More than twenty people working with young people affected by displacement met at Bilim Beyoğlu, Istanbul, for a SYWOR multiplier event. Youth workers, NGO representatives, and students came together to exchange experiences and reflect on what inclusive youth work looks like in practice.
The meeting opened with informal activities that helped participants relax and connect. Short icebreakers and interactive tools quickly turned a room of strangers into an active group ready to talk, ask questions, and share experiences. This atmosphere carried through the entire event, making even complex topics feel accessible.
One of the central moments of the meeting was the presentation of the SYWOR Handbook for Youth Workers, created as a practical guide for those working with displaced young people. The handbook was discussed as a living tool — something to be tested, adapted, and used in real youth work settings. Participants exchanged thoughts on what works in practice, what still feels challenging, and what youth workers often lack when supporting young people who have experienced displacement.
Discussions naturally expanded to Erasmus+ opportunities and how European programmes can support youth work on the ground. Speakers and participants talked about mobility, learning, and cooperation as ways to open doors — both for youth workers and for young people themselves. Examples from past projects helped connect the programme to real experiences, showing how international cooperation can strengthen local initiatives.
Participants also learned about Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, a program that supports cross-border exchange between new entrepreneurs and experienced business owners. The group discussed how entrepreneurship can promote social and economic inclusion, especially for young people from displaced backgrounds.
Alongside the activities and discussions, the SYWOR project itself was introduced as a collaborative initiative focused on improving youth work with young people affected by displacement. Partners shared how SYWOR brings together organisations from different countries to exchange experience, develop practical resources, and strengthen inclusive, trauma-aware approaches in everyday youth work. The project was presented as an ongoing process shaped by those who actively use its tools and methods in real-life contexts.
The SYWOR meeting in Istanbul was about listening, testing ideas, and building connections between people who care about doing youth work better. Participants left not only with new tools and knowledge but also with a sense of community and motivation to continue their work with more confidence.
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.
