-raising actions. Through these activities, young people and youth workers had the opportunity to interact, collaborate, and learn together across differences in language, culture, religion, and social background.

The project addressed key issues such as prejudice, racism, discrimination, and lack of communication, which negatively affect social cohesion. By using non-formal education and social cohesion methods, the project contributed to the development of tolerance, empathy, inclusive communication, and conflict prevention skills among participants.

As a result, participants strengthened their awareness and competences related to social cohesion and inclusive youth information. The project supported the dissemination of inclusive approaches in youth work and contributed to sustainable cooperation between local and European partners at both local and international levels.

The project “Negotiation and Mediation Skills for Youth Workers” was designed to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to address conflicts arising from cultural differences, social exclusion, and communication barriers in youth work settings. Recognising that youth workers often engage with young people.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

Social Cohesion After Migration directly responds to the selected thematic category of Inclusive Youth Information by addressing social cohesion challenges arising after migration and by promoting equal access to information, participation, and inclusion for young people from diverse backgrounds.

The project focuses on raising awareness among young people and youth workers about issues such as prejudice, discrimination, racism, and lack of communication, which negatively affect social cohesion. Through trainings, panels, and awareness-raising activities implemented using non-formal education methods, the project provides young people with accessible and inclusive information in a safe and participatory learning environment. This approach ensures that all participants, including migrants and refugees, are actively involved and able to express themselves.

Social Cohesion After Migration aims to build bridges between migrant and local youth by fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. By bringing together young people from different cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds, the project contributes to reducing social exclusion and strengthening a sense of belonging. The information shared throughout the project helps participants better understand their rights, the importance of social cohesion, and ways to engage constructively with diversity.

The initiative also supports youth workers by enhancing their capacity to deliver inclusive youth information and to create welcoming and non-discriminatory spaces in their local youth activities. In this way, the project strengthens the quality of youth work and promotes inclusive practices that can be sustained beyond the project period.

Overall, Social Cohesion After Migration reflects the core principles of Inclusive Youth Information by ensuring accessibility, equality, and participation, and by empowering young people to contribute positively to inclusive and cohesive communities.

What was the impact of the project?

Social Cohesion After Migration had a meaningful impact on both young people and the wider community by strengthening social cohesion and promoting inclusive attitudes in a multicultural context. The project created safe and participatory spaces where young people from migrant, refugee, and local backgrounds could come together, interact, and learn from one another.

For young participants, the project increased awareness of social cohesion, human rights, and the value of diversity. Through trainings, cultural activities, sports events, and awareness-raising actions, young people developed greater empathy, reduced prejudices, and improved their communication skills. Migrant and refugee youth, particularly Syrian children and young people living in Siirt, felt more visible, included, and confident in expressing themselves within the community.

The project also empowered youth workers and community members by enhancing their capacity to address challenges such as discrimination, racism, and social exclusion. Participants gained practical tools and approaches to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and conflict prevention in their daily youth work and community activities.

At the community level, Social Cohesion After Migration contributed to stronger relationships between migrant communities and local society. Public events organised within the framework of International Migrants Day increased awareness and sensitivity towards migration-related issues, fostering a more inclusive and tolerant social climate.

In the long term, the project supports sustainable social cohesion by encouraging young people and youth workers to act as ambassadors of inclusion and dialogue. The skills, knowledge, and attitudes developed through the project continue to influence local youth activities, contributing to a more cohesive, respectful, and inclusive community.

Did the project have any green focus?

Social Cohesion After Migration was planned and implemented with an environmentally sensitive approach. Throughout the project, priority was given to environmentally friendly practices, and information and training materials were shared digitally in order to reduce the use of printed materials. Reusable materials were preferred during activities, and the use of single-use plastics was avoided whenever possible.

Energy and water savings were considered in the venues where the activities took place, and participants were informed about environmentally responsible behaviours. During cultural visits and outdoor activities, awareness was raised regarding respect for nature and environmental cleanliness. In addition, the project aimed to reduce its carbon footprint by prioritising the use of local resources and services whenever possible.

Through this approach, the project contributed not only to social cohesion but also to raising awareness of environmental responsibility among participants.

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

Within the scope of Social Cohesion After Migration, Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured throughout all project phases. Eurodesk was introduced to participants during information sessions, highlighting its role, opportunities, and youth information services. The Eurodesk logo was used on training materials, presentations, certificates, and promotional visuals. Project activities were shared through social media posts and digital announcements, including references to Eurodesk. In addition, participants were encouraged to disseminate Eurodesk information within their local youth activities, contributing to wider outreach and increased awareness of Eurodesk among young people.

Project highlights

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRTaQagStE/

Your project on video

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRUgFFagbUJ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRQlPthJhN1/