Every Child Deserves a Chance: A Journey of Empathy and Connection in Turkey

When we first heard about the Erasmus+ project “Every Child Deserves a Chance”, we knew it would be something meaningful. What we didn’t know was how deeply it would touch every participant — and how much it would change the way we see our role as youth workers, educators, and human beings.

From 17 to 23 May 2025, a group of bright, curious, and compassionate young people from Spain, Turkey, Hungary, Ireland, and Italy gathered in the small but welcoming town of Taşköprü, Turkey. Hosted by the Taşköprü District Directorate of National Education, this project became a shared space for dialogue, learning, and transformation.

The aim was simple yet powerful: to raise awareness about the realities faced by orphaned and vulnerable children, while giving young participants the tools to become agents of empathy and change in their own communities. Through workshops, cultural exchanges, and reflection sessions, we explored what it means to grow up without a family, to face social stigma, and to still find hope and strength through community support.

For the Spanish team from VERA Innovación Tecnológica, this was not just another Erasmus+ project. It was a chance to connect hearts and ideas, to understand the social dimensions of child protection from different cultural perspectives, and to inspire young people to take action.

Our group of eight Spanish participants — four young women and four young men, including two with fewer opportunities — brought energy, curiosity, and creativity to every activity. From the first day, cultural barriers started to fade. Turkish tea became the symbol of new friendships, laughter echoed through team-building games, and conversations about values, inclusion, and respect continued long after each workshop ended.

We learned about the policies protecting children in different countries, exchanged opinions about media representation and discrimination, and designed awareness campaigns that we hope to continue back home in Spain. The mix of learning and emotion made every session unique — serious topics discussed with honesty, but always with hope.

One of the most beautiful parts of the project was the language exchange. Not everyone spoke perfect English, but somehow, everyone communicated perfectly — through gestures, smiles, and kindness. This experience reminded us that connection goes beyond language, and that empathy is a universal skill.

Each day ended with reflection circles, where participants shared what they had learned and how they felt. These moments were raw, genuine, and often emotional — proof that this project went far beyond theoretical learning. It became personal.

By the end of the week, everyone had changed a little. Our Spanish participants returned home with stronger social awareness, new friendships across Europe, and a deeper commitment to inclusion and equality. Many expressed their desire to continue volunteering and working with children in need.

As an organization, VERA Innovación Tecnológica also grew from this experience. We strengthened our partnerships, expanded our understanding of youth work in an international context, and saw firsthand how non-formal education can transform both attitudes and lives.

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“Every Child Deserves a Chance” reminded us that true change begins with empathy — by listening, understanding, and taking small steps toward inclusion. The project created not just activities, but a family of young Europeans united by a shared purpose: to make sure no child is left behind.

We are deeply grateful to our partners from Turkey, Hungary, Ireland, and Italy, and to every participant who brought their story, heart, and courage to this journey. Together, we proved that when young people collaborate with compassion, every child truly has a chance.