Three children stand outdoors on a sunny day. The child on the left wears a colorful printed shirt, the middle holds a soccer ball, and the right wears a red shirt, all smiling against a blurred cityscape backdrop.

Harmony Fields: Sustainable Play in a Clean Environment
Harmony Fields: Sustainable Play in a Clean Environment

Bonyan

Turkey

United by Sport

Project specific

Bonyan

Partner

Turkey

Location

2 years

Duration

Community details

Bünyan Genclik ve Kalkinma Dernegi’s project addresses the causes and effects of hate and discrimination affecting Syrian refugees in Şanlıurfa, Turkey through multiple angles. It connects young refugees with children from Şanlıurfa to foster understanding and reduce prejudices. People facing systemic barriers are provided with leadership and life skills supporting them in challenging stereotypes and advocating for their rights.

Inclusive sports programs and infrastructure improvements increase equitable access to opportunities, while educational activities build resilience and tackle discriminatory attitudes. By integrating environmental efforts such as eco-friendly construction and environmental awareness sessions, into this sports-based social cohesion initiative, the project aims to foster both community integration and long-term ecological responsibility.

About the project

Şanlıurfa, a city in southern Turkey surrounded by limestone hills, has become a main destination for Syrian refugees because of its proximity to the border. While those forcibly displaced from their homes strive to contribute to advance their lives, families, and communities, barriers including racism, gender discrimination, xenophobia, and ableism hinder many Syrian refugees in Şanlıurfa ability to do so.

Young boy in a pink shirt and blue shorts plays with a soccer ball outdoors. Cityscape and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

United by Sport

Bünyan Genclik ve Kalkinma Dernegi’s project challenges racism, xenophobia, gender-based discrimination, and ableism. Its focus on encouraging collaboration creates a foundation for participants to tackle discrimination and co-create a more inclusive and equitable society.