Together in Konya was a transformative international project hosted by Atmosfer Youth Center, acting as a Eurodesk Contact Point, with a distinct mission: to dismantle the social and physical barriers surrounding visual impairment. We brought together 50 young participants from Norway, the Netherlands, Morocco, Jordan, and Türkiye to create a truly inclusive environment where physical limitations do not define participation. Our primary goal was to shift the perspective of young people from passive “sympathy” to active “empathy” by immersing them in the daily realities of their visually impaired peers.

Instead of traditional seminars, we used immersive, non-formal learning methods to bridge the gap between the seeing and non-seeing worlds. We organised “blind football” and adapted basketball matches where sighted participants played without vision, experiencing the world from a completely different perspective. This role-reversal created profound mutual understanding and solidarity on the field. Beyond sports, we conducted a Braille alphabet workshop to teach the logic of tactile communication, breaking down language barriers in a very literal sense.

The project also gave a stage to the unheard voices through a theatre performance depicting the daily challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. This artistic expression allowed participants to advocate for their own stories to an international audience. Crucially, as a Eurodesk Contact Point, we integrated comprehensive sessions on European opportunities, ensuring that information was conveyed in accessible formats for all. Together in Konya proved that when provided with the right support and inclusive methods, youth work has no physical boundaries.