The ESC51-2023 European Solidarity Corps Project Has Been Successfully Completed Within BEKAM with Academic and Social Contributions

We have successfully completed our ESC51-2023 European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project, carried out within BEKAM (Science Education Culture Research Center Association), which is supported by the Turkish National Agency and holds the ESC50 European Solidarity Corps Quality Label. Through the project, we supported the academic development of our youth, strengthened their sense of social responsibility, and contributed to their active citizenship capacities by enhancing their digital transformation skills.

WE STRUCTURED THE VOLUNTEERING PROCESS WITH ACADEMIC CONTENT

In line with BEKAM’s education- and research-oriented institutional structure, we supported the volunteering process with rich theoretical content rather than limiting it solely to field practices. Our activities within the ESC individual volunteering model covered environmental protection, social inclusion, digital transformation, and humanitarian aid. Throughout the project, local and international volunteers actively took part in sustainable activities for the benefit of society. Within the scope of environmental and nature conservation activities carried out in Kurtuluş Forest, we organized tree planting, pruning, and sustainability trainings. These activities made tangible contributions to sustainable development, environmental awareness, and climate awareness.

WE STRENGTHENED SOCIAL SOLIDARITY

Within the scope of our ESC project, our volunteers reflected the purest form of social solidarity in the field by carrying out activities across a wide range of areas. During this process, we supported the motivation and learning processes of disadvantaged children in earthquake-affected regions through social and educational activities. By organizing visits to nursing homes, we built a bridge of compassion between our youth and the elderly, strengthening intergenerational interaction. By actively participating in social cohesion activities aimed at Syrian refugees, we supported intercultural dialogue and social peace. We also took an active role in social support and aid activities for those in need, contributing to the spread of a culture of solidarity. Through these efforts, we strengthened an inclusive society approach while reinforcing the sense of social responsibility among our youth.

WE INCREASED OUR INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

The ESC51-2023 project increased awareness among our youth regarding participation in European programs and supported our international cooperation and academic interaction processes. The project also made significant contributions to the digitalization process of civil society. Through the digital tools and media production activities developed by our volunteers, we enhanced our institutional visibility while strengthening our digital content production capacity. The work carried out on digital security and digital citizenship resulted in a productive process where academic knowledge was combined with practice. The networks established and collaborations carried out throughout the project enabled our local activities to align with an international vision and standards.

As BEKAM, through the European Solidarity Corps, we will continue to develop sustainable volunteering models that combine youth work with academic depth and to invest in the future of our youth.