Within the framework of the “Multi-Sectoral Approach for Fostering Resilience Among Refugee and Vulnerable Host Communities” project aiming to foster social cohesion in Kayseri and Aksaray sustainably, 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.
Mobile activities play a significant role in bridging gaps and reaching out to vulnerable communities that might face barriers in accessing community centers. By extending our services directly into neighborhoods, individuals are granted access to RET’s awareness-raising trainings and support they might otherwise be unable to obtain.
The mobile 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. “I didn’t know that RET has been providing this kind of support for us here in Aksaray. Through these sessions, we learn not only about health but also about understanding each other within our families,” she remarked.
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.