2014 - 2015 - Swimming Class for children
It was a two-year voluntary project implemented in 2014 and 2015 with the support of Kayseri Municipality. This initiative aimed to teach swimming to 140 children aged between 8 and 16, ensuring that they gained an essential life skill and enjoyed a healthy recreational activity.
The program was fully supported by the municipality, which provided the swimming pool, transportation, and swimming instructors. Through this initiative, children not only learned to swim but also gained confidence and experienced the joy of achievement. The project fostered a sense of community and promoted physical fitness, contributing to the overall well-being of the participants. It stands as a testament to the positive impact of community-supported programs on youth development.
2016 - Living Conditions of Afghan Refugees Turkey and Their Reasons for Going to Europe
Funded in 2016 by the Sivil Düşün AB Program, this research project aimed to uncover the motivations behind the migration of Afghan refugees from Turkey to Europe. Conducted in the wake of the 2015 European refugee crisis, during which over a million refugees traversed Turkey and the Balkans to reach Europe, this project provided critical insights into the conditions and decisions of Afghan refugees.
Interviews and questionnaires were conducted with 100 Afghan refugees across five diverse cities—Van, Kırkkale, Nevşehir, Kayseri, and Sivas. These interactions revealed not only the harsh realities and challenges faced by the refugees in Turkey but also their aspirations and the factors compelling them to seek a new life in Europe. The comprehensive findings were published in a printed research report, contributing valuable data to the broader understanding of refugee movements and influencing policy discussions on refugee aid and integration
2017 - First Aid Training Project for Refugee Women
The First Aid Training Project for Refugee Women was implemented with the financial assistance of the Swiss Embassy in Ankara. This project provided essential first aid training to 250 refugee women across five cities: Kayseri, Sivas, Nevşehir, Trabzon, and Tokat. The two-day training sessions were conducted by two Afghan doctors in the Persian language.
Through this project, refugee women learned how to administer first aid to children, family members, and individuals who were sick or injured at home or work before the arrival of medical teams and ambulances. The training empowered these women with the skills needed to handle emergencies effectively, enhancing their confidence and ability to ensure the well-being of their communities. This initiative not only increased the health knowledge of refugee women but also contributed to creating a safer and healthier environment within their communities.
2018 - Community Volunteers in Action
"Community Volunteers in Action" was a transformative one-year project funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This pioneering initiative focused on several key areas: protection, integration, educational support, capacity building for refugees, cultural programs, and showcasing refugee handiwork through exhibitions.
The project had a profound impact, directly benefiting 5,173 individuals. It provided refugees with essential support and resources, fostering their integration into the local community and enhancing their overall well-being. By emphasizing education and capacity building, the project empowered refugees with skills and knowledge for self-sufficiency. The cultural programs and exhibitions of refugee handiwork celebrated the rich cultural heritage and talents of the refugees, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. This project marked the beginning of UNHCR's ongoing support for Aresa Association, paving the way for continued collaboration on small projects every year.
2018 - Training of Refugee Volunteers
The "Training of Refugee Volunteers" project, supported by the Civil Dushon AB Program, focused on enhancing the capacity of Aresa Association volunteers. In this initiative, 50 volunteers of various nationalities, active in 30 cities across Turkey, participated in a comprehensive two-day training program held in Kayseri.
The program provided an invaluable platform for volunteers to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. They discussed their training and volunteering activities, emphasizing the benefits of volunteering for both government agencies, organizations, and host communities. This project not only improved the skills and knowledge of the volunteers but also strengthened their network, fostering a collaborative spirit that continues to thrive. The connections and insights gained from this training have had a lasting impact, with the network remaining active and influential in supporting refugee integration and community development.
2018 - "I'm a Neighbor to You" Community Volunteer-Based Program
"I'm a Neighbor to You" was a transformative one-year project funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This pioneering initiative focused on multiple critical areas, including protection, integration, educational support, capacity building for refugees, cultural programs, and showcasing refugee handicrafts through exhibitions.
The project had a profound impact, directly benefiting 4,123 individuals. It provided essential support and resources to refugees, facilitating their integration into the local community and improving their overall well-being. By emphasizing education and capacity building, the project empowered refugees with skills and knowledge for self-sufficiency, such as tomato paste making, and promoted gender equality through initiatives like the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
"I'm a Neighbor to You" exemplified the UNHCR's commitment to fostering inclusive communities and empowering refugees to thrive independently.
