We are Imece Inisifiyati

IMECE

Solidarity or collaboration. This word comes from rural Turkey and describes the effort of a community towards a common goal.

INISIYATIFI

Initiative. To act or to take charge in order to resolve a problem or improve a situation. To use imagination and common sense and to take responsibility for your actions.

Responding to crisis

Founded in Çeşme, Turkey in 2012 Imece was created with the intention of supporting the local community but had to shift focus at the start of the “European Refugee Crisis”. Although Çeşme and Chios have always been key areas for migrating populations, the security situation of the Middle East in 2015 created a massive influx of people trying to cross into Europe. Most of the help we provided was an emergency distribution of goods needed to ensure these families’ survival (food, water, medical aid, etc).

The EU - Turkey agreement

Prior to the EU-Turkey Agreement of March 2016, many people were crossing illegally into Chios, form where they could safely and legally find access to the European continent. Since the Agreement, they now need to complete all their administrative authorisations within the Greek islands, which can take up to two years. During this time, many are staying in settlements with very poor living conditions. Because of this, many displaced people have opted to stay in Turkey.

6.05 million people in desperate need

There are 6.05 million registered displaced persons in Turkey, representing approximately 7.2% of the country’s total population. These figures do not include individuals who are not included in official registration systems. Izmir has a population of approximately 4 million people, with the city’s migrant population estimated at around 300,000 individuals, of whom approximately 150,000 are registered. Due to this high concentration, access to official registration and services is managed according to specific prioritization criteria, such as disability or special health conditions. Many civil society organizations limit their activities to groups included in official registration systems. At Imece, we aim to carry out accessible, needs-based support activities for everyone, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

Paving the way towards sustainable autonomy

We host displaced women and children in our community center in Basmane, a deprived neighborhood of Izmir. The children follow a dedicated program aimed at providing them with the necessary knowledge to re-enter the school system. The women, or "Solar Ladies" learn the basics of solar engineering, solar panel manufacturing and EFE solar batteries. These practical skills aim to facilitate access to economic independence.

Sustainable education and support

In our Basmane community center in Izmir, and in Torbalı settlements, children follow a weekly education programme with workshops adapted to each children's age groups. In small groups, children learn the basics of the Latin alphabet, Turkish language, mathematics, and all the necessary skills to enter school. Finally, Imece provides legal and social support to their families so they can enroll their children in school.