Sparks expands to new cities in 2015 – 16

The Sparks Program is continuing to grow. This academic year, Sparks added groups in two new cities, Istanbul and Bolu. Now there are groups in Izmir, Bolu, Istanbul, and Izmit. This brings the total number of groups to six, serving a total of 49 university women which represents a big growth over last year.

DLD - larger
The faces of the growing ranks of Sparks women who are “doing good” by “doing well”

In addition, this year DLD has two new sponsors. The U.S. based Bridge to Turkiye Fund is underwriting the Istanbul group that consists of students selected by CYDD, a leading non-profit that provides scholarships primarily to girls. The Bolu Community Foundation underwrites the program in Bolu.

 

Sparks students in action

During the 8-month-long school year, using the Sparks experiential learning model, participants take on management of their own weekly meetings. They take part in a wide variety of leadership trainings, and meet role models. Most importantly, they practice leadership skills by forming teams to identify and carry out social change projects that benefit their local communities.

At the annual Spring “Summit,” all Sparks participants and facilitators gather to share and celebrate their project completions and the positive differences they have made in the lives of others – and themselves.

Sparks students and their facilitators practice “learning by doing.”
Sparks students and their facilitators practice “learning by doing.”

 

Facilitator training sessions

Carefully planned comprehensive facilitator training is also an important part of the program. . In September 2015, new and continuing Sparks facilitators gathered for program orientation and to build skills in their roles as nurturers, supporters, and role models.

Professionals in the field of coaching and facilitation donated their time and talents to the four-day, interactive workshop. Participants learned and practiced effective group facilitation, communication and coaching.

Facilitator Workshop Day 1: Burcu Yalman, founder of CoachZone (left), introduced key principles and engaged participants in targeted skill practices.
Facilitator Workshop Day 1: Burcu Yalman, founder of CoachZone (left), introduced key principles and engaged participants in targeted skill practices.

Days 3 and 4, [Kerem Gümüşkanatli who is the founder of a training company, ] led participants through exercises in areas such as teamwork, and personal vision creation
Days 3 and 4, [Kerem Gümüşkanatli who is the founder of a training company, ] led participants through exercises in areas such as teamwork, and personal vision creation.

Ongoing growth and improvement

With news of its successes spreading, the Sparks program continues to attract participants, facilitators, sponsors and volunteer . At the same time, Sparks is constantly innovating, evaluating, and acting to address current issues – making Sparks a truly unique learning experience .

 

 

TWI is a US based organization that provides innovative, practical and sustainable leadership programs for girls and women through its flagship Sparks Program. Sparks is managed in Turkey by its partner organization Degisim Liderleri Dernegi (Change Leaders Association) a registered Turkish nonprofit. All donations to TWI directly support the Sparks Program and are fully tax deductible through its fiscal agent Turkish Philanthropy Fund (TPF).Click here to change this text