Date: 7th to 11th October
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
From October 7 to 11, an intensive training session on facilitating dialogic gatherings was held in the enchanting city of Istanbul as part of the A-Clase project. The event, which included ten participants and four mentors from Slovenia, was organized in collaboration with our Turkish partners from SAYEG Derneği, providing us with invaluable insight into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
On the first day, our Turkish partners prepared a guided tour of Istanbul’s historic landmarks, where we immersed ourselves in the city’s cultural heritage, gaining valuable experiences that enriched our understanding of intercultural dialogue. This cultural exploration inspired us to deepen connections across diverse cultures, laying a strong foundation for the following days of training.
While future dialogue meeting moderators familiarized themselves with Istanbul’s cultural wealth, a partnership meeting was also held. Here, together with our Turkish partners, we reviewed the progress of the A-Clase project, analyzed completed tasks, and aligned on next steps. We discussed upcoming activities and the requirements for the successful continuation of the project, setting key priorities for the months ahead.
The next two days were dedicated to joint training sessions, where Slovenian and Turkish participants enhanced their knowledge of dialogue meetings and strengthened their intercultural communication skills. The workshops were designed to foster understanding and bridge cultures through collaboration and perspective-sharing. Participants actively engaged in various workshops, gaining practical skills that will support them in independently facilitating dialogue meetings in their communities.
This training was an exceptional opportunity to establish new connections, strengthen cooperation among partners, and support the personal and professional development of all participants. We returned to Slovenia inspired, with enriching memories and renewed energy to advance the project further.