As part of the Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience (SYWOR) project, the ThinkACT initiative was implemented in Türkiye to empower young people through structured language development and civic education. Led by the European Integration Group (EIG), the program provided a unique platform for young leaders to enhance their English proficiency while engaging with the political realities of the European Union.
Program design and objectives
ThinkACT was specifically designed to promote english language acquisition in a thematic and practice-oriented context, particularly among politically active youth, including those from displaced or disadvantaged backgrounds. Throughout the five-month program, participants not only improved their communication skills but also deepened their understanding of EU institutions, policy frameworks, and global responsibilities.
The initiative combined:
- Academic language development
- Simulated political decision-making
- Structured debate formats
- Exposure to real-world challenges through a European lens
The program addressed a series of high-priority topics relevant to youth and EU governance, including:
- The structure and function of EU institutions and political party groups
- Migration and asylum policies with a focus on the experiences of IDPs
- Climate change and the European Green Deal
- Data privacy and cybersecurity in the EU digital space
- The future of European integration and foreign policy priorities
A major highlight of the program was the session on April 6, which focused on “The Future of Europe” and the pivotal role of youth in shaping long-term policy directions. Participants exchanged ideas on inclusivity, sustainability, and cross-border cooperation, reflecting on the evolving role of the EU in global governance.
The program concluded with ThinkACT 2025, a high-level simulation event held on June 11 at Boğaziçi University. The event convened over 75 youth leaders for a full-day simulation of the European Parliament, where participants presented draft policies and engaged in structured negotiations on migration, climate, and digital transformation. The closing also marked the beginning of the editorial phase for a joint youth journal, where participants will publish analytical articles and policy reflections developed during the program.
Impact and outlook
ThinkACT successfully met its dual objective: enhancing participants’ linguistic capabilities in English while promoting active civic engagement in EU-related topics. It also created an inclusive learning environment for both local students and youth with displacement backgrounds—strengthening peer support networks and intercultural understanding.
As part of the broader SYWOR initiative, this program demonstrates the power of combining non-formal education with political literacy to prepare the next generation of leaders. The European Integration Group remains committed to scaling this approach and continuing to support youth participation at both local and European levels.
About the Project
The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:
- Georgian Youth Development Association – GYDA (Georgia)
- European Integration Group (Turkey)
- MilleniuM Training and Development Institute (Moldova)
- Fundacja Nowy Staw (Poland)
The project is funded by the European Union and aims to strengthen youth workers and organizations involved in supporting displaced young people through capacity building and cross-border collaboration.
