Global Reach: Past Grantees

Twenty-nine percent of Turkey’s population is between 15-29 years old with 11% between 15-19 years old. The proportion of youth is growing, especially in urban areas where 60% of youth live. Turkey’s adolescents show signs of stress (40% of all suicides occur among 15-19 year olds) yet public investment in health, education and other services for young people lags behind other European countries. The Youth Studies Unit (YSU) focuses on the issues and needs of youth and strengthens the role of civil society in addressing and engaging youth. YSU founded the Short Wave Youth Centre (SWYC) which reaches out to disadvantaged youth, particularly young women, using art and urban culture as a means of engaging them on issues affecting them and their communities.