June 20 marks the United Nations’ World Refugee Day, centering this year’s theme around “Hope away from Home.”
Within the scope of the project titled “Turkish and English Language Learning Program as a Tool for Empowerment and Social Cohesion,” RET’s language classes in Şanlıurfa, Samsun, and Ankara celebrated World Refugee Day to emphasize the importance of prioritizing the humanitarian needs of the vulnerable groups who have been compelled to flee their homelands.
In Şanlıurfa, both local residents and refugee participants of RET’s Turkish and English language classes gathered to celebrate the occasion and emphasize the imperative of granting refugees the opportunity to pursue education, employment, and lead healthy lives, regardless of their location. The event concluded with a heartwarming gesture as colorful balloons, bearing inscriptions of their hopes and dreams, were released into the sky.
In Samsun, participants from both communities came together to paint their aspirations and write their messages onto a white sheet. Then, they got the opportunity to foster connections and promote peaceful coexistence during a picnic held at the Doğu Park Picnic Area in Samsun.
The beneficiaries of RET’s language classes in Ankara actively engaged in an event organized in commemoration of World Refugee Day. The event featured captivating poetry recitations, enthralling Turkish Folk Dance performances, and an enchanting balloon show designed for children.