More than 30 young people from the UK, Portugal, Romania and Turkey have joined us for our second Erasmus Plus RESOLVE: Play4Peace Youth Exchange in Istanbul.
Through different activities, participants got to know each other better, as well as found out more about the project and its objectives. In addition, participants shared their expectations, fears and what knowledge/skills they have brought to the project. In the afternoon, the participants started to prepare for the social action activity.
During the second day, participants discussed different topics, including the importance of peace, issues in their local communities and local volunteering tasks they are conducting. In the second part of the day, they were introduced to Youthpass and discussed the 8 Key competencies and what knowledge and skills they could gain during this youth exchange. In the afternoon they participated in a Scavenger Hunt which finished with a visit to a Humanitarian organisation – IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation. IHH has been working since 1992 to deliver aid to all people who are in need, who have experienced a catastrophe, who are victims of war, natural disaster, etc. or wounded, crippled, starved, homeless and persecuted, wherever they are, regardless of their religion, language, race.
During the third day, participants were introduced to some basic peacebuilding and reconciliation methods like Conflict Assessment Tools and Conflict Management Styles. After being introduced to a Conflict Assessment technique – the Conflict Tree, in groups they discussed different issues from the Water Crisis to Government vs Public, Rich vs Poor and the topic of Refugees in different countries. They talked about the causes and effects of each issue and presented them to everyone. In the second part they were introduced to the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), and the five major styles of conflict management—collaborating, competing, avoiding, accommodating, and compromising. After identifying their style, they engaged in a discussion with other participants. In the afternoon they visited the Tubitak Fair.
During the fourth day of the youth exchange participants planned a social action campaign to raise awareness of the Importance of Peace. The campaign will start this week on Twitter. And during the second part of the day, they have been doing their second local social action. Firstly they have been introduced to the concept of Waste Management and the Hierarchy of Waste Management. They understand that the ideal waste management alternative is prevention, over minimalisation, reuse, recycling, and energy recovery to disposal as the least favourable option. In the second part, they used bottle caps to make bracelets. In the afternoon they participated in an Intercultural Picknick in the Maçka Democracy Park. Participants showed local dances, organised quizzes and introduced food they have brought from their countries.
During the final day of our #ErasmusPlus RESOLVE: Play4Peace Istanbul youth exchange participants were introduced to the RESOLVE: Network and about the next youth exchange planned in London and Timisoara. In the second part of the day, participants were evaluating the project, their own contributions and how they feel after the project has finished. In the afternoon the Farewell party has been organised.
We would like to thank all the participants for their participation, commitment and inputs they have provided during our #ErasmusPlus RESOLVE: Play4Peace #YouthExchange in Istanbul. We hope we see you again in London and Timisoara.
More information can be found here: https://buff.ly/3MG9ZFX