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#IDEALS Project – From LTTA to Lifelong Impact Our journey through the LTTA (Learning, Teaching and Training Activity) of our #IDEALS project was more than just a trip between cities—it became a bridge between ideas, cultures, and values. From the historic streets of Rome to the sea-scented shores of San Benedetto del Tronto, we experienced an unforgettable week centered on democracy, empathy, environmental awareness, and youth participation. Starting Point – A Cultural Encounter in Rome The two days we spent in Rome before the LTTA offered our students a unique opportunity to explore a city steeped in history, art, and culture. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, from cobblestone alleys to lively piazzas, this journey through time allowed our young participants to connect with the past and engage with Europe’s shared heritage on a deeper level. Rome inspired learning not only through its monuments but through its atmosphere. The steps we took there laid a strong foundation for the meaningful experiences that awaited us in San Benedetto.   Day 1 – LTTA Begins: Gathering in San Benedetto del Tronto After Rome, we headed toward the Adriatic coast and arrived in San Benedetto del Tronto. The LTTA (Learning, Teaching and Training Activity) phase of our IDEALS project officially began. The first day of the program started with an opening ceremony at Liceo Scientifico Statale B. Rosetti. Students from the Netherlands, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey were welcomed into workshops focused on active youth participation. In the morning, we visited the Municipality of San Benedetto del Tronto to hear a presentation by the Mayor introducing the city. The program was officially launched with warm speeches from the school principal and the municipal secretary. The highlight of the day was the “Speak Up for Change!” workshop. During this session, the young participants identified key social issues they wished to address and collaborated in teams to develop creative advocacy campaigns. Day 2 – Learning with the Sea: Science and Citizenship Today, we experienced a unique blend of science and civic engagement. In the morning, we gathered at Liceo Scientifico and walked together to the University of San Benedetto. There, we attended an inspiring seminar led by marine biologist Dr. Martina Capriotti, titled “Citizenship for the Sea: From Scientific Awareness to Social Action.”  The session focused on microplastic pollution, environmental awareness, and the role of active citizenship in protecting marine ecosystems. During the fieldwork segment, students collected samples from the shoreline and later participated in hands-on workshops in the university laboratories. By the end of the day, they had designed creative awareness campaigns aimed at protecting the oceans. It was a day where science and social responsibility came together seamlessly. Day 3 – Tracing Time in Ascoli Piceno: Where History Meets Democracy “When Rome was still a village, Ascoli was already a civilization.”  This proud saying by the people of Ascoli Piceno perfectly captured the spirit of the day. On our third day, we visited Ascoli Piceno, where students followed the traces of history from ancient times to the Middle Ages. Founded by the Piceni people in the 9th century BC and later becoming a Roman municipium, the city still breathes the past through its white travertine stones, Roman bridges, and the stunning Piazza del Popolo. But this was more than just a city tour. Accompanied by local guides and civic representatives, students observed how public spaces, architecture, and traditions are deeply interwoven with the idea of democracy. Through landmarks like Palazzo dei Capitani , we explored the themes of active citizenship and social participation. The day reminded us that understanding a society begins with understanding its roots. Day 4 – Think with Empathy, Act with Empathy Today was filled with meaningful activities focused on empathy, inclusion, and creative expression. In the morning, students participated in the workshop “Walk in My Shoes – Discovering Life Through Empathy.”  They used symbols to represent their daily lives and compared them with peers from different cultures. Through role-play exercises, they reflected on inclusive perspectives and behaviors. In the afternoon, the “Map of Challenges”  workshop encouraged students to identify obstacles to individual and societal participation. They then worked on “bridge posters” to visually present their proposed solutions. Later, we joined the school’s year-end celebration, where fun, music, and intercultural exchange brought everyone together. Games, laughter, and spontaneous moments of joy made the day even more memorable. Day 5 – A Heartfelt Closing: Youth Voices, Hope for the Future On the final day, students gathered at Liceo Scientifico to present the experiences and ideas they had developed throughout the week. From empathy to environmental awareness, from advocacy to active citizenship, their energy and creativity shone through. A short coffee break followed by the certificate ceremony marked an emotional yet hopeful conclusion to our program. Smiles, thank-yous, heartfelt farewells, and newly formed friendships made this ending feel more like a beginning. Thank You, San Benedetto! The LTTA chapter may be over, but the ideas that took root, the international friendships formed, and the awareness gained are only just beginning to grow.Thank you, San Benedetto del Tronto. Until we meet again — in new stories yet to be written.

