Volunteering in Türkiye offers young people a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful community projects while gaining valuable skills that support their personal and professional growth. The Volunteering in Türkiye 2026 – Youth Engagement through Education, Sport and Environment program is designed to empower youth through non-formal learning, teamwork, cultural exchange, and environmental responsibility. This fully funded European Solidarity Corps (ESC) initiative combines education, sports, and sustainability into one comprehensive experience that encourages active citizenship and inclusion.
For young people looking to make a positive difference, explore Türkiye’s rich cultural diversity, and develop long-term competences, this program provides the ideal platform.
About the Project
The project focuses on three key pillars—education, sport, and environment—to help participants develop a holistic understanding of community engagement. It brings together young volunteers from different backgrounds, including those who face social or economic challenges, and offers them a supportive environment for growth.
1. Education and Personal Development
Volunteers participate in a series of educational workshops designed to build knowledge, communication abilities, and essential life skills. These workshops may include:
- Non-formal learning activities
- Leadership and communication training
- Workshops on digital skills
- Cultural exchange sessions
- Peer-learning initiatives
Through these activities, volunteers boost their confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills while working closely with other young people and local community members.
2. Sports Activities and Youth Empowerment
Sport plays a central role in youth development by encouraging teamwork, cooperation, and healthy habits. As part of the project, volunteers will:
- Assist in organizing sports events and tournaments
- Participate in daily physical activities
- Promote teamwork and cooperation among young participants
- Support youth engagement activities connected to wellbeing
These activities help strengthen both physical health and social bonds while promoting inclusion and active participation.
3. Environmental Awareness and Sustainability
Environmental protection is a core element of the project. Volunteers join hands-on initiatives that encourage sustainability and ecological responsibility, such as:
- Community clean-up actions
- Reforestation or green-space improvement projects
- Recycling and waste-sorting campaigns
- Environmental awareness workshops
- Creative projects promoting sustainability
These experiences help participants understand ecological challenges and take meaningful actions that benefit their communities and the planet.
Project Values: Inclusion, Diversity, and Active Participation
One of the program's strongest principles is promoting inclusion and equal opportunities. It welcomes young people from all walks of life, including those with fewer opportunities due to economic, social, or geographical barriers.
Volunteers are encouraged to share their perspectives, learn from one another, and build strong intercultural friendships. By participating in community projects, they foster empathy, broaden their worldview, and contribute to creating inclusive local environments.
Accommodation, Food, and Transport Arrangements
While the project is fully funded through the ESC framework, it operates with a unique structure.
- SERGED acts as the host and supporting organization, providing accommodation, mentorship, and local activity organization.
- However, SERGED does not hold the project budget.
- Volunteers must coordinate with their sending/coordinating organization to secure funding for:
- Travel to and from Türkiye
- Food allowance
- Local transportation costs
- Any necessary insurance
Accommodation Provided by SERGED
Once funding is secured through the sending organization, SERGED ensures:
- Safe, shared housing with other volunteers
- Essential household equipment
- A supportive environment for daily living
The accommodation is designed to encourage community living, cultural exchange, and teamwork.
Local Support
SERGED organizes activities, provides guidance, ensures volunteer safety, and assists volunteers in navigating their new environment.
Training Provided During the Activity
Volunteers benefit from a structured training program that supports their involvement and enhances their personal development.
Training topics include:
- Non-formal education methods
- Teamwork and leadership
- Sports-based youth engagement
- Environmental awareness
- Communication and problem solving
- Intercultural learning and ESC values
- Safety and wellbeing
- Basic Turkish language lessons
- Inclusion and community participation
These trainings ensure volunteers feel confident, prepared, and motivated to contribute to all project activities.
Participant Profile
The program is open to young people aged 18–30 who reside in ESC-participating countries.
Ideal candidates:
- Are motivated to support education, sports, or community projects
- Have an interest in environmental protection and sustainability
- Enjoy teamwork and intercultural environments
- Are eager to step outside their comfort zone and learn new skills
- Come from any background, including those facing economic or social barriers
No prior experience is required. The project welcomes participants with different levels of knowledge and skills, as long as they are willing to contribute and grow.
Support for Participants
The sending organization will provide:
- Financial coverage (travel, food, accommodation, transport)
- Administrative guidance
- Pre-departure training
SERGED will provide:
- Mentorship
- Local training and activity coordination
- Accommodation
- Safety and support
Benefits of Volunteering in Türkiye
Volunteers gain a unique combination of practical skills, cultural experiences, and personal development opportunities, such as:
- Improved communication and leadership skills
- Experience working in diverse youth and community settings
- Increased confidence and independence
- Physical wellbeing through sports
- A deeper understanding of sustainability and environmental issues
- Cultural immersion in Türkiye’s traditions, language, and lifestyle
- Enhanced employability and professional readiness
- Lifelong friendships and international networks
This program helps participants build both their personal identity and their future career path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the volunteering program in Türkiye fully funded?
Yes. The project is fully funded through the ESC, but volunteers must contact a sending organization in their home country to secure funding for travel, accommodation, food, and local transport.
2. Does SERGED cover volunteer expenses directly?
No. SERGED is a host/supporting organization and does not manage the ESC project budget. It provides accommodation and organizes activities once volunteers’ expenses are funded by their sending organization.
3. Do I need experience to participate?
No prior experience is required. Motivation and interest in youth work, sports, education, or environmental activities are the most important factors.
4. What age group can apply?
Young people aged 18–30 from ESC-participating countries.
5. What kind of activities will I participate in?
Volunteers join educational workshops, sports events, environmental actions, clean-ups, awareness campaigns, and community activities.
6. Is Turkish language knowledge required?
No, but volunteers will receive basic Turkish lessons to support daily communication and integration.