2019 - Diligent Hands Project
The Diligent Hands Project was a one-year initiative funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This project placed significant emphasis on protection, integration, support for education, capacity building for refugees, gender equality, office support and Cultural programs.
The project directly benefited 5,700 individuals. It provided essential support to refugees and focused on enhancing their capacity through education, cultural programs, and exhibitions that highlighted refugee craftsmanship and cultural heritage. By promoting gender equality and providing office support, the project aimed to empower refugees and facilitate their integration into the community.
The Diligent Hands Project exemplified UNHCR's commitment to protecting refugees, promoting their skills and talents, and fostering their integration into society through meaningful cultural and educational initiatives.
2020 - Cultural network Project
This Project was a one-year initiative funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This project placed significant emphasis on protection, integration, support for education, capacity building for refugees, gender equality, office support, and cultural programs.
The project directly benefited 8,500 individuals, aiming to provide essential support to refugees. It focused on enhancing protection measures, education, livelihood opportunities, cultural programs, gender equality, and preserving cultural heritage.
During the implementation of the project, the global pandemic posed additional challenges. To address these, the project expanded its scope to include support for health sectors, such as producing masks and soap. Financial aid was also provided to refugees to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, ensuring their well-being during these difficult times.
The Kültürel Bağ Project exemplified UNHCR's commitment to holistic support for refugees, integrating cultural preservation, gender equality, and pandemic response into its initiatives.
Protection Needs of Refugees with Disabilities in Turkey - 2021
Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association -ARSA, in partnership with the Research Centre on Asylum and Migration (IGAM) and the Association for Solidarity with Syrian Refugees in İzmir (SMDD), conducted a research project on disabled refugees.
This research report assessed the situation of refugees with disabilities (RwDs) in Turkey, while revealing obstacles and protection gaps they face in access to services such as education, health, work and employment, as well as in relation to social inclusion and exclusion. In line with the overall objectives of the project, the analysis of findings aims to provide insights that would contribute to the formulation and implementation of strategies that are essential for an improved inclusion of RwDs within existing sources, to expand resources where possible and to use existing resources to better serve their needs. The report lays the basis for the advocacy component of the project through a better understanding of the target group. Given that the existing literature mainly focuses on the Syrian refugee population with disabilities living in Turkey, the research also intended to increase evidence-based knowledge on non-Syrian refugees with disabilities. Adopting a mixed methods research design, primary data was collected from July to September 2021 in three provinces (Ankara, Kayseri and Izmir) with Turkey’s largest refugee groups (both TP and IP beneficiaries): mainly Syrian and Afghan nationals, as well as several Iraqi and Iranian nationals. With a total of 300 research participants, data collection included a quantitative survey (150 participants), qualitative in-depth interviews (75 participants), focus group discussions (60 participants) and key informant interviews with specialists from national and local level associations working with PwDs (15 participants).
This concluding chapter summarises the key findings on the study’s main themes: the profile of research participants; housing; living conditions and getting involved in daily life; employment and livelihoods; access to health and social services; access to education/special education; access to special services available for individuals with disabilities; social inclusion/exclusion and information about disability rights. The concluding remarks are followed by a set of recommendations. In accordance with the findings of the research report, the recommendations aim to contribute to the development of improved solutions for the multi-faceted challenges of refugees with disabilities.
Please click here for the English and Turkish report.
Cultural network Project -2021
The Kültürel Bağ Projesi aims to provide timely and efficient access to rights and services for refugees and asylum seekers while supporting the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) in advocating for these groups in Kayseri. The project, financially supported by UNHCR from January 1 to December 31, 2021, focuses on enhancing referral mechanisms and improving counseling quality in collaboration with local authorities.
Activities at the ARSA center follow UNHCR's guidelines and the Age, Gender, and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM) approach. The center is staffed with a social worker and translators who identify and refer vulnerable individuals to appropriate services, addressing both short- and long-term needs.
The project directs individuals to essential services such as Protection, legal counseling, employment support, and language courses, provided by government or NGOs in Kayseri. It also includes outreach activities to benefit both the host and refugee communities.
Overall, more than 3,000 individuals have benefited from this project, receiving crucial support and services.
Cohesion Movement Project: Empowering Refugees in Kayseri - 2021 - 2022
This project strengthens social cohesion in Kayseri by:
- Supporting refugees (men, women, boys, girls) with protection services and self-reliance.
- Raising awareness about refugee rights and services for both refugees and the host community.
- Fostering positive interactions and collaboration between refugees and locals.
