Within the scope of the Social Protection Project carried out by WALD in cooperation with UNHCR, the A2-level Turkish courses organized in collaboration with Sultangazi Municipality have been completed. Upon the completion of the courses, a "Social Cohesion Picnic" was organized with the participation of the trainees to strengthen social cohesion. Held at the Sultangazi City Forest, our trainees had the opportunity to reconnect with nature at the picnic. Accompanied by musical instruments they brought along, the students sang songs in Arabic and Turkish, enjoying the day by playing football and volleyball at times and taking walks in the forest. Since all students attending the Turkish training participated in the picnic, students who did not know each other beforehand also had the opportunity to meet.
During the picnic event, which we organized to support individuals in experiencing physical and mental relaxation by spending time in nature and to reduce feelings of loneliness by enhancing their interpersonal communication, Turkish word games were played. While the games played contributed to the development of the participants' vocabulary, they also taught each other new words. Following the games, the participants tasted the traditional dishes they had prepared while discussing how learning Turkish brought about changes in their lives. The participants expressed that being able to handle their daily chores (such as grocery shopping and making hospital appointments) without needing anyone made them feel better, that working individuals were more active in their workplaces and their work performance had increased, that they were able to participate in social environments, and that the self-confidence provided by being able to communicate with their neighbors, local tradespeople, and their children's teachers made them feel stronger.
