The international study visit titled “Good Practices in Youth Work and Institutional Cooperation,” organized by Bülbülzade Association under the Erasmus+ Youth Accreditation (KA151) in cooperation with the Bosnia and Herzegovina-based International Solidarity Forum (IFS EMMAUS), has been completed in Gaziantep.
The activity, carried out between 19–23 October 2026 within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme supported by the Turkish National Agency, aimed to share good practices in youth work, examine volunteering models on site, and develop institutional cooperation among civil society organizations. The IFS EMMAUS delegation, which came to Gaziantep as part of the programme, visited various institutions and organizations hosted by Bülbülzade Association and received information about initiatives supporting young people's participation in social life.
IFS EMMAUS, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's well-established civil society organizations, operates in the fields of humanitarian aid, education, youth and social services in various regions of the country, particularly in Srebrenica and Doboj. Standing out for its support and solidarity initiatives for the Mothers of Srebrenica, the organization carries out comprehensive activities in supporting orphaned, disabled and economically disadvantaged children and young people, improving educational opportunities, strengthening communities and promoting sustainable environmental policies.
YOUTH AND VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES EXAMINED ON SITE
During the study visit, which began with an introductory programme, practices encouraging young people's participation in volunteering activities were highlighted. Participants visited the Migration Centre, the Orphan Coordination Centre and the Aid Store operating under Bülbülzade Foundation, where they examined the social assistance, solidarity and integration activities being carried out. During the visits, particular attention was given to the roles undertaken by young volunteers in aid activities for families in need, social support initiatives for disadvantaged groups and community solidarity processes. Experiences were shared regarding practices that enable young people to develop a sense of social responsibility and strengthen their active citizenship skills through volunteering. Within the scope of the programme, visits were also made to the Digital Museum, historical bazaars and Rumkale to introduce Gaziantep's historical and cultural heritage. These visits aimed to strengthen intercultural interaction among participants and promote local cultural heritage.
GOOD PRACTICES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS EVALUATED
An important part of the study visit consisted of stakeholder visits to centres operating under Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. In this context, the Barrier-Free Living Centre, the Orthotics and Prosthetics Centre and the Moral Support Centre were visited, and the activities carried out for people with disabilities, individuals receiving rehabilitation services and various disadvantaged groups were examined on site. During the visits, officials provided information about the service models, institutional operations and social support mechanisms offered by the centres. In addition, discussions were held on how young people could contribute to such social service models through volunteering activities, opportunities for cooperation between local governments and youth organizations, and the dissemination of good practices in different countries.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH COOPERATION STRENGTHENED
The study visit carried out within the scope of Erasmus+ Youth Accreditation contributed to the development of existing cooperation between Bülbülzade Association and IFS EMMAUS in the fields of youth work, volunteering, social inclusion and community solidarity. During the field visits and institutional meetings held throughout the programme, volunteering models and joint project opportunities that would enable young people to play a more active role in solving social problems were discussed.
The study visit concluded with mutual evaluations aimed at developing sustainable cooperation between the two organizations in the field of youth.