How A-CLASE Connected Türkiye and Slovenia Through Dialogue and Shared Humanity In an increasingly divided world, A-CLASE reminded us of something simple, yet profound: when people sit in a circle and truly listen to one another, something transformative happens—no matter the language, location, or background. 🤝 A Cross-Cultural Journey A-CLASE (Adult Classical Literature and Arts Synergy For Equality) is an Erasmus+ adult education project co-led by SAYEG Association (Türkiye) and RIC Novo mesto (Slovenia). Although we live in different cultural contexts, we came together around one shared mission: To create inclusive, respectful, and democratic spaces for adult learners to grow— through art, literature, and deep conversation. The methodology was simple, yet powerful: Dialogic Gatherings (DGs). These were not lectures or classes. There were no experts at the center. Just a group of people, sitting in a circle, discussing a carefully chosen story, poem, or image. Each voice equal. Each interpretation valid. One Method, Two Realities From the peaceful meeting rooms of Ljubljana to the cozy community halls of Istanbul, dialogic gatherings unfolded in much the same way—but were shaped by their surroundings. In Türkiye, many participants were women from adult education programs, often joining after long pauses in learning. Some arrived cautiously, unsure of what to expect. But week after week, they began to open up. They discussed family, tradition, change—and in doing so, rediscovered their voice with the help of literature and arts... In Slovenia, facilitators worked with a broader mix of adult learners and civil society groups. Their focus often included social inclusion and active citizenship. The gatherings created bridges across generational and ethnic divides, showing that democratic dialogue is not a skill—it’s a practice. And yet, despite these differences, both sides witnessed the same impact: - Increased self-confidence among participants - Strengthened communication and empathy - A deeper appreciation for different perspectives.

Working across cultures brought unexpected insights and lasting friendships. Here are just a few lessons we carried home: 🔹 Flexibility is key: We reminded us that the process must adapt to the group—not the other way around. 🔹 Hospitality builds trust: Turkish gatherings often began with tea, laughter, and informal chats. These moments helped participants feel safe to open up. 🔹 Shared values transcend borders: Whether starting with a painting or a book, themes like justice, identity, and belonging resonated with everyone. 🔹 Training matters: Co-developing facilitator guidelines and reflection tools helped both teams stay aligned—even when languages differed. “Same circle, different country—but the same energy, the same growth. That was the magic of A-CLASE.” — Turkish facilitator 📊 A Project with Purpose The results speak volumes: - Before/after surveys showed marked improvement in soft skills like empathy, active listening, and emotional regulation. - Volunteer facilitators reported feeling more confident and inspired—even starting their own local gatherings after the project ended. - Most importantly, many participants described the experience as life-changing—a rare opportunity to be heard, valued, and transformed. 🌱 Beyond Borders, Beyond Endings The A-CLASE project may be finished, but its spirit continues. In Türkiye, facilitators are now using the dialogic method in public education centers and NGOs. In Slovenia, DGs are being integrated into adult learning programs and civic dialogues. This is the heart of European cooperation—not just funding or reporting, but mutual learning that ripples far beyond the original project. 💬 From Our Circle to Yours If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: we need more circles. More spaces where people don’t argue to win, but speak to understand. More time for reflection, and less pressure to perform. More empathy, more curiosity, more dialogue. We’re grateful to have shared this journey with our Slovenian partners—and proud to say: same circle, different country, shared humanity.

