With the support of the Turkish National Agency and under the coordination of TÜRGEV, we carried out the *“Social Innovation in Youth Work: GENÇSİN”* project in Ankara. Through this initiative, we aimed to raise awareness among young people and youth workers in the field of social entrepreneurship, encourage them to develop innovative ideas, and provide them with a comprehensive perspective on creating social impact.
18 June 2025
As part of our project, we organized training courses, workshops, and field activities focusing on topics such as social entrepreneurship, business model planning, social entrepreneurship practices in Türkiye, social impact analysis, and sustainability. Led by expert academics, these sessions gave participants the opportunity to develop ideas aimed at solving social problems.
Producing, Experiencing, and Learning Together with Our Participants
In the GENÇSİN project, we went beyond sharing knowledge by supporting young people’s participation in decision-making processes, creating a democratic and inclusive learning environment. Our goal was to increase sensitivity toward social issues while enhancing the ability to think and create collaboratively.
Through technical visits, we combined theoretical learning with hands-on experience. During our visit to Yaşayan Köy, participants observed firsthand the operations of a social enterprise and experienced the principles of sustainable living. As part of environmental activities, we engaged in social interactions, spent time with horses, and gained horseback riding experience. Our subsequent trip to Beypazarı offered the opportunity to explore traditional Ottoman architecture and the city’s unique urban fabric.
Inspiring Encounters in Ankara and Konya
At our GIF Ankara Campus, we learned about the creative workspaces designed to unlock the potential of young people. In a conference featuring Tuğba Şavlı from the Ankara Development Agency, we discussed the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ankara in depth.
In the Konya leg of the project, we visited the Kapsül Technology Platform and the Social Innovation Agency, gaining insights into resources that support young people’s interests in entrepreneurship and technology. We also explored cultural and social venues such as Taş Bina, Darülmülk Exhibition Palace, and Depo No.4. Free time in both Ankara and Konya allowed us to individually discover the cultural heritage of these cities.
Creating Social Impact with Youth
Every stage we experienced together throughout the GENÇSİN project contributed to our personal and professional growth. The knowledge gained and experiences lived in the field of social entrepreneurship provided us with fresh perspectives for both today and the future. The solutions young people developed with sensitivity toward societal challenges stand out as one of the project’s most valuable outcomes.
