ECO-IN is a newly established local association in Muğla, Turkey, founded in February 2024. The organization is dedicated to fostering knowledge-based development at the local level by creating educational opportunities for individuals of all ages and segments of society. ECO-IN's mission encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including vocational training, orientation programs, career planning assistance, and educational support for school-aged youth. The association is also committed to promoting the effective use of natural resources, environmental awareness, fostering healthy sports habits, preserving art, culture, and cultural assets.

In addition to these core objectives, ECO-IN focuses on digitalization and promoting the conscious use of digital tools, raising awareness about, and advocating for women’s and children’s rights.The organization places a strong emphasis on values education grounded in scientific knowledge.

ECO-IN brings significant added value to the ROMA-GEM project through its inclusive educational activities targeting diverse age groups and social segments. The association’s experience in vocational training, career guidance, educational support for school-aged youth, and lifelong learning provides a strong pedagogical foundation for the mentoring and capacity-building activities aimed at empowering Roma girls.

ECO-IN’s expertise in digitalisation and the conscious use of digital tools plays a critical role in the digital empowerment components of the ROMA-GEM project. Experience gained through Erasmus+ projects has equipped the organisation with strong implementation capacity in the areas of active citizenship, democratic participation, European values, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and youth leadership development. This background directly contributes to enhancing Roma girls’ digital competences, strengthening their critical thinking skills, and supporting their more active participation in social life.

Furthermore, ECO-IN’s work on women’s and children’s rights, democratic awareness, and social inclusion reinforces ROMA-GEM’s rights-based and gender equality–oriented approach. The organisation’s direct engagement with young people and its experience in applying participatory methodologies support local ownership of the project, the establishment of trust-based relationships, and the creation of long-term impact.

Building on this comprehensive expertise, ECO-IN assumes a key role in the ROMA-GEM project by contributing to the development of educational content, the design of digital empowerment activities, and the implementation of participatory learning processes for young people, thereby supporting the delivery of culturally sensitive, sustainable, and scalable solutions.