The “On the Road to Freedom: Empowerment Against Addiction” KA210-YOU project, aimed at raising awareness about addiction and educating young people, has been accepted by the Turkish National Agency with the reference number 2024-1-TR01-KA210-YOU-000250976. The project is coordinated by the Toprak Children Education and Solidarity Association, in partnership with Centrul Pentru Tineret Mileniu from Romania and FAKTOR a Jövő Közösségéért Egészségügyi és Sportegyesület from Hungary.
The main objectives of this project include increasing awareness about substance addiction among young people and educators, raising awareness in society about the negative effects of addiction, and identifying the risk factors that lead to addiction. Furthermore, the project aims to create a protective environment against addiction by organizing activities to improve young people’s self-confidence and emotional intelligence. Promoting alternative healthy activities, increasing family and community participation, and sharing effective strategies to combat addiction through international cooperation are also key components of the project.
As part of the first step of the project, three main activities were carried out: an online kick-off meeting, the creation of the project’s digital infrastructure including a website, and the development of a mobile application called “Freedom Against Addiction” to support the fight against addiction.
Kick-Off Meeting
On December 27, 2024, an online opening meeting was held with the participation of project partners. The meeting was attended by Marif Alparslan, President of Toprak Children Education and Solidarity Association, Gergely Mark Monostori, President of FAKTOR a Jövő Közösségéért Egészségügyi és Sportegyesület, Iuliana-Andreea Drâmbă, President of Centrul Pentru Tineret Mileniu, and project organizers. The meeting discussed the project’s goals, steps to be implemented, and the roles of the partners in detail. The participants emphasized the importance of raising awareness to protect young people from addiction and the value of working in international cooperation.
Project’s Digital Infrastructure
As part of the first step of the project, a website was created to provide informative content to help combat addiction. This platform aims to be an effective resource in the fight against addiction by offering guide-like content for young people, parents, and educators.
Additionally, a mobile application called “Freedom Against Addiction” was developed within the scope of the project. This app offers various features aimed at increasing awareness about addiction:
- Informative articles and documents on substance addiction,
- Reports and presentations on findings obtained during the project,
- Educational animations and amateur short films for young people,
- Contact information for rehabilitation centers, Green Crescent counseling centers, and institutions offering addiction support services,
- A guide with contact information for emergency health services.
This app aims to provide guidance to individuals and families fighting addiction, helping young people grow as healthy and conscious individuals.
These activities represent the first step of the “On the Road to Freedom: Empowerment Against Addiction” project and mark an important beginning in raising awareness about addiction and educating young people.
The Second Step of the On the Road to Freedom Project Was Held in Hungary!
The second step of the “On the Road to Freedom: Empowerment Against Addiction” project was successfully completed in Budapest, Hungary, from March 4-7, 2025. Participants from Turkey, Romania, and Hungary attended the event, where they received important training and exchanged information on the fight against addiction. The event brought together 10 local participants from Hungary and 5 participants from both Turkey and Romania.
During the event, topics such as addiction awareness, personal development, and supportive group work were discussed. The training process covered the following topics:
Addiction Awareness Seminar
In the first phase of the event, a seminar on addiction was held. The seminar shared information about the definition, development process, prevalence, and physical, psychological, and social effects of addiction. Participants gained a detailed understanding of the impacts of addiction on individuals and society.
Workshops: Art, Sports, and Outdoor Activities
Following the seminar, participants took part in various workshops to experience alternative methods for fighting addiction. Activities like music therapy, art therapy, dance, painting, sports, and outdoor events were aimed at helping participants express themselves, enhance their creativity, and improve their physical and mental health.
Personal Development Workshops
Personal development workshops were scheduled during the project. In these sessions, participants worked on increasing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. The goal was to enhance personal resilience and strength in coping with addiction.
Group Discussions and Support Sessions
Discussion sessions on addiction were held, fostering community awareness and helping individuals learn from each other.
Vision and Goal Setting Workshops
On the last day, participants focused on defining their visions and goals for the future. In sessions led by the facilitator, participants identified their personal and professional goals and discussed the steps necessary to achieve them.
Evaluation and Closing
The training process concluded with an evaluation session, where participants shared their experiences and insights gained. A farewell event was organized at the end of the program, where the information and experiences obtained were discussed.
The Third Step of the On the Road to Freedom Project Will Take Place in Romania!
The third step of the “On the Road to Freedom: Empowerment Against Addiction” project will take place in Bucharest, Romania, from April 1-4, 2025. The event will involve 10 local participants from Romania and 10 young people from Turkey and Hungary (5 participants from each country). During this stage, topics such as addiction awareness, identifying risk factors, preventive strategies, and crisis intervention techniques will be addressed.
The program will begin with an introduction to the participants and an overview of the event. The basics of addiction, such as its definition, development process, and prevalence, will be covered, and a general framework for combating addiction will be established. Risk factors for addiction will be discussed, and preventive strategies that can be used when working with young people will be evaluated. Participants will learn how to intervene in crisis situations and will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge through group work.
Role-playing activities on addiction prevention will be organized. Participants will discuss solutions through various addiction-related scenarios, allowing them to experience the knowledge they have gained through practical application. Additionally, educational materials and resources on addiction will be introduced, encouraging young people to spread this knowledge in their communities.
During this event, each country’s addiction prevention policies will be presented. The project partners will also have discussions on the mobile application, assessing its development.
The event will end with an evaluation of the training process, feedback from participants, and a certificate ceremony. This program will be an important step in raising awareness about addiction, educating young people, and strengthening international cooperation.
The Fourth and Final Step of the On the Road to Freedom Project Will Take Place in Istanbul!
The fourth and final step of the “On the Road to Freedom: Empowerment Against Addiction” project will take place in Istanbul from May 6-9, 2025. In this major closing event, a total of 8 participants from Hungary and Romania, along with a large group of 100 participants from Turkey, are expected to attend. Local stakeholders from Turkey, representatives of organizations involved in the fight against addiction, and experts will also participate in the event to share information and experiences.
Evaluation Meeting with Project Partners
The event will begin with an evaluation meeting with the project partners. The progress of the project will be discussed, along with the achievements and steps to be taken in the future. The suggestions and contributions of the partners will be evaluated to increase the impact of the project.
Closing Meeting and Project Promotion
One of the most important parts of the event will be the closing meeting, where a promotional video of the project will be shown. Project partners and experts will give speeches about the achievements in the fight against addiction and the impact of the project.
Mobile Application Promotion
The mobile application developed within the scope of the project will be promoted. Participants will be informed about the app’s functions, usage, and the benefits it offers in the fight against addiction.
Sharing Project Outputs
The results and successes achieved during the project will be shared with the participants. The impact of the project on young people and society will be highlighted, and the achievements in the fight against addiction will be discussed.
Panel Discussion: Substance Addiction and Preventive Work
A panel discussion with experts will be held during the event. The panel will focus on the definition, effects, symptoms, and risk factors of substance addiction. Comprehensive information will be provided about the individual and societal dimensions of addiction.
Certificate Ceremony and Distribution of Informational Materials
The event will conclude with the presentation of certificates to participants. Additionally, informative brochures will be distributed to raise awareness about the fight against addiction.
This major closing event will offer an important opportunity to evaluate the results of the project, raise awareness about addiction, and bring together various segments of young people and society to produce sustainable solutions.
