Mahir Youth and Development Association Met with Youth at Istanbul University

As the Mahir Youth and Development Association, we came together with university students in a meaningful event at the invitation of the Istanbul University Communication Club. In the program, which saw intense participation from young people, we conducted both an informative and interactive session under the title "European Opportunities for Youth and Soft Skills Workshop."

In the first part of the event, the issue of access to equal opportunities in education, especially for university-aged youth, was discussed. Participants were provided with comprehensive information about the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and Erasmus+ projects. The personal development, international experience, volunteering, and learning opportunities that these programs offer to young people were explained in detail. Additionally, practical information regarding application processes, project structures, and how youth can get involved in these programs was shared.

It was emphasized that young people's access to European opportunities plays an important role not only academically but also in terms of social and personal development. In this context, an interactive discussion environment was created regarding the experiences of participants from different countries and the opportunities offered by the non-formal education approach.

In the second part of the event, various group works and interactive activities were carried out using non-formal learning methods. During this process, participants had the opportunity to gain experience in core soft skill areas such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and creative thinking. These activities, conducted with fun and participatory methods, ensured the active involvement of young people in learning processes.

Throughout the workshop, the students' high motivation, active participation, and curiosity increased the efficiency of the event. It was a highly productive process in terms of raising awareness among youth about European opportunities and helping them discover their own competencies.

As the Mahir Youth and Development Association, our aim is to support the personal and social development of youth through non-formal learning methods, to strengthen equal opportunities in education, and to connect them with national and international opportunities. In line with this, we will continue our work by increasing our collaborations with universities and youth communities.

We would like to thank the Istanbul University Communication Club for hosting us and all the students who participated in the event.