How Senior Volunteers Became Co-Learners, Empathetic Guides, and Storykeepers The A-CLASE project was designed to build bridges through dialogue, but the true pillars of this journey were the volunteers. These retired teachers, lifelong learners, and everyday citizens stepped into unfamiliar roles—not as instructors, but as listeners, facilitators, and companions on a shared path of discovery. 🤝 Who Were the Volunteers? Our volunteer facilitators came from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Some were veteran teachers, others lifelong learners. Most had never worked with adult women from underserved communities before—but all brought curiosity, care, and courage to the table. Their role was not to teach, but to invite reflection , hold space for emotional exchange , and encourage storytelling  through literature, visual art, and dialogic techniques. 🎤 What They Said — Reflections from the Circle "We talked about life, emotions, daily words we never really thought about—and the women in our group were eager to speak and share. I was surprised by how open they were, and we all learned so much from each other." — Serap "At the beginning, some barely spoke. But over time, they began to open up and trust each other. The change was emotional. We met their stories, not just their names—and discovered the gentleness behind the resilience." — Kadriye "Facilitating these gatherings added rhythm and purpose to my retired life. Each week I prepared something meaningful—and they responded with depth and joy. Their confidence grew, and so did mine." — Züleyha "I was amazed at how they interpreted stories by Tolstoy or Seneca. They weren’t just participating—they were thriving. It reminded me how much untapped wisdom there is in our communities." — Nilgün "We didn’t just talk about art—we connected. The women said they felt relief, made friends, and wanted to keep learning. It showed me how powerful public education can be when it’s built on trust and dialogue." — Kutsal "The project helped me reflect on how women’s daily lives shape their voices. When we spoke about poetry or music, their tenderness came through. It was a gift—for them, and for us." — Mevlüde "I noticed meaningful development in them. Their perspectives on life, the way they interpreted things—it was different. I saw beautiful changes, which really says a lot about the group dynamic.”_ Kıyas "Joining this project as a volunteer gave me a new perspective on human connection. I’ve worked in structured environments before, but this was different. It was about holding space—not giving answers. I walked away a better listener." — Ertan "As a facilitator in a circle, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the atmosphere we created was powerful. The participants didn’t need to be taught—they needed to be heard. And I’m grateful to have listened." — Cenk "Managing the mentoring process throughout this project showed me how important it is to build a culture of mutual respect. The volunteers trusted each other, they trusted the method, and they trusted the space. My role was to support that growth—and it was deeply rewarding to witness how far they came, together. — Meltem , local mentor coordinator and implementation lead "As the coordinator of A-CLASE in Türkiye, I had the privilege of witnessing something rare: circles that transformed strangers into listeners, listeners into storytellers, and facilitators into co-learners.What began as a structured methodology soon revealed itself to be much more. People who had never spoken in public began to share their truth. Our volunteers—especially the retirees—became the soul of the project. Their humility and commitment inspired me daily.This project reminded me that democratic education is not about content—it’s about courage, trust, and equality. I’m proud of what we built across countries and communities. The circle doesn’t end here." — Sibel Saygın , Project Coordinator, SAYEGDER 📈 What Changed? Before and after surveys revealed a significant improvement in: Emotional expression and empathy Confidence in speaking within a group Appreciation for diversity of thought More than data, the real transformation lived in the rooms where these gatherings happened—in the laughter, the silences, the brave first words, and the heartfelt thank-yous. 🌱 A Model for Intergenerational Empowerment These volunteer stories prove something we believe deeply: retired professionals are an untapped resource in adult learning . With minimal training and trust in the process, they can: Enrich community dialogue Model lifelong learning Foster solidarity across generations A-CLASE’s dialogic method empowered both facilitators and participants—and showed that everyone has something to learn, and something to give . “I thought I came to help. I didn’t realize how much I would grow myself.” — Volunteer Reflection 💬 Keep the Circle Growing We thank our volunteers not only for their time, but for their generosity, and spirit. They were the soul of A-CLASE. And as we continue building inclusive spaces, we carry their stories with us—proof that change doesn’t start with a lesson plan. It starts with listening.

Excerpts from This Week… As part of our collaboration with SAYEG, we are delighted to host 7 tourism and 7 mechanics students from LICEUL AUTO “TRAIAN VUIA” in Târgu Jiu, Romania, here in Istanbul. Within the scope of the Erasmus+ “Short-term Learning Mobility of VET Learners” program, this project, running from February 24 to March 7, 2025, aims to provide students with hands-on professional experience through workplace placements. Our tourism students are undertaking internships in the hospitality and food & beverage sectors ( @asskcafe   @laviecafeistanbul   @kilyahotel  ), while our mechanics students are gaining practical experience in the automotive industry. During the weekends, students have the opportunity to explore Istanbul’s rich historical and cultural heritage, creating lasting memories.

In cooperation with Sarıyer Public Education Center, we hosted 25 participants from Slovenia within the scope of Erasmus adult education accreditation. Our participants visited the Black Sea Foundation, Sarıyer Public Education Center and Eastern Focus Schools and worked on foil embossing.

