Strengthening long-term partnerships in Türkiye
Meeting at the German Embassy
The Board Members’ visit began at the German Embassy. There, they received information about the project “Financial Inclusion for Refugees and Host Communities in Türkiye” that is financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The exchange with the Deputy German Ambassador focused on the current situation in Türkiye as well as the progress and challenges of the project.
Cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sport
The delegation met with the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Türkiye, a project partner of DSIK. The Director General of Youth Services, Dr. Enes Efendioğlu, emphasized the successful cooperation at the meeting. Since the beginning of 2024, over 700 young people have received training on financial education and entrepreneurship, which takes place in youth centers in three pilot cities. The Board Members visited one of these youth centers, met young participants in the training courses and their trainers to share their experiences.
Meeting with the Turkish Grameen Microfinance Program (TGMP)
On the second day, the Board Members continued its discussions with the Turkish Grameen Microfinance Program (TGMP), with which DSIK has been working since 2019. The program facilitates the granting of microloans, especially to Syrian and Turkish micro-entrepreneurs. Since the start of the cooperation, around 4,500 entrepreneurs have benefited from financial literacy and business management training. The cooperation was assessed as successful and ideas for future projects were exchanged.
During the two-day visit, the success of the projects was evaluated, their impact on the beneficiaries observed and new ideas discussed. DSIK reaffirmed its commitment to support the Turkish economy and to continue the cooperation.