Building Resilience for Youth: JICA and MoYS Launch New Project for Psychosocial Support

On December 23, 2025, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) have signed the Record of Discussions (RD) for the Project for Psychosocial Support and Disaster Resilience for Youth, marking a new milestone in Japan–Türkiye cooperation for disaster recovery and youth empowerment.

The February 2023 earthquakes left deep scars, not only on infrastructure but on the hearts and minds of young people. Many youths and children faced trauma, uncertainty, and loss. Recognizing this urgent need, JICA and MoYS launched a pilot project in July 2023 to provide psychosocial support in the hardest-hit provinces: Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya.

The pilot project introduced Psychological First Aid (PFA) training, peer-to-peer support activities, and disaster education programs, helping youth regain confidence and resilience while improving their psychological wellbeing. These experiences now form the foundation for a comprehensive, scalable model.

In our new project, we are establishing sustainable psychosocial support and disaster resilience mechanisms in youth centers, providing training to MoYS staff and youth leaders on Psychological First Aid and disaster preparedness and will diversify youth center activities and improve service quality for all young people, especially those affected by earthquakes and forced migration. Through this initiative, youth centers will become safer spaces for healing and learning, offering programs that strengthen mental well-being and disaster readiness.

"This project will empower youth and build resilience against future disasters," said Mr. WATANABE Daisuke, Chief Representative of JICA Türkiye Office. "It is important to expand psychosocial support, and we should work together to create safe spaces where young people can heal, grow, and lead their communities toward recovery," said Mr. Hamza Yerlikaya, Vice Minister of MoYS.

By combining Japanese expertise in disaster risk reduction with Türkiye’s strong youth network, JICA and MoYS aim to build a model that lasts beyond the project period, contributing to inclusive and resilient youth policies nationwide.