Çankırı, Türkiye | 23–30/09/2024
In late September 2024, GO Alive took part in the impactful Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Alzheimer? Make it a Distant Memory!” in Çankırı, Türkiye. This project brought together young people from across Europe to raise awareness and learn more about Alzheimer’s disease through interactive and intercultural learning.
Through creative workshops, discussions, cultural exchanges, and field activities, participants explored the topic of Alzheimer’s from multiple perspectives: medical, societal, and personal. They collaborated on ideas to foster empathy, share best practices, and promote early awareness in their communities.
Sylvia:
“During this last week, participants from five countries (Greece, Latvia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania) learnt about the Alzheimer’s situation in each of the countries, including statistics and different health care policies, engaged in creative representation of some of the aspects of the disease, and got to meet and talk to each other in depth and essence. All this took place in the unique environment of Ilgaz, which was the perfect setting, being rural, peaceful and friendly. All and all, it was a week that we will remember.”
Rafail:
“Traveling to a foreign nation, to a different continent with lots of people you don’t know can easily be seen as a scary idea for lots. Thankfully it was one of the best decisions I have ever took. Visiting my grandfather’s home place and learning all about Alzheimer’s and dementia disease really opened my eyes to his difficulties and gave me the chance to honor his name. Meeting so many wonderful people from all around Europe, exchanging cultures and experiences, making new potential lifelong friends and getting to know how everyone is different yet the same is a MUST experience for everyone.”
Eleftheria:
“Participating in the Erasmus+ project on Alzheimer’s disease in Çankırı, Türkiye has been an enlightening experience for me. During the week I met very interesting people, saw very beautiful places of Turkish countryside and learned a lot about Alzheimer. Overall, we noticed that different cultures and foreign health policies can contribute to an integrated outcome and raise our awareness on a next level.”
Zairi:
“I am so grateful and happy for the opportunity to join this amazing project. Throughout our week in Turkey we had amazing Zumba lessons and discussed how we can help prevent Alzheimer’s amongst other things. I will forever remember and cherish the hospitality of the Turkish facilitators and the rest of the Turkish team! Thank you!”
Maya:
“This project was an unforgettable experience. The organization was perfect and by interactive learning it was so much easier to remember information about dementia. I met amazing people and I felt so comfortable with everyone. I will be always reminiscing this project with happiness and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in it!”
This Youth Exchange stood as a powerful reminder that collaboration, empathy, and creativity are key in addressing global health challenges. Through unity, learning, and action, participants from diverse backgrounds connected deeply, empowering one another to become ambassadors of awareness.
Ready to make an impact? Join the next journey with GO Alive through Erasmus+!
