The Renewal Unıversıty Capacıty Buıldıng Erasmus+ Project Has Been Successfully Completed.

The Erasmus+ Adult Education Student and Staff Mobility (KA122-ADU) “Refreshment University Capacity Development” Project, conducted by Mersin University, has been successfully completed. The project achieved a significant success as it is one of the first Erasmus+ group mobility projects carried out for students from both Mersin University and the 60+ Refreshment Universities operating in Turkey. Supported by the Turkish National Agency and implemented under the European Union Erasmus+ Program, the project took place between May 18-22, 2026, hosted by the Belgrade Business and Arts Academy of Applied Studies (BAPUSS) in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The project was coordinated by Lecturer İbrahim Duman, and the mobility activities were carried out under the supervision of Lecturer İbrahim Duman, Prof. Dr. Duygu Vefikuluçay Yılmaz, Ahmet Abalı, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuba Güner Emül, and Lecturer Dr. Özge Gül Zeyrek. A total of 20 adult learners enrolled in the 60+ Refreshment University participated in the group mobility organized within the scope of the project. Participants had the opportunity to learn about different cultures, gain new learning experiences, and examine best practices in Europe by taking part in an international training program that supports the active participation of older individuals in lifelong learning processes. Within the program, 10 adult learners enrolled in the 60+ Refreshment University participated in a group mobility themed “Active Aging and Green Skills.” These trainings covered sustainable living, environmental awareness, active aging practices, and approaches that support the participation of older individuals in social life. The other 10 adult learners participated in a group mobility themed “Media Literacy and Combating Disinformation.” Participants attended trainings on digital media use, access to reliable information, distinguishing between misinformation and disinformation, and developing critical thinking skills. The trainings, applications, and workshops conducted within the scope of the group mobility were led by the BAPUSS academic team. Throughout the training process, participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also had the opportunity to experience what they learned through practical activities. At the end of the program, all students who participated in the mobility program were presented with certificates of participation. During the project, adult learners got to know a new country, interacted with different cultures, participated in international learning environments, and gained European experience, making significant contributions to their personal development. Participants also shared the knowledge and experiences they gained with other students within the Mersin University 60+ Refreshment University, achieving important gains that will contribute to the development of institutional capacity. The main objectives of the project were determined as increasing cultural interaction, offering new learning opportunities, providing international experience, and developing sustainable collaborations. The project, carried out with the slogan "A new country, new experiences, a strong future," once again demonstrated that older individuals can actively participate in international mobility activities and that lifelong learning is possible at any age. The project, conducted with the understanding that "We are here not to get older, but to progress with age," made significant contributions to strengthening the active aging approach, increasing the social participation of older individuals, and increasing the visibility of the Refreshment University model at national and international levels. Erasmus+ Adult Education Learner and Staff Mobility (KA122-ADU) projects aim to improve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of adult learners, increase their access to lifelong learning opportunities, and share best practices in Europe. Mobility activities carried out within this scope contribute to both the personal development of participants and the capacity building of institutions. Mersin University, as the 60+ Refreshment University, would like to thank the Turkish National Agency, the European Union, the host institution BAPUSS, our University's International Relations Office, the project team, and all the adult learners who participated in the learning process with great dedication for their contributions to the realization of this project.

2026-06-01 01:58:17
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