We are delighted to share the success of our recent training session for the implementers of the dialogic gatherings methodology, held in Türkiye on October 31th. This event marked a significant milestone in our ongoing A-CLASE project, which aims to foster societal synergy through the power of classical literature and arts. Training Highlights The training session brought together 10 dedicated senior volunteers who embarked on their journey as ambassadors of the A-CLASE project. These individuals will play a pivotal role in spreading the principles and practices of dialogic gatherings within their communities. The day’s program was carefully curated to ensure a rich and engaging experience for all participants. Key highlights included: Demo Gatherings: Participants engaged in hands-on demo gatherings, exploring how dialogic methods can create meaningful conversations and shared understanding. Discussions focused on potential materials to use during these gatherings and strategies for fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Interactive Discussions: Attendees shared ideas and exchanged insights, laying the groundwork for innovative approaches to implementing the methodology. Emphasis was placed on empowering collaboration and enriching the dialogic experience. Warm Hospitality: The SAYEG-Der project team organized the event with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all. A delightful coffee break with quality refreshments and appetizers set the tone for productive networking and camaraderie. Cultural Connection: Following the training and demo gatherings, participants enjoyed a scenic Bosphorus tour accompanied by a delicious lunch hosted by SAYEG-Der. This cultural experience further strengthened bonds among the group and provided an opportunity to reflect on the day’s learnings in a relaxed setting. Looking Ahead The training session was not just an event but a step forward in our collective mission to create positive social change through the arts and dialogue. With these newly trained ambassadors, we are confident that the A-CLASE project will continue to inspire and empower communities in Türkiye and beyond. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and the SAYEG-Der team for their contributions to making this training session a resounding success. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive and connected future. Stay tuned for more updates on the A-CLASE project and our upcoming activities. Let’s continue to build bridges through dialogue, literature, and arts!

From 13 to 17 May 2024, our Erasmus+ project IDEALS (Intercultural Democratic Education and Soft Skills) carried out its first Learning, Teaching, Training Activity (LTTA) in the Netherlands. This event aimed to develop democratic citizenship through various cooperation activities, in line with the fourth Work Package (WP4) of the IDEALS project. The event facilitated cooperation between educational institutions in Europe, shared best practices and promoted democratic citizenship among young people. The main objectives of the LTTA were multi-faceted. Firstly, it aimed to provide students with knowledge of democratic values such as human rights, equality and social justice and to encourage their active participation in democratic processes at local, national and European levels. Secondly, it was designed to promote intercultural understanding and respect for diversity in students. Thirdly, it was a fundamental goal to provide students with a sense of common values and common goals and to enable them to cooperate across cultural and national boundaries. Alongside these objectives, LTTA aimed to develop students’ communication, collaboration and leadership skills and offered opportunities to practice these skills in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Empowering young people to become active and engaged citizens committed to working for positive social change in their communities and beyond was also an important goal. Finally, it aimed to promote the values of the Erasmus+ programme and to raise awareness among participants and stakeholders about the intercultural learning and collaboration opportunities offered by the programme. LTTA kicked off with a visit to the European Commission and European Parliament Visit Centre in Brussels on 13 May 2024. This visit provided students with valuable insight into the functioning of the European Union and the promotion of democratic values and citizenship among its member states. It also provided an in-depth understanding of European democracy by exploring the city of Brussels. The second day began with a Model EU workshop led by European Commission speaker Fons Janssens. This interactive session gave students a practical understanding of European governance by simulating the EU’s decision-making process. In the afternoon, students participated in group work and a collaborative action game exploring the city of Maastricht. This activity increased their teamwork skills and deepened their appreciation of European history and cooperation. On the third day, a workshop was held by Global Exploration, focusing on global legislative processes based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This session provided students with a global perspective on legislative practices and the importance of sustainability. In the afternoon, students participated in sports activities, encouraging teamwork and intercultural interaction in an informal setting. The fourth day was dedicated to group work where students from Turkey, the Netherlands, Romania, Italy and Bulgaria collaborated to solve challenges and come up with new projects and creative solutions. The day emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation, with students working together to address real-world problems. LTTA concluded on the fifth day with students presenting their projects and showcasing the results of their collaborative efforts. The day concluded with a farewell session reflecting on the experiences of the week and the bonds that were formed. LTTA enabled students to learn about democratic processes and engage directly with European institutions and simulations. Activities developed intercultural competence and respect for diversity, while collaborative projects encouraged innovation and problem solving across cultural and national boundaries. Students also developed important skills such as communication, collaboration and leadership, and were empowered to become active citizens committed to working for social change. Reflecting on this successful event, we are excited about the future stages of the IDEALS project. The experiences and knowledge gained from this LTTA will contribute significantly to the continued success of our initiatives and help us create more inclusive and participatory educational environments across Europe. We thank all participants and partners for their dedication and contributions and look forward to continuing our collaboration to promote democratic citizenship and intercultural understanding.

