Inspire Türkiye 2026

 From July 31st to August 9th and August 12th to 21st, volunteers will assist in a summer camp in Türkiye that facilitates learning and psychosocial programming for Syrian, Uyghur, and Turkish orphans. 

Highlights

  • Istanbul, Türkiye
  • Cohort 1: (July 31st to August 9th)
  • Cohort 2: (August 12th to August 21st)
  • Fundraising Target → $4,000 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee → $575 CAD non-refundable registration fee is required once accepted into the Inspire program

Apply Today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program is looking for participants who have the following criteria:

  • Over 18 years old of age
  • Able to attend orientation sessions and necessary training
  • Sincere interest and passion for helping others
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team
  • Intercultural awareness and excellent intercultural communication skills
  • Able to work with youth and children
  • Formal or non-formal education or training relevant to the program
  • Flexible and adaptable in new, potentially stressful environments

Background

Türkiye hosts the largest number of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. There are roughly four million refugees in Türkiye, with over 3.7 million of them having fled from Syria. Islamic Relief has been present in Türkiye since the 2000s in support of vulnerable communities, providing aid to both local populations in need and refugees.

Islamic Relief Canada supports hundreds of orphans through the Orphan Sponsorship Program. We implement activities aimed at maintaining and improving the mental and emotional well-being of rights-holders who face trauma. Islamic Relief Canada programming in Türkiye is directed towards Syrians, Uyghurs, and Turkish rights-holders. 

Since 2019, Inspire has held 5 field studies in Türkiye, running 5 summer camps with orphans. Check out previous volunteer experiences!


Main activities

Volunteers will assist in a summer camp affiliated with the ongoing orphans’ program to facilitate learning and psychosocial programming. Psychosocial programming is crucial for orphans and vulnerable children as it provides a structured framework for emotional support and mental well-being, helping them navigate the challenges of loss, trauma, and instability.

By addressing psychological and social needs, such programming fosters resilience, emotional growth, and a sense of belonging, essential for their overall development and integration into society.

This is carried out through a variety of activities, such as:

Team building and developing self-confidence

Educational and fun learning activities


Visits to scientific and educational institutions

Sports and fun learning activities


Volunteers will also pack and distribute food items and hygiene boxes to refugee families and gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by the refugee communities.

Furthermore, volunteers will have the opportunity to:

  1. Visit local Islamic Relief projects and interact with rights-holders to hear their stories.
  2. Take part in organized sightseeing activities, including visits to the Panorama 1453 Museum, Princess Islands, and other monuments in Istanbul.

Benefits of field study

The Inspire program aims to provide volunteers with a unique and eye-opening experience, where they immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment. 

After completing the program, letters of reference will be given out to participants upon request. Participants will also be encouraged to continue volunteering with Islamic Relief Canada following the trip to continue their humanitarian efforts.


Fundraising Process

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of CAD $4,000, which directly supports Islamic Relief Canada’s community development projects in Türkiye, as well as Islamic Relief's global emergency initiatives wherever the need is greatest. Your contributions will directly empower vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, through educational programs, psychosocial support activities, community service projects such as school and home rehabilitation, and the distribution of food and hygiene kits. These initiatives address socio-economic challenges, build resilience, and promote long-term self-reliance. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, where it is needed most.

Your donation helps our rightsholders in various way; $1080 is used to sponsor an orphan for a year, whilst the rest of the money is used towards deliverables in the country. Additional money may be used in other high-need areas in other countries.

Volunteers will be supported with their fundraising through:

  • Personalized fundraising coaching
  • Tips for community engagement
  • Digital tools and templates for outreach

Please note, none of the donations raised will be used for the volunteer’s personal travel or expenses.

Accommodations & Costs

Islamic Relief Canada will cover:

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Ground transportation within Türkiye
  • Group meals and organized group activities

Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from Türkiye
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics

Pre-Trip Training

All accepted participants must complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

(The pre-trip training sessions include one pre-departure session).

  • Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
  • Fundraising strategy and planning
  • Group bonding and spiritual preparation
  • Cultural etiquette and expectations in Türkiye
  • Health, safety, and travel protocols

Training will consist of 3-4 sessions (approximately 2 hours each). Full attendance is required.

Reflections from our changemakers 

“I have learned quite a bit from this trip. I have learned from my team members, the leaders, and also the children in Türkiye. The children taught me that in life, contentment is important. They had some kind of freedom within them, and their expressions were pure and genuine. I want to instill some of this unadulterated joy and contentment into my life.” 

“The most impactful story I experienced was upon meeting one of the mothers of the Uyghur refugees. Her name was Fatima. Her children, and all the Ughyur refugee orphans I interacted with, were just the most well-behaved, kind, and iman-driven children. Their faces are faces I will never forget, and their stories are stories I will always hold onto.”

“I learned about the work of Islamic Relief and got to see how committed the staff in Türkiye were and the hard work they have put in to make sure people in need are being helped effectively. I felt so proud and noticed that without their efforts, none of this would've been possible.”   ​