- Reducing inequalities and building a more inclusive society.
This project called "Improving Community-based Social Services for Refugees and Vulnerable Residents of Host Communities in Türkiye (CLIP 2)” which is co-funded by the European Union through its Humanitarian Aid Operations department (ECHO) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
At least 1900 indivduals benefited directlyl from this project.
Durable Solutions for Displacement-Affected Populations in Turkey - 2022
The project which is supported by UNHCR, aims to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers have timely and efficient access to their rights and services. It also supports the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) in advocating for the rights of new refugees and asylum seekers. ARSA seeks to establish itself as an information and guidance center in Kayseri province, thereby enhancing referral mechanisms tailored to the specific needs of these vulnerable populations. The project also focuses on improving the quality of counseling on access to rights and services in collaboration with relevant local authorities.
By working closely with local authorities, the project aims to provide better-quality counseling services. The project has benefited at least 3,000 individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support and services.
Raising Awareness of Forced Migration (FARK) - 2022
The FARK research project is part of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey’s Support of Civil Society Networks and Platforms in Turkey Program, the Strengthening the Refugee Council of Turkey Project, and the Promoting the Rights of Refugees and Local People in Turkey Project. It is conducted by the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) with support from the Support for Life Association.
The report examines refugee status dynamics, access to services like health, education, labor, and social inclusion. It identifies obstacles and protection deficiencies faced by refugees in Turkey, which hosts nearly 4 million refugees, the largest number globally. It also shares information about Afghan communities, the second-largest refugee group in Turkey after Syrians.
The study aims to raise awareness about forced migration among NGOs, service providers, and policymakers and to support evidence-based advocacy. Initially, ARSA and the Support for Life Association conducted a detailed situation assessment. ARSA experts carried out focus group and one-on-one interviews in Kayseri, Istanbul, and Konya, gathering life stories to foster social empathy. The findings highlight how negative perceptions impact access to services in various sectors, leading to key advocacy issues.
Supporting LGBT Support Project - 2022
In 2022, the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) utilized a grant from the Turkish Philanthropy Funds to support the urgent needs of LGBTQI Persian-speaking refugees in Turkey. The grant covered essential expenses such as rent, HIV kits, program assistance, and communications officer services. 13 individuals benefited directly from the project.
The project addressed the significant challenges faced by LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers, who often lived in isolation and struggled with economic difficulties. The suspension of health insurance for asylum seekers since early 2020 further exacerbated these challenges. Through this initiative, ARSA aimed to alleviate some of these hardships and improve the living conditions of the targeted individuals.
Primary School Educational Support Materials Program - 2022
This grant, supported by Turkish Philanthropy Funds, was awarded to ARSA to provide educational support materials.
Education is the key to the future of individuals, communities, and countries. However, for many refugee families, economic hardship is a crucial factor that determines whether or not their children can attend school. While Turkish schools do not charge tuition, there are associated costs—school supplies, activity fees, parent-teacher association fees, and many other hidden education costs—that can tip the scales for economically disadvantaged refugee families. Lack of money affects families’ ability to pay for transportation, supplies, and tuition, and child labor is rampant among the refugee school-age population. The cost of tuition, exam fees, uniforms, learning materials, and transport can all act as deterrents. This project aimed to support students by providing access to basic educational materials in schools.
This project supported 500 refugee children (both girls and boys) aged 6–13 in Kayseri, Turkey. Among these students, 300 were in primary school and 200 were in secondary school.
Rebuilding Lives: Empowering People Affected by Earthquake - 2023
In 2023, the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA), with support of Turkish Philanthropy Funds, launched the "Rebuilding Lives: Empowering People Affected by Earthquake" project. This initiative provided crucial support and assistance to individuals adversely affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Throughout the project, 3,267 individuals benefited from various services, including 983 case management sessions and the distribution of 700 cash cards. Services were extended to individuals residing in 50 different provinces, and 380 families received financial assistance to cover their rent for two months.
The earthquake, which struck Southeastern Turkey on February 6th, caused extensive damage, resulting in over 50,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries. In response to this crisis, ARSA has been actively engaged in providing assistance over the past three months. Key activities included rent support, distribution of shopping vouchers, comprehensive service provision, case management, remote assistance and digital solutions, and on-site support. This project has had a positive impact on the lives of asylum seekers and refugees in earthquake-affected areas, helping them rebuild and recover.