The world is at a turning point. Climate change, energy crises, and environmental challenges call for urgent action, and the role of youth has never been more critical. With the ambition to make a difference, the "YOUTH Leading Green Energy Transition (YLGET)"  project is set to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the shift towards sustainable energy solutions. 🌱 Project Goal The primary goal of the "Youth Leading Green Energy Transition" (YLGET) project  is to empower youth through energy education, personal development, and entrepreneurship , fostering a generation of informed, responsible, and proactive individuals. ⚡ Project Objectives To be achieved within 15 months , the timeline of the project: O1:  Equip 90 youths aged 14-18  from Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey with comprehensive knowledge about sustainable energy, including the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the field. O2:  Develop personal and entrepreneurial skills  among youth to foster innovation and proactive behavior towards energy sustainability. O3:  Enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange  among partner organizations and local communities. O4:  Raise professional capacities  of 12 youth workers  from partner organizations in designing, implementing, and evaluating energy education and youth engagement programs. 🌿 Why Youth Matter in the Green Transition Young people are the changemakers of today and tomorrow. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong will to create a better world. However, to turn their passion into action, they need education, resources, and opportunities . YLGTE provides exactly that by: Educating youth on renewable energy sources  and sustainable practices. Encouraging active participation  in environmental decision-making. Equipping young leaders with green skills  for future careers. Fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. 🤝 The Power of Collaboration The complexity of climate change and energy sustainability  requires a comprehensive approach that combines various fields of expertise. No single country or organization can address these challenges alone. The collaboration between Asociația Edulifelong, SAYEG-DER, and IYCC  ensures a well-rounded approach, leveraging their combined strengths to achieve the project objectives. 💚 How We Will Make a Difference Through interactive workshops, field visits, expert-led discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will explore solar energy, wind power, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovations . The project will also focus on advocacy and policy engagement , ensuring that young voices are heard in shaping the future of energy policies. Additionally, YLGTE will create a digital resource hub  where participants can access training materials, share insights, and build a strong network of eco-conscious youth leaders. 🚀 Join the Movement! The transition to green energy is not just about technology—it’s about people. It’s about young minds coming together to inspire, innovate, and lead . If you are passionate about sustainability and want to be part of a project that drives real impact, YLGTE is for you! Stay tuned for updates, events, and opportunities to get involved! 📢 Visit our website: erasmusproject.wixsite.com/ylget #YLGTE #GreenEnergyTransition #YouthForSustainability #ErasmusPlus #FutureLeaders

On February 17, 2024, Sayeg Derneği had the privilege of participating in the 3rd Women in STEM Conference held at Enka Schools, Istanbul, where we had the opportunity to engage with 280 students and 60 teachers. The theme of this year’s conference was Women in STEM, a powerful and inspiring platform dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As part of this impactful event, we had the honor of presenting our IDEALS project, which focuses on promoting democratic education, intercultural learning, and the development of essential life skills. Our goal was to create a space for students to discuss the importance of these topics in their personal and academic growth. To make the discussion more interactive, we conducted a workshop with 30 students, allowing them to share their perspectives, thoughts, and ideas on what democratic education, intercultural understanding, and life skills mean to them. The students’ insights were invaluable, and their contributions will guide the future direction of the IDEALS project. The conference, organized with the collaboration of various NGOs and universities, was an incredible gathering of passionate individuals and organizations committed to advancing the role of women in STEM. Sayeg Derneği was proud to be one of the participating NGOs, contributing to the conference’s mission of fostering innovation, collaboration, and empowerment for the young minds shaping the future. The event was filled with inspiring discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, providing a unique platform for students and teachers alike to explore new ideas, share knowledge, and build meaningful connections. Beyond the formal sessions, the conference also highlighted the importance of sustainability and organic living, as we joined in the effort to promote environmentally conscious choices. Overall, the Women in STEM Conference at Enka Schools was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. We were able to inspire students, exchange ideas, and introduce them to new opportunities for growth. At Sayeg Derneği, we firmly believe in the power of education and the role it plays in shaping a better future. We are excited to continue working on projects like IDEALS and BUILDENT that create positive, lasting change in the lives of young people. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Enka Schools, all the participating NGOs, universities, and, most importantly, the students and teachers who made this event a success. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. #WomenInSTEM #SayegDerneği #IDEALSProject #EmpoweringYouth #DemocraticEducation #InterculturalLearning #LifeSkills #Sustainability #STEMEducation #EnkaSchools #NGOsForChange #FutureLeaders

