ERASMUS+, Key action 1: Partnership Building Activity (PBA; seminar on establishing and building new contacts between youth organizations)
Dates: 9—15 July 2025
Venue: Siirt, Turkey
Czech team: 3 participants
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Europa Iuvenis
Project report:
Hello from the heart of Mesopotamia – Siirt, Turkey!
Between the 9th and 15th of July 2025, I had the unique opportunity to join the Erasmus+ seminar “Let’s Build Bridges, Not Just Projects” in the charming city of Siirt. This town in southeastern Turkey, but mainly the organisers from the CEDID organisation, welcomed us with warm hospitality.
The project gathered participants from 8 different European countries, making it a truly international experience full of learning and exchange. There were mainly the workers from NGO, but also a few teachers. The facilitators, coming from Poland and Turkey, led us through a dynamic program focused on deepening our understanding of Erasmus+ Key Actions, especially KA1 and KA2.
Throughout the week, we participated in interactive workshops, simulations, and discussions. We explored how to design quality Erasmus+ projects, shared experiences from our own countries, and discussed common challenges youth workers face when applying for or implementing international projects.
What made this project so special was not only the content but also the people. We quickly bonded as a group, despite our different backgrounds. I, especially, made a few friends with other teachers from Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. The atmosphere was one of openness, collaboration, and genuine curiosity. Everyone contributed something unique, and we learned not just from the sessions, but from each other.
Cultural night added another layer of richness to our experience. We danced, tasted traditional food, and learned fun facts about each country. The Turkish hosts treated us to delicious local meals and showed us some of the hidden gems of the region.
One of the highlights was a trip into the surrounding countryside, where we could see the canyon of the river Tigris. We got a glimpse into rural life and enjoyed the peaceful beauty of nature. We also had one day trip to a nearby city Diyarbakir. It was really a jevel. And as there were almost no tourist there, the experience was very authentical. These moments outside the formal workshops helped us connect on a more personal level and reflect on the bridges we were building—not only between organizations and countries, but between people.
This project didn’t just give me new knowledge about Erasmus+ structures—it gave me motivation and inspiration for writing other projects for our students in Gymnázium Jeseník to provide them with a chances Erasmus plus might offer. I also found the beginnings of new cooperations with abroad schools.
If you ever get the chance to be part of an Erasmus+ experience like this, take it. You won’t just learn—you’ll grow. And most importantly, you’ll be reminded that Europe is strongest when we build bridges, not just projects.
Helena T.
