Within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA151 project organized in partnership with Bülbülzade Association and the Association of Serbia Turkey Alumni (ASMAT), a delegation from Serbia is coming together with public institutions and social service fields in Gaziantep.
The Erasmus+ KA151 project, which aims to strengthen cooperation with public authorities in the field of youth, has been implemented under the partnership of Bülbülzade Association, operating under our Foundation, and the Association of Serbia Turkey Alumni (ASMAT). For the study visit titled “Institutional Cooperation and Social Impact Strategies in the Field of Youth,” supported by the Turkish National Agency, the delegation from Serbia is visiting our institution’s areas of work as well as various public institutions and social service units among our stakeholders. The delegation, which includes department heads from the Municipality of Novi Pazar, Serbia, is led by Nazım Licina, President of the Turkey Alumni Association. The program aims to produce sustainable social impact models by incorporating youth work into policy-making processes.
WE MET AT KURTULUŞ FOREST
The first stage of the series of events began with a comprehensive nature walk and introductory program held in Kurtuluş Forest. On the first day of the project, the delegation from Serbia and local participants came together in the fresh air and had the opportunity to get acquainted. During the walk, which was organized to raise awareness about environmental protection, on-site technical information was shared about environmental efforts and afforestation projects carried out in the region. The program continued with an open-air lunch, where participants informally evaluated the strategic goals of the project and its potential impact on youth policies. This activity both strengthened communication among participants and emphasized the connection between social impact models and natural, local sustainability.
SOCIAL SERVICE MODELS EXAMINED
The delegation visited facilities such as the Barrier-Free Living Center, Family Academy, and Müzeyyen Erkul Science Center operating under Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, examining examples of best practices in Turkey. At the Müzeyyen Erkul Science Center, a detailed presentation was given about the center’s establishment purpose and ongoing technical projects. During the visit to the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Moral House, the center’s director informed the delegation about the services provided for the elderly, admission criteria, and ongoing activities.
INSTITUTIONAL CONSULTATIONS HELD
Within the scope of the program, a visit was paid to Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdal, Head of the Department of Education, Youth, and Sports of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. During the meeting, the municipality’s service capacity in youth and sports, the number of people reached, and the technical equipment used were shared. Additionally, the delegation held a consultation meeting with Umut Zeybek, Provincial Director of Family and Social Services. In this meeting, social service models of the two countries were discussed mutually. The efficiency of current practices and potential joint projects for the future were evaluated comprehensively.
The program, which will continue throughout the week, will conclude after visits to the historical sites of the region.
