Erasmus+ youth exchange "I have a dream" takes place in Istanbul, Türkiye, in 3–13 of July 2025

About the project:

In Europe, 87 million people live with disabilities; while their employment rate stands at 50.8%, the rate for nondisabled individuals reaches 75%. Moreover, 28.4% of people with disabilities are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared with 17.8% in the overall population. These figures underline the urgency of the European Disability Rights Strategy (2021–2030) and Erasmus+ priorities on “Inclusion and Diversity.” Globally, persons with disabilities make up roughly 15% of the population and still cannot participate fully and equally in social, economic, and cultural life. The invisible barriers they face—prejudice, lack of empathy, communication obstacles, and social exclusion—stem from society’s limited awareness. This deficit hinders their full access to education, employment, and social life, making it harder for them to flourish as autonomous individuals. Among young people in particular, insufficient sensitivity toward persons with disabilities and ignorance of appropriate communication methods pose significant obstacles to building an inclusive society.

Our project aims to transform participants’ perspectives on disability by strengthening diversity and inclusion in every aspect of their lives. By learning to approach others’ life experiences with empathy, participants will not only raise their own awareness but also contribute to creating a more inclusive, just, and rights-respecting society. Therefore, the project’s main objective is to enhance participants’ sensitivity to the rights and lived experiences of persons with disabilities, reinforce empathy and social responsibility, and promote a culture of living together in diversity.

Dates:

3–13 of July 2025 (travel days included)

Venue:

Istanbul, Türkiye.

Participants profile:

• Aged 18–26.

• At least A2–B1 English speaking skills to maintain daily communication.

• Young people with strong empathy who advocate for the full social participation of persons with disabilities.

• Eager to play an active role in social change and transformation.

• Have observed the social exclusion faced by persons with disabilities and are willing to develop solutions.

• Intend to run awareness-raising activities in their local communities after the project.

• Motivated, proactive, and open-minded, ready to benefit from a workshop-rich program.

• Flexible and adaptable, prepared to take on new challenges.

Objectives:

• Strengthen young people’s capacity for empathy and equip them with the skills to communicate effectively with persons with disabilities.

• Highlight the attitudinal and physical barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in social life.

• Bring together youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures to foster intercultural understanding and tolerance.

• Encourage young people to take active roles in promoting social inclusion.

• Develop participants’ personal and social competences through non-formal learning methods such as experiential learning, creative drama, sports, and art workshops.

• Build a sustainable support network among young people during and after the project, paving the way for more local and international initiatives that defend the rights of persons with disabilities.

Costs:

Travel costs (up till 395 euros), accommodation, meals and activities are covered by Erasmus+ program. Participation fee 15 euros.

How to apply?

Please send your information (full name, age, mobile number, e-mail) and motivational letter to project manager Heli Illipe, heli.illipe@gmail.com. Deadline: 21st of June 2025.

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