Temporary Housing Support for Earthquake-Affected People in Turkey - 2023
In response to the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey, the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) initiated the "Temporary Housing Support for Earthquake-Affected People" project, generously supported by the Turkish Philanthropy Funds and Airbnb.org. The project aimed to address the urgent and long-term housing needs of individuals and families severely affected by the disaster, offering crucial case management and psychological support.
Throughout the seven-month duration from September 2023 to March 2024, ARSA provided comprehensive assistance to 8,297 earthquake victims across Turkey. This support included rent subsidies for 1,910 families, covering at least two months of housing costs. The organization processed 3,238 applications and managed 2,119 cases, ensuring efficient distribution of resources and support. In total, ARSA facilitated 554 referrals, guidance sessions, and consultancy services to aid in navigating post-disaster challenges.
Beneficiaries of the project encompassed a diverse demographic, with 37% being women, 34% men, and 29% children. Nationality-wise, 39% were Afghan asylum seekers, 30% Syrian asylum seekers, 24% Turkish citizens, and smaller percentages from Iran, Iraq, and other nationalities. The project was coordinated from the ARSA Center in Kayseri, with operational oversight from Kahramanmaraş, and extended essential assistance to affected communities in Kahramanmaraş, Malatya, Adana, and beyond, ensuring that even exceptional cases received the necessary support outside these key locations.
Enhancing the Resilience of Refugees in Kayseri Project - 2023-2024
Co-funded by the European Union's Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the "Enhancing the Resilience of Refugees in Kayseri" project was implemented by ARSA in partnership with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) from January 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. The project aimed to increase access to protection services and strengthen social cohesion. A total of 4,950 individuals benefited from the project, including 3,300 vulnerable individuals.
The project focused on meeting the vital protection needs of refugees and local communities. Services provided included consultation and individual information sessions, protection interventions, psychosocial support services, and awareness training. Throughout the project, a total of 563 meetings were held, with 430 at the national level and 133 at the international level. Of these, 182 were face-to-face meetings, and 381 were conducted online.
Social cohesion activities included a Turkish-speaking club, Teachers' Day celebration, Soğanlı trip, April 23rd kite festival, Women's Rights Day, World Women's Day, Children's Rights Day, and a chess tournament. These activities aimed to foster positive interactions between refugees and host communities, enhancing social cohesion. The project aimed to improve access to services for refugee groups in Kayseri by reducing barriers to service delivery and increasing access to other essential services.
Understanding the Needs of Afghan Refugees Affected by the Earthquake - 2023
The "Support to the People in the Earthquake Zone" project, conducted in cooperation with the Turkish Local NGO Humanitarian Forum (TİF), brought together local and national civil society organizations active in Turkey. This project, financially supported by a grant provided to the Afghan Refugee Solidarity Association (ARSA), aimed to coordinate NGO efforts in responding to the earthquake. ARSA implemented the project in collaboration with the Support to Life Association, focusing on understanding and addressing the needs of Afghan refugees in the earthquake zone.
The research conducted under this project sought to identify the basic needs of refugees, the services they lack access to, and to facilitate their access to these services. Half of Turkey's refugee population resides in the 11 cities most affected by the earthquake, where many suffered significant loss of life, financial setbacks, and emotional trauma. The research specifically targeted the refugee populations in Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, and Adana, the provinces hardest hit by the disaster.
Key activities included fieldwork, interviews with refugees, needs assessment, and data analysis. The findings of this comprehensive research provide critical insights into the challenges faced by earthquake victims, guiding effective assistance efforts. This project represents a significant step in understanding and meeting the needs of Afghan refugees affected by the earthquake.
IVLP Impact Award Project: Bridge to the Future - 2023
Dr. Hekmat's "Bridge to the Future" project, funded by the IVLP Impact Award, established a peer-to-peer education program aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of refugee activists. This initiative addressed common challenges in volunteer work and equipped participants with the essential skills to train others effectively. Through an interactive and participatory approach, the program empowered 30 refugee activists from 15 cities to become influential advocates for their communities. Workshops covered crucial topics such as Turkish asylum laws, gender equality, leadership, and community organizing, creating a robust support network and fostering mentoring relationships that continue to thrive.
The program's educational skills training significantly improved participants' presentation skills, communication strategies, and cultural sensitivity. Feedback from participants and observed outcomes in their volunteer work indicated a notable enhancement in these areas. Testimonials from participants highlighted personal growth, increased confidence, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in their communities. By the end of the project, a strong network of support and collaboration among refugee activists had been established, contributing to more effective advocacy and community engagement.