Between May 11th and May 24th, ESN Marmara proudly took part in Social Impact Days Spring 2026, an ESN-wide initiative focused on creating positive impact through volunteering, inclusion, well-being, sustainability, community engagement, and personal development.
For us, Social Impact Days was a reminder that impact can be created in many different ways: through learning something new, supporting the community, spending meaningful time together, taking care of mental and physical well-being, or simply creating spaces where people feel connected and included.
Throughout these two weeks, we aimed to combine social responsibility with the Erasmus experience and show that international student life can also contribute positively to the local community around us.
Sim It Till You Make It. Workshop Series
In collaboration with ESN Ankara University, we organised Sim It Till You Make It, a workshop series focused on practical skills and self-development.
The series included:
• CV Building Workshop
• European Solidarity Corps Information Session
• Safe ESN Events Workshop
Through these sessions, participants had the opportunity to improve professional skills, learn more about volunteering opportunities within Europe, and discuss safer and more inclusive event environments inside ESN. The workshops aimed to encourage students to feel more confident both personally and professionally.
Beach Volleyball
One of the most energetic moments of Social Impact Days was our Beach Volleyball activity with Erasmus students.
The event created a space for teamwork, connection, and community building. Students from different cultures came together, supported each other, and spent time enjoying Istanbul’s spring atmosphere through movement and shared experiences.
The activity highlighted the importance of physical well-being, social inclusion, and the simple joy of spending quality time together.
Soul Circle: Yoga
Soul Circle: Yoga was organised as part of our Soul Circle project, which was honoured with the Health & Well-being Award at EGM Split’26.
The session focused on mindfulness, relaxation, and creating a calm environment where participants could take a break from the fast pace of everyday life. Through yoga and shared reflection, students had the chance to reconnect with themselves and prioritise mental and emotional well-being.
Çorbada Tuzun Olsun
As part of Social Impact Days, we visited the Çorbada Tuzun Olsun Derneği together with our Erasmus students.
During the activity, participants helped prepare and distribute food for homeless individuals. The experience became one of the most meaningful moments, reminding us that social impact often starts with simple human connection and collective effort.
Büyükada Hiking
To close our Social Impact Days journey, we organised a hiking activity in Büyükada.
Surrounded by nature and away from the fast rhythm of the city, we spent the day exploring the island together, sharing conversations, and enjoying a slower and more mindful atmosphere. The activity encouraged both physical activity and social connection while also highlighting the importance of spending time in nature for overall well-being.
Social Impact Days Spring 2026 reminded us that creating impact does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes it starts with a workshop, a shared meal, a volleyball game, a mindful moment, or a walk together.
As ESN Marmara, we are grateful to every volunteer, participant, partner, and Erasmus student who joined us throughout these two weeks and helped turn these activities into meaningful experiences. Because at the end of the day, ESN is also about community, solidarity, and growing together through shared experiences.
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