Listen to the Voice of the Child: Our Erasmus+ Project in Bilecik, Turkey

From June 17 to June 24, 2025, we participated in the Erasmus+ project “Listen to the Voice of the Child” in Bilecik, Turkey. The project focused on children’s rights, social awareness, and youth empowerment. The program created an opportunity for young people to share experiences, explore cultural diversity, and develop their knowledge and skills in promoting children’s rights.

The main aim of the project was to raise awareness about children’s rights and encourage young people to take an active role in protecting these rights. Participants learned about the importance of access to education, nutrition, safety, and emotional support for children’s healthy development. The project emphasized that healthy generations are the foundation of a healthy society, and that protecting children’s rights is essential for long-term social, economic, and cultural sustainability.

During the week, participants engaged in a variety of activities. Ice-breaking and team-building sessions helped create a trusting and collaborative environment. Workshops on peer bullying raised awareness of its emotional, social, and psychological effects, while sessions on discrimination highlighted the systemic inequalities children face and how their rights can be violated. Nutrition-focused activities emphasized the role of healthy eating in physical and mental development, and education sessions reinforced the importance of equal access to quality education for every child. Participants also visited local stakeholders and explored the city, gaining insight into community practices and cultural values. The Youthpass documentation and project evaluation sessions allowed participants to reflect on their learning outcomes and personal growth throughout the project.

The project had a meaningful and lasting impact on participants, particularly those with fewer opportunities. It strengthened their social responsibility, empathy, and leadership skills, increased cultural tolerance, and encouraged the translation of project experiences into sustainable initiatives in their communities. Through active participation and intercultural collaboration, young participants are now empowered to become advocates for children’s rights and contribute to building a more inclusive, fair, and equitable society.

Overall, “Listen to the Voice of the Child” successfully promoted awareness, knowledge, and international cooperation, leaving a lasting legacy of youth engagement and commitment to protecting children’s rights.