Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

YOUTH GUARD: SAFE PATHS AHEAD

Title of the Project

YOUTH GUARD: SAFE PATHS AHEAD

Organisation

Adana Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports

WEBSITE

https://adana.gsb.gov.tr/

Project link

https://instagram.com/adanagsimeurodesk

https://adana.gsb.gov.tr

Project dates

2023-12-01

2024-07-31

What is it about?

Youth Guard: Safe Paths Ahead is a preventive and inclusive youth project aiming to combat substance behavioural addictions by empowering young people with knowledge, skills, and healthy life alternatives. The project focuses on strengthening protective factors such as self-confidence, social belonging, emotional well-being, and active participation, while reducing risk factors related to addiction, social exclusion, and unhealthy lifestyles.

The project targets young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, including disadvantaged backgrounds, early school leavers, and youth at risk of addiction. Through non-formal education, sports-based activities, peer learning, and awareness workshops, participants are supported to make informed and responsible life choices. Special emphasis is placed on building resilience, critical thinking, and positive coping mechanisms.

Key activities include interactive seminars on addiction prevention, healthy lifestyle promotion, sport- and art-based group sessions, mentoring, and community awareness events. Experts, youth workers, psychologists, and sports trainers contribute to the learning process, ensuring both professional guidance and a youth-friendly approach. The project also promotes family and community involvement to create a supportive environment around young people.

Youth Guard: Safe Paths Ahead contributes to social inclusion, mental and physical well-being, and active citizenship by encouraging young people to become role models and peer educators within their communities. By fostering solidarity, responsibility, and participation, the project supports European values and policies on youth, health, and social cohesion, while offering sustainable tools for preventing addiction and building safer, healthier futures for young generations.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

The Youth Guard: Safe Paths Ahead initiative corresponds primarily to the thematic category of Inclusive Youth Information, while also contributing to Youth Participation and Democracy.

The project aims to ensure that young people, especially those with fewer opportunities and at risk of addiction, have equal access to reliable, clear, and youth-friendly information on health, well-being, and European opportunities. Information on addiction prevention, healthy lifestyles, and support services is delivered through non-formal education methods, peer learning, and interactive workshops. In addition, information meetings and awareness seminars are organized in cooperation with the Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay), providing participants with expert knowledge and professional guidance.

Within the project, educational trips and study visits are organized to introduce young people to safe social environments, healthy lifestyle spaces, and positive alternatives for their free time. These activities allow participants to connect theory with practice and to observe preventive approaches to addiction in real-life settings.

In line with the principles of Inclusive Youth Information, the project uses clear language, visual materials, and participatory methods to reach young people with different educational backgrounds and learning needs. It also creates safe spaces where young people can ask questions openly, share experiences, and receive guidance without stigma or discrimination.

At the same time, the initiative supports Youth Participation and Democracy by actively involving young people in the planning and implementation of activities. Participants contribute their ideas, take part in discussions and awareness campaigns, and act as peer educators and role models in their communities.

What was the impact of the project?

Youth Guard: Safe Paths Ahead created a significant and positive impact on both young people and the wider community by strengthening awareness, resilience, and social responsibility in the field of addiction prevention and healthy lifestyles. Young participants increased their knowledge about substance and behavioural addictions, their consequences, and available support mechanisms. Through meetings with experts from the Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay), interactive workshops, and peer-learning activities, they developed critical thinking skills, self-confidence, and the ability to make informed decisions. Sport- and art-based activities, as well as educational trips, offered safe and attractive alternatives to risky behaviours, helping them build positive habits, social bonds, and a sense of belonging.

To disseminate the project’s messages widely, promotional and information activities were carried out at fairs, schools, shopping malls, and local community offices (muhtarlıklar). Information stands, brochure distribution, and face-to-face outreach made it possible to reach not only young people but also families and the wider public, increasing visibility and awareness of addiction prevention and healthy lifestyles at community level. These actions were further supported by public events, social media campaigns, and information meetings organised in cooperation with the Turkish Green Crescent, contributing to open dialogue, reduced stigma, and the promotion of a culture of health, solidarity, and well-being.

Did the project have any green focus?

Yes, the project integrated a green focus and implemented several eco-friendly measures throughout its activities. Digital tools were used for communication, registration, and dissemination in order to reduce paper consumption. When printed materials such as posters and brochures were necessary, they were produced in limited numbers and, whenever possible, on recycled paper.

Activities and meetings encouraged the use of public transport and shared travel to reduce the carbon footprint. During events, reusable materials were preferred, and participants were informed about waste separation and recycling practices. Environmental awareness was also indirectly promoted through healthy lifestyle and outdoor activities, highlighting the link between personal well-being and a sustainable environment.

By combining environmentally responsible practices with awareness-raising, the project aimed to foster eco-friendly attitudes and sustainable habits among young people and partner organisations.

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

Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured through the use of its logo and visual identity on all project materials, including posters, banners, social media posts, presentations, and participant certificates. Information about Eurodesk opportunities was shared during workshops and information sessions, and the Eurodesk network was promoted as a reliable source of youth mobility and European opportunities. Online dissemination was carried out via the organisation’s website and social media channels, clearly acknowledging Eurodesk’s support and linking the project outcomes with European youth information services.

Project highlights

https://instagram.com/adanagsimeurodesk

Your project on video

https://instagram.com/adanagsimeurodesk

https://adana.gsb.gov.tr/