Turkey from 2–6 Feb. 2026
Desert Bloom joined a diverse group of youth workers and organizational representatives concluded a high-impact study visit to Gaziantep, highlighting the vital role of social integration and the preservation of cultural heritage. The “Y-WISE Transfer” study visit brought together 18 participants from 12 countries to explore innovative and practical models for empowering the next generation of young leaders. This project was co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ programme.
A cornerstone of the visit was a series of meetings at Youth Centers operated by the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports. These centers function as essential hubs for social cohesion, offering safe and inclusive spaces for local youth, migrants, and Syrian refugees alike. Participants gained insight into how these centers rapidly adapted following the 2023 earthquakes, expanding their services to include psychosocial support, digital literacy training, and creative learning opportunities. The delegation explored initiatives designed to help young people in disaster-affected communities rebuild their confidence, strengthen social connections, and engage in science, arts, and cultural programs.
To better understand the region’s rich historical identity, the group visited the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum. As the second-largest mosaic museum in the world, it showcases 2,448 square meters of extraordinary Roman and Hellenistic artwork, including the iconic “Gypsy Girl.” Participants were inspired by how the museum and its invaluable collection remained intact despite the devastating 2023 earthquake, standing as a powerful symbol of resilience and continuity for the city.
The learning experience continued at a local Mosaic Training Center, where each participant engaged in a hands-on workshop to create their own mosaic artwork. This interactive session allowed participants to connect directly with a cultural tradition that has shaped the identity of the region for thousands of years, deepening their appreciation for heritage-based education.
The study visit extended beyond formal sessions through an engaging City Tour and interactive Treasure Hunt. This activity encouraged participants to explore historical landmarks while building meaningful connections with local youth and community members. A key highlight was the “Bigger and Better” trading challenge, where participants exchanged a small item for something of greater value, creating moments of laughter, collaboration, and genuine community interaction.
“Meeting local youth and hearing their hopes and challenges firsthand was deeply moving,” shared one participant. “It allowed us to move beyond statistics and truly understand the human stories and resilience of Gaziantep.”
The visit concluded with a strong emphasis on future collaboration. By exchanging organizational contacts and sharing best practices, participating organizations from Austria, Poland, Jordan, and Palestine identified promising opportunities for joint initiatives under the Erasmus+ framework.
The Y-WISE Transfer study visit not only introduced participants to innovative approaches in youth work but also strengthened an international network committed to empowering young people and supporting their resilience in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.
