Gaziosmanpaşa District Governor İskender Yönden visited President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan in his office. During the meeting, organized under the leadership of Üsküdar University’s Directorate of Social Contribution, a scientifically grounded project was evaluated with the aim of reintegrating children driven to crime back into society. The project seeks to strengthen family ties, provide psychosocial support, and support the integration of children into society through education, art, and social entrepreneurship activities.
The meeting, held in the office of Prof. Nevzat Tarhan under the leadership of the Directorate of Social Contribution, was attended by Gaziosmanpaşa District Governor İskender Yönden, Director of the Young Minds Academy and Social Contribution Coordinator Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar, and the project team.
The project aims to create a scientifically based model to reduce the rate of recidivism among children while strengthening family ties and enhancing social cohesion.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Every child driven to crime is a silent cry of the social system”
In his speech, President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that lasting social transformation becomes possible when science meets moral sensitivity. He stated: “ Every child driven to crime is a silent cry of the social system. If we can combine scientific approaches with moral conscience, we will not only rehabilitate these children but also rekindle their inner potential. As Üsküdar University, our duty is to turn science that touches humanity into social healing.”
İskender Yönden: “This project is a powerful example of the compassionate hand of the state meeting science”
Gaziosmanpaşa District Governor İskender Yönden highlighted the importance of public-university collaboration, saying: “This project is a powerful example of the compassionate hand of our state meeting with science. Our aim is to ensure that young people driven to crime can once again hold onto life with hope. With the scientific contribution of Üsküdar University, I believe this model will serve as an example.”
Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar: “Every child is a source of hope”
Social Contribution Coordinator Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar underlined that the process is not merely rehabilitation but also a journey of believing in humanity again. She stated: “Our project is not only a responsibility for children driven to crime but also for the conscience of society. Every child is a source of hope. When given the right opportunities, they can illuminate society with their potential.”
A scientific approach that touches the heart of society
Developed with the academic guidance of Üsküdar University, the model is not only a rehabilitation project but a holistic transformation initiative, framed within positive psychology, aiming to help young individuals rediscover their inner potential and reintegrate into society as productive individuals.
The foundation of the model includes:
Psychosocial support
Family strengthening
Rehabilitation through education
Creativity and art-based activities
Social entrepreneurship
Reintegration into society
Every child will be supported with special modules
Within the scope of the project, each child will be supported with special modules prepared in the fields of personal development and social skills. Drama, sports, digital productivity, and volunteer-based activities will be used to strengthen their sense of social belonging.
Steps toward a new generation of social transformation…
At the end of the meeting, it was decided to launch a pilot implementation of the model in the Gaziosmanpaşa district, to test it in the field, and to compile the findings into an academic report for nationwide dissemination.
Books presented to participants
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan presented participants with the Family Set and Life-Changing Choices books as part of the “Year of the Family” initiative.
Project Team Members:
Project Coordination Unit Head: Sümeyra Macit
Psychologist: Oğuzhan Seçginer
Project Coordinator: Nur Sultan Aydemir
Clinical Psychologist: Edibe Serra Erol