Featured image: A mobile session hosted by RET in Aksaray (Photo by RET)

Article by Ali Selim Kara, Communications Officer for RET

Within the framework of the “Multi-Sectoral Approach for Fostering Resilience Among Non-Syrian Refugee and Vulnerable Host Communities” project aiming to sustainably foster social cohesion in Kayseri and Aksaray, RET has been providing awareness-raising sessions on social cohesion, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, communication, etc. targeting the refugee and host community members. Breaking away from the traditional setting of centers, the RET team in Aksaray embarked on a mobile activity focused on raising awareness on inter-family communication and cultivating a healthy lifestyle. The sessions reached out to a total of 150 participants from both communities. 

“We often live side by side but don’t really know our neighbors. RET [helped] us realize how much we can learn from each other. It’s a step towards creating a harmonious environment.”

The sessions proved to be a resounding success, with participants expressing gratitude for the initiative. A female Syrian participant shared her thoughts on the importance of such activities. “These sessions bring us together. We learn not only about health but also about understanding each other within our families,” she remarked. 

Above: An awareness-raising session in progress (Photo by RET)

Another participant, a member of the host community, emphasized the positive impact of the sessions on social cohesion. “We often live side by side but don’t really know our neighbors. RET coming to our neighborhood made us realize how much we can learn from each other. It’s a step towards creating a harmonious environment,” he commented. 

The awareness-raising sessions covered various aspects of healthy living, including nutritional advice, exercise routines, and stress management techniques. As part of RET’s commitment to inclusivity, the sessions were designed to engage both male and female participants, ensuring that the entire community benefits from the valuable information. A young female participant expressed her enthusiasm for the interactive nature of the session. “It wasn’t like a lecture; it was more like a conversation. We could ask questions and share our thoughts,” she shared.

To help us continue this critical work in Türkiye, consider making a recurring donation to RET today.