Four social innovation model projects, approved by the Ministry of Interior within the scope of 2025's “Year of the Family” and to be implemented with the support of the General Directorate of Civil Society Relations, are starting to be applied in different regions of Turkey with the aim of strengthening the family institution. The projects, carried out under the academic consultancy of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, aim to protect individuals' independent living skills, increase the resilience of households against disasters, strengthen the institution of marriage, and develop a mentor system that will provide guidance to families throughout the year.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “These models will create a lasting impact on Turkey’s future”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, stated that the social innovation model projects support the vision of societal contribution. Tarhan said; “Family is the core of the social structure. With these projects, we aim to strengthen not only the individual but also the entire society through the family. These social innovation models, implemented through the cooperation of universities, civil society, and public institutions, will create a lasting impact on Turkey's future.”
Strengthening the family institution is aimed
The works are being implemented under the academic consultancy of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, and the social innovation model project consultancy of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Social Contribution Coordinator Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar.
With the declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Family,” the projects aim to both increase societal contribution and strengthen the family institution.
Applicable models are offered in the field
Projects prepared with Üsküdar Üniversitesi's social innovation approach regard the family as a protective and strengthening center. The projects, developed under the guidance of the biopsychosocial approach of Dr. Lecturer Ayhan Özşahin, Head of the Department of Family Medicine, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, provide applicable models in the field, creating a strong example of cooperation among civil society, local governments, and universities.
The social innovation model projects approved by the Ministry of Interior are as follows;
1. Protecting Independent Living – YAŞAMKOR Project
Executive: Therapeutic Brain Mapping Association
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar Üniversitesi
Stakeholders: Istanbul Governorship, Ümraniye District Governorship, Ümraniye Municipality, Ümraniye District National Education Directorate
Aim: To protect individuals' independent living skills, and to develop protective and preventive social policies.
2. Disaster-Proof Households Project
Executive: Tekirdağ Associations Federation
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar Üniversitesi
Stakeholders: Istanbul Governorship, AFAD Istanbul Provincial Directorate, Ümraniye District Governorship, Ümraniye Municipality, Ümraniye District National Education Directorate
Aim: To strengthen households against disasters and emergencies, and to foster solidarity and safe living practices at the family level during crises.
3. Healthy Relationships, Strong Marriages Project
Executive: Kocaeli Associations Federation
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar Üniversitesi
Stakeholders: Dilovası District Governorship, Dilovası Municipality
Aim: To strengthen the institution of marriage, establish family communication on healthy foundations, and reduce divorce rates.
4. 365 Days Family Project
Executive: Valuable Lives Education Association (DEHADER)
Stakeholders: Malatya Governorship, Malatya Provincial National Education Directorate, Yeşilyurt District Governorship, Yeşilyurt Municipality, Neighborhood Headmen
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar Üniversitesi
Aim: To increase social solidarity by establishing a “Family Mentorship” system with continuous year-round educational support for families, along with awareness and guidance activities.