2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

"Our Home Istanbul Children's Activity Centers: A Model Empowering the Future Centers", initiated under leadership of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, is an innovative model that places access to education, participation, gender equality, and women's employment at the center of children's development. The centers embrace the principle of equal opportunity in education, supporting children's social, cognitive, emotional growth while incorporating parents and the community into the process through a holistic approach. The centers are built on the foundation of every child's right to equal access to quality education. Play-based learning methods allow children to explore their individual talents, enhancing lifelong learning skills. Workshops and seminars encourage parental involvement, ensuring families play an active role in their children's educational journey. By offering free or low-cost educational support to children from vulnerable groups, the centers make quality education accessible to all. Our Home Istanbul promotes gender equality in both its content and operational structure. Its educational materials aim to break down gender stereotypes, while employing female educators and caregivers strengthens women's economic independence. The centers seek to challenge the notion that caregiving is solely a woman's responsibility, establishing it as a public service. By offering childcare services, the program reduces burden on families, particularly women, making it easier for them to participate in the workforce. Institutionalized and equitable childcare fosters women's participation in education, employment, and social life, driving broader societal inclusion. Our Activity Centers are an exemplary model for building an equitable, participatory, and inclusive future. Supporting equal opportunity in education and empowering women, this project redefines the role of local governments in driving social transformation.

Fore more information: https://yuvamiz.ibb.istanbul/ (External link)