Project for Youth Development Activities by Turkic Foundation of Brooklyn (Young Peace Builders)

The Turkic Foundation of Brooklyn advocates for social justice, equality, and equity by granting access to fundamental social services for those affected by challenging conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and having immigrant & refugee conditions in New York. The organization promotes multiculturalism and diversity, staunchly opposing discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or socioeconomic background.

The Turkic Foundation of Brooklyn reaches out to various communities in Brooklyn. It extends its services to individuals from diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds through interfaith programs and cross-cultural activities. The organization aims to foster peaceful and inclusive societies where people engage, participate, and collaborate in nurturing self-sufficient individuals, strong families, and resilient communities.

Within this wide range of services, youth development activities also have a special place. So, the Turkic Foundation of Brooklyn committed to fostering the holistic development of youth in Brooklyn and the New York area.

In this manner, we are seeking funding support to enhance and expand our youth development programs, which are designed to prevent youths from engaging in violation activities and hate crimes and to promote character education, literacy, interfaith understanding, and cultural awareness among the youth.

1. Program Overview:

Our youth development activities encompass various initiatives to shape responsible, well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society. These activities include:

a. Preventing Violation Activities and Hate Crimes:
• Workshops and seminars focused on conflict resolution, anger management, and empathy training.
• Awareness campaigns promote tolerance, diversity, and understanding among different cultures and religions.

b. Character Education Workshops:
• Interactive workshops emphasizing essential values such as honesty, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Mentorship programs connect experienced individuals with youths for guidance and support.

c. Literacy and Education Initiatives:
• Reading a Book Bootcamps to improve reading skills and foster a love for learning.
• Homework assistance programs and SAT classes to enhance academic performance and prepare for higher education.

d. Interfaith and Cultural Activities:
• Organizing synagogue, mosque, and church visits to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.
• Cultural events celebrating the rich heritage of Turkic and other cultures, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect.

e. Domestic Trips and Weekly Youth Gatherings:
• We organize educational and recreational trips to broaden our horizons and provide enriching experiences.
• Weekly youth gatherings offer a safe space for social interaction, character education, and mentorship, accompanied by nutritious meals and engaging activities.

2. Funding Request:

We are seeking $50,000 to allows us to support these initiatives.

The funds will be utilized for the following purposes:
• Hiring qualified educators and counselors for workshops and mentorship programs.
• Procuring educational materials, books, and resources for literacy and homework assistance programs.
• Organizing cultural events, interfaith visits, and domestic trips to broaden youths' perspectives.
• Providing meals and materials for weekly youth gatherings.
• Offering scholarships for deserving youths to attend SAT classes and other educational programs.

3. Expected Outcomes:

We aim to achieve the following outcomes:
• Increased awareness and understanding among youths, leading to a decrease in violation activities and hate crimes.
• Improved academic performance and college readiness for participating students.
• Enhanced interfaith dialogue, fostering tolerance and cooperation among diverse communities.
• Development of well-rounded, responsible, and empathetic individuals ready to contribute positively to society.

4. Conclusion:

We believe that investing in youth development is an investment in the future of our community. All the supports will enable us to create a nurturing environment where young individuals can thrive, learn, and become responsible citizens.