Where We Work: Turkey

Throughout our years of experience in Turkey, we worked with local partners to build their capacity to serve youth and increase opportunities for young people.

In 2017, we launched our first initiative aimed at reaching a refugee population, in Istanbul. Through a labor market assessment, resource toolkit, and local NGO capacity building, the Syrian Refugee Employability Program has been increasing global understanding of how to support livelihoods for displaced youth. Previously, our Make a Connection initiative provided disadvantaged children with quality non-formal education, while training older youth to serve as volunteer mentors and teachers. Known locally as Dreams Workshop, it reached more than 31,000 children and youth volunteers from 2003 to 2011. Turkey is among the countries examined in the Global Youth Wellbeing Index and is also home to a YouthActionNet® national institute, the Bilgi Young Social Entrepreneurs Awards.

Funding Partners