August 12 is a day we remember that young people have a voice to speak to the world and a path to walk. The theme of the International Youth Day, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1999 and celebrated for the first time in 2000, has been determined as "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations". The theme points to the common expectations of young people living under different conditions for quality education, decent work, health, having a say in decision-making processes, and building a better future.

According to United Nations data, there are approximately 1.2 billion young people aged 15-24 living in the world today. This means about 16% of the world's population.

Our story, which began thirty years ago by addressing the need for safe accommodation in the cities where young girls came for university education, has now turned into a large family. To date, we have provided dormitory services, awarded more than 16,000 education scholarships. Today, we continue our journey with over 40,000 graduates and more than 33,000 educational programs. Behind all these numbers lies the story of thousands of young people who are searching for their own path, working hard, and producing.

For us, youth is primarily a matter of courage; the courage to dream, the courage to seek one's own path. The future of a nation is shaped as much by what its children know as by what they dedicate that knowledge to.

The world is changing rapidly. Technology is advancing, artificial intelligence is entering every corner of life. Our thirty-year journey has taught us this: Knowledge alone does not provide direction to a person. Direction is determined by knowing one's roots, drawing strength from one's civilizational values, and knowing what to dedicate the knowledge one possesses to.

GİF, every young girl is searching for her own path

In 2016, we opened the first campus of Güzel İşler Fabrikası (GİF), which started as an environment where young girls can discover themselves, produce, and learn from each other. Today, we meet with young girls at the campuses of GİF extending from Ankara to Istanbul and from Konya to Silopi. This year, with our Şule Yüksel Şenler Campus, we are also connecting the intellectual legacy of Şule Yüksel Şenler with new generations.

At GİF, some young girls are sitting down for the first time to design, while others are getting acquainted with traditional arts such as illumination and cut paper. Some are reinterpreting Istanbul through the lens of Tanpınar and Samiha Ayverdi; some are producing in the kitchen, taking responsibility in volunteer work. The paths of young girls from different areas of interest intersect in the same environment.

What is valuable to us starts right here. We do not see it sufficient for a young girl to merely participate in a ready-made education. We want her to be curious, to ask questions, to research and experiment. Ultimately, we want her to make her own effort visible. The reason is simple. Because a person often realizes their talent only when they start a job.

The curiosity that starts in a workshop at GİF can open another door. As a young girl discovers her own talent, she witnesses the effort of her friend next to her. She shares what she knows and learns what she does not know from the young girl beside her. Thus, friendship, belonging, and a culture of producing together also grow within the same effort.

Today, the sisterhood feeling that tells what she learned today to her friend tomorrow, multiplying her own courage with another young girl's courage, is one of the most beautiful aspects of the environment we have established at GİF.

What we remember on August 12, International Youth Day

International Youth Day reminds us every year why we believe in young people. Everything a young person learns, tries, works hard for today, and sometimes makes mistakes and starts over will find a place in the world of tomorrow.

For thirty years, while accompanying the educational journeys of thousands of young people, we have also learned a lot from our youth. We have witnessed how sometimes opening a door, sometimes bringing the right person together, and sometimes simply saying "you can do it" has made a difference in a young person's life.

Today, we stand by our youth with the same belief. We confidently entrust the tomorrows of our beloved homeland to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is August 12 International Youth Day?
International Youth Day is an international day declared by the United Nations to draw attention to the issues faced by young people and to make their role in social life visible. It is celebrated every year on August 12.

What is the theme of the 2026 International Youth Day?
The theme of the 2026 International Youth Day has been determined as "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations". The theme highlights the common expectations of young people living under different conditions regarding education, work, health, having a say, and building a better future.

What is GİF and when was it established?
Güzel İşler Fabrikası (GİF) is an educational and development environment where young girls can discover themselves, produce, and learn from each other. The first GİF campus was opened in Ankara in 2016.

How does TÜRGEV support young people?
It accompanies the academic, social, and personal development of young people through dormitory services, educational programs, cultural activities, and GİF activities.