PROJECTS

Background

The Basmane neighborhood in Izmir, Turkey, faces multiple challenges - poverty, limited access to basic services, social discrimination and political repression. Vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, refugees, women, LGBTQI people, children and people with disabilities, bear the brunt of these problems in the face of increasing political, economic and social tensions in Turkey.

 

The project

The project “Collective Competencies - Strengthening Social Connectedness and Self-Organized Cooperation for Common Challenges” aims to unite individuals from different backgrounds to create a resilient and inclusive community. The main goal is to sustainably improve living conditions by going through all the preparatory steps of setting up a cooperative together.

Through regular meetings and diverse activities, the project creates a space for shared learning and exchange of experiences. This inclusive gathering is crucial for tackling the complex problems that prevail in society. Monthly meetings not only serve as a platform to identify common challenges, but also to initiate solutions and communicate relevant information directly to the city administration. Team-building activities and shared meals strengthen togetherness and promote mutual understanding.

A key aspect of the project is to impart practical skills and legal and economic knowledge. Craft and artistic product development and design workshops

design workshops and seminars on relevant topics relating to the establishment and organization of a cooperative equip the participants with the necessary skills for self-organized cooperation beyond the duration of the project. The focus extends beyond individual growth to collective progress.

This collective approach not only addresses immediate local needs, but also serves to address structural challenges.

 

Aim of the project

The project aims to strengthen cohesion in civil society, especially between locals and people with a refugee background, and to sustainably improve the living situation of particularly disadvantaged people by providing them with skills for a self-determined and collective form of work.

In recent years, the living conditions of refugees in Turkey have deteriorated dramatically. The tense political situation and the ongoing economic crisis have led not only to increasing illegalization and great financial hardship, but also to a sharp rise in hatred and violence against refugees and migrants.

Yasamak Dernegi, a grassroots organization in Izmir, has been working tirelessly for years to support marginalized people individually and collectively as needed in each situation.

A largely self-organized project is planned for the next five months, in which 12 people will design and produce children's clothing together. Half of the products will go to the participants, the other half will be sold. The proceeds will be used to guarantee the continuation of the initiative after the end of the project (running costs such as rent, electricity and materials).

In order to receive project funding for the project, Yasamak Dernegi must provide proof of a 25% contribution; 1,280.00 euros have already been collected. We are incredibly grateful for your support! It is not only the project described above that stands and falls with your support, but also the community space it will provide, a safe place to go for thousands of marginalized people in Izmir.