Description

Background & Context

Şanlıurfa sits at a historical and geographic crossroads. As one of the cities hosting the highest populations of displaced persons and migrants in the region, its local ecosystem has accumulated extensive, hard-earned expertise in crisis response, social cohesion, and the integration of migrant youth.

This Study Visit is designed to move beyond theoretical frameworks and provide an unfiltered, on-the-ground look at how local NGOs, youth centers and municipal bodies navigate the complexities of inclusion. Participants will observe the direct application of non-formal education methodologies and youth work practices in high-stakes environments.

Objectives of the Study Visit

• Field Observation: To explore successful and challenging practices in the social, educational and economic inclusion of migrant youth in Şanlıurfa.

• Methodological Exchange: To analyze specific NFE tools and youth work approaches utilized by local practitioners to bridge cultural divides and foster community resilience.

• Ecosystem Mapping: To understand the coordination between different stakeholders, including local government, civil society organizations and international agencies operating in the region.

• Partnership Building: To facilitate networking among participants, serving as a catalyst for future joint projects under the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programs focusing on inclusion and diversity.

Draft Program Structure

The working methods will heavily rely on active participation, peer-to-peer learning, and critical reflection.

The agenda will include:

• Visits to local youth centers and NGOs operating directly in migrant neighborhoods.

• Dialogue sessions with field workers, project coordinators and the target youth groups.

• Thematic workshops dissecting the transferability of local practices to other European contexts.

• Dedicated partnership-building blocks for future Erasmus+/ESC initiatives.

Participant Profile

We are looking for 30 participants who meet the following criteria:

• Active youth workers, social workers or project managers directly involved in the inclusion of migrant, refugee or minority youth.

• Professionals seeking to expand their operational capacity and build international partnerships within the Erasmus+ and ESC frameworks.

• Able to communicate in English.

• Committed to fully attending the program and disseminating the acquired knowledge within their home organizations.