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Inspire Türkiye 2027

From July 31 - August 9 and August 12 - August 21, volunteers will engage with local communities in Türkiye, running educational and psychosocial support programs for Syrian, Turkish, and Uyghur orphans, taking part in community service projects, including distributing essential supplies to support vulnerable families in the region. This transformative journey provides unique insight into the region’s culture, history, and challenges.

Highlights

  • Cohort 1: July 31 - August 9, 2027
  • Cohort 2: August 12 - August 21, 2027
  • Fundraising Target: $4,000 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee: CAD $575 (non-refundable, required upon acceptance into the program)

Limited spots available! Applications will close as soon as capacity is reached.

Apply today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program seeks participants with the following qualities:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Able to attend mandatory orientation sessions and all required training
  • A sincere interest in humanitarian work and global service
  • Experience and passion for working with youth and children
  • Strong leadership skills and teamwork capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations
  • Flexibility, maturity, and the ability to adapt in new environments
  • Ability to commit to physically demanding activities and extended days while abroad

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 In Türkiye

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 2020, Inspire has held 11 field studies in Türkiye, delivering educational and psychosocial support programs for orphans and vulnerable children.

Check out a previous volunteer's experience! 


Main Activities

  • Volunteers will embark on a 10-day journey, directly engaging with vulnerable communities in Türkiye. Activities include:
    • Running educational workshops and recreational activities for local orphans
    • Providing psychosocial support programs that foster emotional growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging for vulnerable children and youth
    • Volunteers will also pack and distribute food items and hygiene boxes to vulnerable families and gain an understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
  • Furthermore, volunteers will have the opportunity to:
    • Visit local Islamic Relief projects in the area and interact with rights-holders to hear their stories.
    • Participate in organized sightseeing activities, including visits to historical landmarks.

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.

The Inspire experience continues beyond the field study. Following the trip abroad, each volunteer will be required to complete a Passion Project, providing an opportunity to apply their learning and turn their experience into meaningful action within their community.

Volunteers who successfully complete all components of the Inspire program may also receive a CPD certificate, a globally recognized leadership development credential.

Upon completion of the program, letters of reference are available to participants upon request.

We also encourage Inspire alumni to continue their humanitarian journey by staying involved with Islamic Relief Canada and exploring opportunities to volunteer and contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts beyond the program.

Apply today


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. Funds may also 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
  • Expenses related to the VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) application

Pre-Trip Training

All accepted participants must attend mandatory orientation sessions and complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

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

Training sessions will be approximately 1-2 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.”   ​