The advocacy workshops for Exiled Afghans were conducted every Friday for a total of 6 sessions, lasting a total of 12 hours. These workshops were designed to provide Exiled Afghans with information and resources related to their rights in Turkey, as well as to help them navigate various systems and processes related to finding work, accessing healthcare, and obtaining education and other forms of support. The average attendance was 10-15 participants per session from different cities in Turkey, which allowed for an interactive and personalized learning experience.
These workshops were conducted by Shahzad Mudasir who is a Refugee and Women’s rights advocate and also working as project coordinator for Kite Runner and Lawyer Adnan Onur Acar.
The following topics were covered during the workshops:
- Immigration rights in Turkey: Participants were provided with information about the legal rights and protections afforded to Exiled Afghans in Turkey and resources for seeking assistance if their rights were violated.
- International refugee rights: Participants learned about the global legal framework governing the rights of Exiled Afghans, including the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Exiled Afghans.
- Job search and application: Participants received guidance on how to search for and apply for jobs in Turkey, including tips on resume writing and preparing for job interviews.
- Work permit: Participants learned about the process for obtaining a work permit in Turkey, including the required documents and fees.
- Healthcare access and health insurance: Participants received information on how to access healthcare in Turkey, including information on health insurance options and how to find a healthcare provider.
- University search and application: Participants received guidance on how to search for and apply to universities in Turkey, including information on scholarship opportunities.
- Rental laws: Participants learned about the laws governing the rental of housing in Turkey, including the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
- Residency permits: Participants received information on obtaining and renewing residency permits in Turkey, including the required documents and fees.
- International protection permits: Participants learned about the process for obtaining an international protection permit in Turkey, including the required documents and eligibility requirements.
- ISMEK: Participants received information on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (ISMEK) education and training programs, including how to apply and the available courses.
- IBB’s job portal and education portal: Participants learned about the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IBB) job portal and education portal, including how to access and use these resources.
- The immigration office of Turkey: Participants received information on the services and resources available at the immigration department of Turkey, including information on applying for a work or study permit.
The advocacy workshops for Exiled Afghans provided valuable information and resources to help participants navigate various systems and processes related to their rights and needs in Turkey. The workshops covered a range of topics and were delivered by providing participants with the tools and knowledge they need to advocate for themselves and access the support and resources they require. The small group size allowed for an interactive and personalized learning experience, and the workshops were well-received by attendees. The information provided on health insurance was particularly valuable, as it helped participants understand their options and how to access healthcare services in Turkey. This knowledge is important in helping Exiled Afghans take care of their physical and mental health, and in protecting against financial burden in case of illness or injury.
The Kite Runner Project is proud of the hard work and achievements of the participants, and we would like to express our deepest thanks to the International Media Support (IMS) for their generous support of this program, and we look forward to continuing to work together to empower and support people in need in our community.
