THE:PLACE PROGRAM
Fo.Co. Onlus has been selected to take part in THE:PLACE, a collaborative programme designed to promote lasting exchange and cooperation between Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Türkiye and the European Union. The programme is managed by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy and MAD – Mekanda Adalet Derneği, with the support of the Mercator Foundation, and aims to strengthen the capacity of CSOs and Local Authorities (LAs) as key actors in local development.[alda-europe]
Our participation in this programme represents a great opportunity to expand our knowledge and actively collaborate with other organisations that share our commitment to a Human Rights-based approach and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our journey so far
So far, we have taken part in the online matchmaking event held on 21 September 2023, an interactive opportunity to present our initiatives and begin envisioning potential projects with other participants. The next step will be the coaching phase, held in Izmir, Türkiye, from 9 to 13 October 2023, focused on team building and on the two main dimensions of THE:PLACE programme: collaboration between CSOs and LAs, and cooperation between the EU and Türkiye.[alda-europe]
Following this, we will take part in an online learning programme to further explore topics of interest identified during the intensive coaching event. From December 2023 to February 2024, with the support of the programme, we will work on building partnerships together with Turkish and European organisations to develop concrete projects, receiving guidance and support from ALDA and MAD. During this period, the partnerships involved will carry out local activities, take part in training sessions, meetings, and events, and share experiences among staff. We will also have the opportunity to build an action plan laying the groundwork for our future collaboration. Partnership with local authorities will play a key role during this phase.
Istanbul Crosscultural Community Network
Within the framework of THE:PLACE, the “Istanbul Crosscultural Community Network” project aims to build community networks that foster self-reliant immigrant communities and lay the organisational groundwork for a future solidarity cooperative for immigrants in Istanbul, strengthening the capacity of intercultural actors within immigrant communities through the transfer of knowledge from the Italian experience.
Although immigrant communities in Istanbul maintain internal social relationships and solidarity, they lack social, political, and cultural ties with other communities and with wider civil society, which leaves them isolated. By combining Fo.Co.’s know-how with the local expertise of Urban.koop, the project addresses this issue and proposes to build social, institutional, and organisational capacity for these communities by mobilising intercultural bridging actors.
The project primarily addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), aiming to strengthen immigrant communities by proposing new models, practices, and policies that would increase social, economic, and cultural integration within broader civic networks.
Specific objectives
Co-design a strategic framework for a cooperative model offering practical solutions for the integration and development of immigrants/refugees.
Implement a capacity-building programme for intercultural actors within immigrant/refugee communities in Istanbul, based on Fo.Co.’s experience in Cosenza. These intercultural actors include creatives, community leaders, artists, or civil society actors who can potentially act as bridges between communities.
Use an existing boxing club in Istanbul (run by/for immigrant communities) as an integrated community hub for capacity-building activities, including a community kitchen, a rooftop garden, and a communal space to be used by immigrant groups. The last two objectives are considered minor implementation outcomes stemming from Objective 1.