Dissemination Meeting with Sarıyer Guidance and Research Center On June 12, 2024, we successfully organized a dissemination meeting with our stakeholder, Sarıyer Guidance and Research Center. The meeting saw an impressive turnout with 87 participants, including teachers, managers, and school counselors. Meltem Ceylan, a member of the project management board, presented the A-CLASE project. The aim was to introduce the project to key educational figures who can amplify its impact and bridge the connection between us and our target groups. During the meeting, we detailed our project activities and objectives. We announced our decision to select 10 ambassadors and 50 unemployed adult learners. This initiative is part of our collaborative effort with partners across Slovenia and Turkey, focusing on transformative activities, leadership workshops, and dialogic gatherings. Together, we aim to create a vibrant community where learning transcends generational boundaries and empowers adult learners. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make strides in transforming lives through education and collaboration.

From May 13 to May 17, 2024, our Erasmus+ project named IDEALS (Intercultural Democratic Education and Soft Skills) held its first Learning, Teaching, Training Activity (LTTA) in the Netherlands. This activity, aligned with the fourth Work Package (WP4) of the IDEALS project, aimed to develop democratic citizenship through a variety of cooperative activities. The event facilitated cooperation, shared best practices among European educational institutions, and promoted democratic citizenship among young people. The primary objectives of the LTTA were multifaceted. Firstly, it aimed to increase students' understanding of democratic values, including human rights, equality, and social justice, and to encourage their active participation in democratic processes at local, national, and European levels. Secondly, the activities were designed to develop students' intercultural competence and understanding, promoting respect for diversity and multiculturalism . Thirdly, fostering a sense of shared values and common goals among students was a key objective, encouraging them to work collaboratively across cultural and national boundaries . In addition to these goals, the LTTA sought to enhance students' communication, collaboration, and leadership skills by providing them with opportunities to practice these skills in a multicultural and multilingual environment . Empowering young people to become active and engaged citizens, committed to working towards positive social change in their communities and beyond, was another crucial aim . Finally, the LTTA aimed to promote the values of the Erasmus+ programme, raising awareness among participants and stakeholders about the opportunities for intercultural learning and cooperation that the programme provides . The LTTA began with a visit to the European Commission and the European Parliamentarium in Brussels on May 13, 2024. This visit provided students with valuable insights into the functioning of the European Union and its role in promoting democratic values and citizenship across member states 🇪🇺. The visit also included exploring the city of Brussels, offering a deeper understanding of European democracy . The second day featured a Model EU workshop led by European Commission speaker Fons Janssens. This interactive session allowed students to engage in a simulation of the EU's decision-making process, fostering a practical understanding of European governance . In the afternoon, students participated in group work and a cooperative action-bound game to explore Maastricht, the city where the Euro was born. This activity not only enhanced their teamwork skills but also deepened their appreciation of European history and cooperation 🇪🇺. On the third day, a workshop conducted by Global Exploration focused on global legislative processes based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . This session provided students with a global perspective on legislative practices and the importance of sustainability. In the afternoon, students participated in sports activities, promoting teamwork and intercultural interaction in an informal setting . The fourth day was dedicated to group work, where students from Turkey, the Netherlands, Romania, Italy, and Bulgaria collaborated to solve challenges and produce new projects and creative solutions . This day emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation, as students worked together to address real-world issues. The LTTA concluded on the fifth day with students presenting their projects, showcasing the outcomes of their collaborative efforts . The day ended with a farewell session, reflecting on the week's experiences and the bonds formed . The LTTA was marked by several significant outcomes. It increased students' understanding of democratic processes through direct engagement with European institutions and simulations. The activities fostered intercultural competence and respect for diversity, while collaborative projects encouraged innovation and problem-solving across cultural and national boundaries . Students also developed crucial skills such as communication, collaboration, and leadership, and were empowered to become active citizens committed to social change . As we reflect on this successful event, we are excited about the future phases of the IDEALS project. The experiences and insights gained from this LTTA will significantly contribute to the ongoing success of our initiatives, helping to create more inclusive and participatory educational environments across Europe. We extend our gratitude to all participants and partners for their dedication and contributions, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative journey towards fostering democratic citizenship and intercultural understanding.