AKON Türkiye - Social Innovation

The "Policy Document Development Summit for the Strengthening of Young Search and Rescue Teams", conducted by Hatay Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Aid Initiative and supported within the scope of the Erasmus + program, was successfully completed. The project aimed to encourage young people to take an active role in disaster risk reduction, emergency response and community-based resilience. The first phase of the project was carried out in Reyhanlı district of Hatay. Young people from different provinces of Turkey came together with trainings and workshops on disaster awareness, search and rescue processes, first aid, crisis management and social resilience. Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge; He developed his own solution suggestions through applied training, group work, simulations and creative production activities. Educational materials, games, digital content and awareness studies prepared by young people throughout the program produced important outcomes for spreading disaster awareness among young people. In addition, the participants prepared a policy document reflecting the perspective of young people on earthquake and disaster management issues. In the second phase of the project, a selected youth delegation made various contacts in Ankara. By sharing the prepared policy document with public institutions and decision-makers, the delegation had the opportunity to directly convey its suggestions for the participation of young people in disaster management processes. These meetings were an important experience that showed that young people can contribute to the shaping of public policies. During the project, young people; It has achieved significant gains in areas such as teamwork, leadership, communication, advocacy, digital content production and decision-making in crisis situations. At the same time, a strong awareness of disaster awareness and volunteering culture was created. Hatay Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Aid Initiative officials stated that the project is not just a training program; He emphasized that young people take an active role in disaster preparedness, contribute to policy development processes and create a long-term model for social resilience. This project, carried out with the support of Erasmus +, made a significant contribution to the empowerment of young people not only as individuals prepared for disasters, but also as active citizens who produce solutions and contribute to decision-making processes.