Youth and Rural Development Education Model

The project

The activity, titled Gençlik ve Kırsal Kalkınma Eğitim Modeli in its original documentation and Youth and Rural Development Model Training in the Italian call, took place in Konya from 7 to 13 March 2021. It formed part of the Erasmus+ KA205 Strategic Partnership 2020-1-TR01-KA205-080812, coordinated by KOP Gençlik Derneği.

ScambiEuropei was my sending organisation and the Italian project partner. I participated as a member of the Italian delegation in a bilateral learning environment with young people from Italy and Türkiye.

My participation

I took part as an active participant and contributed to discussions, workshops, and presentations about rural depopulation, youth participation in production, sustainable agriculture, and ways to combine local traditions with innovation and entrepreneurship.

The programme used non-formal learning methods, including group work, creative workshops, reflection, and the exchange of practices from Italy and Türkiye. It also created direct contact between youth participants and organisations working on regional development, agriculture, and youth policy.

Public record and media coverage

The project was included in the Turkish National Agency’s official list of approved 2020 KA205 Strategic Partnerships. Turkish media also followed the Konya programme, reporting on its focus on young people’s role in rural communities, sustainable production, food security, and the exchange of agricultural practices between Italy and Türkiye.

I have brought the photographs, official documentation, and the most relevant external coverage together in a dedicated article about the Italian delegation and the Konya experience.