Breaking Boundaries Through Friendship: Humanity is No Borders Project Kicks Off Successfully

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "Humanity is No Borders" (Project No: 2023-2-TR01-KA152-YOU-000167854), coordinated by Artemis Women's Power MTÜ, officially began in Mersin, Türkiye, on 22 October 2024. Bringing together young participants from Türkiye, Romania, Georgia, France, Estonia, and Czechia, the project aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by refugee women, promote gender equality, and encourage young people to adopt a human rights-based perspective.

The first day of the project focused on helping participants get to know one another through a series of interactive ice-breaking and team-building activities. Young people from different cultural backgrounds quickly established connections, building trust and laying the foundation for effective international cooperation throughout the exchange.

The programme continued with informative sessions introducing the objectives of the Erasmus+ Programme, the opportunities offered by youth projects, and the importance of active citizenship in Europe. Participants also learned about the Youthpass Certificate, its role in recognising non-formal learning, and how it supports both personal and professional development.

During the project orientation session, participants were introduced to the overall objectives, methodology, and weekly programme of the Humanity is No Borders project. Particular emphasis was placed on the legal, social, and psychological challenges experienced by refugee women, highlighting why this issue forms the core of the project.

In the afternoon, participants worked in international teams to design creative project banners reflecting the project's key themes. Through visual representations of Erasmus+, cultural diversity, human rights, and solidarity, the groups produced the first dissemination materials that will be used throughout the project.

The day concluded with a reflection and evaluation session, where participants shared their first impressions and learning experiences. In the evening, the Turkish Cultural Night provided an opportunity to experience traditional cuisine, music, and folk dances, strengthening intercultural dialogue and replacing prejudice with mutual understanding, respect, and friendship.

By the end of the first day, participants had not only built meaningful international connections but had also taken the first important steps toward understanding the realities faced by refugee women, marking a strong beginning to the project's learning journey.