The training, which took place in collaboration between Esenyurt City Council and Esenyurt Alternative Culture and Art Association, was supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Our Vice President of the Board of Directors, Pınar Ilgaz, provided training on good governance, while Dr. İnan İzci, a member of the Academic Board who graduated from the Participatory Democracy School organized by the Council of Europe, and our Project Specialist, Dr. Merve Ateş Eren, served as trainers on policy-making. Nigar Ayyıldız addressed advocacy, and Bilge Seçkin Çetinkaya covered the topic of campaigns. Additionally, our Project Specialist, Melis Türker, organized and facilitated the UChange game.

The aim of the training was to enhance the capacities of civil society organizations and citizen assemblies in developing participatory democracy practices through educational programs and peer learning activities. Furthermore, a guide specifically designed for young people aged 18-30 in Türkiye was provided at the end of the training to assist them in developing their civic engagement culture.

During the training, the UChange game by the Council of Europe was used to help participants better understand the decision-making process, develop their own policy proposals, and increase their interest and awareness in political decision-making processes. Group work exercises were also conducted during the training to provide participants with experiential learning opportunities. As a result, policy recommendations were developed, including free health screenings for visually, hearing, and speech-impaired students at the primary and middle school levels, improving access to education for disabled individuals, creating more green public spaces, and offering different options for dormitory living in Esenyurt.