Eğitim ve Gençlik Çalışmaları Derneği Enstitüsü – EGECED (Institute for Educational and Youth Studies) is a non-profit association founded by professionals of the education field (teachers, trainers, academics, managers and supervisors).
The members of EGECED are part of a network of schools which includes general, vocational and special education schools. EGECED is a network of schools in Izmir city, focusing on special education local schools (primary and secondary), while it has established collaborations with universities. The objective of EGECED is to gather the professionals who work in the field of the education, contributing to the improvement of the quality of education, as well as to introduce modern applications into the educational system.
Moreover, the aim is to contribute to the development of sustainable exchange between educational professionals in Turkey and Europe, supporting intercultural dimension for educators and youth. EGECED consists of 42 members and 300 volunteers (teachers, school managers, inspectors, students from high schools, universities), including religion education teachers.
The organization has broad experience in the field of the EU projects and project management. Members of the association have very high competences in research, teaching, training and evaluation. Experts involved in the project are familiar with European policies, strategies and priorities of education and inclusion of children with special needs through art and music, as well as Erasmus+ procedures.
Turkey is a very multicultural, multiethnic and multi-religious country. The core element of a happy and successful society is being respectful to other cultures, religions and lifestyles. Considering that the EU is also very cosmopolitan, the project will be proven useful not only for high-school students, but also for society in general. In our case, LIFE-TWO and its outputs will help high school students become aware of other cultures and religions and help build a more tolerant society.