The DeM Experiential Training Center Association, established in 2009 and based in Istanbul, is a non-profit NGO dedicated to advancing and promoting experiential learning across all educational and learning fields. By enhancing the visibility and development of non-formal education at local, national, and international levels, DeM aims to contribute to individual, professional, and societal growth.
Focus Areas: DeM’s work is organized around four primary areas:
- Youth Work and Volunteering: Engaging young people in meaningful activities that foster personal and social development.
- Research and Development in Pedagogy, Non-Formal Education, and Migrations: Undertaking studies and initiatives to innovate and inform practices in these areas.
- Advocacy in Education: Promoting policies and practices that support non-formal and informal learning environments.
- Networking and Global Cooperation: Building partnerships and collaborations across borders to share knowledge and resources.
DeM operates student clubs DeM-Marmara and DeM-Medipol in Istanbul and DeM Gazi in Ankara, through which much of its youth work is conducted. These clubs, primarily staffed by volunteer education students, engage in numerous activities, particularly projects related to migrants. DeM aims to bridge local populations, especially unbiased youth, with migrants, helping them feel safe and welcomed.
With a team of 50 trainers working in youth work, formal education, vocational training, and adult education, DeM combines current educators and future teachers in the same network, encouraging mutual learning.
Collaborations: DeM collaborates with the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey (MoNE), working on long-term partnerships with the General Directorate for Lifelong Learning MoNE to create modules and programs for non-formal education.
As a founding member of the International Experiential Learning Network (IELN) established in 2012 and a member of the Global Compact Network of the United Nations, Anna Lindh Network, and founding member of the civil society education platform STEP Turkey, DeM maintains strong ties with the experiential learning institute led by David KOLB, the founder of experiential learning theory.
Target Groups: DeM’s main target groups are institutions, organizations, and professionals. The foundation leverages its expertise in “experiential learning” to develop customized educational models and engage in project partnerships aimed at various target groups.
Youth Work Activities at the Local Level: DeM has two main divisions for its youth work:
- DeMGÂH Experiential Educators Network: Focused on research and development in formal, non-formal, and vocational education, collaborating with universities, educational NGOs, and institutions. With a volunteer base of approximately 110, DeMGÂH continually engages in research programs.
- DeM-YOUTH Experiential Training Youth Network: Coordinates youth work within DeM’s Turkish youth network, involving three student associations and conducting youth work through these affiliated student clubs. DeM-YOUTH has about 450 active young members, primarily volunteers, spearheading various projects and activities, notably in migrant integration.
DeM recently executed the project “ADAPT FOR REFUGEES!” aimed at enhancing creativity and innovation in non-formal education activities for disadvantaged groups like refugees and developing the quality and impact of these activities.
The main goals include adapting non-formal education tools for active participation, intercultural learning, empowerment, and employability, particularly tailored to the realities of young refugees. DeM is committed to improving youth workers’ abilities to adapt methods and focus primarily on the needs of refugee youth, supporting integration and social cohesion in the context of the ongoing migration crisis.
