Within the scope of 2025, declared as the “Year of Family,” four social innovation model projects approved by the Ministry of Interior and to be implemented with the support of the Directorate General of Civil Society Relations are being launched in different regions of Türkiye to strengthen the family institution. Conducted under the academic consultancy of Üsküdar University, the projects aim to protect individuals’ independent living skills, increase household resilience against disasters, strengthen the institution of marriage, and develop a mentorship system that will provide guidance to families throughout the year.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “These models will create a lasting impact on Türkiye’s future”
President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, emphasized that the social innovation model projects support the vision of social contribution. Tarhan stated: “The family is the nucleus of the social structure. With these projects, our aim is not only to strengthen the individual but also the entire society through the family. These social innovation models, realized through the cooperation of universities, civil society, and the public sector, will create a lasting impact on Türkiye’s future.”
Strengthening the Family Institution
The projects are being implemented under the academic consultancy of Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, and the social innovation model project consultancy of Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, Coordinator of Social Contribution at Üsküdar University. With the declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Family,” the projects aim both to increase social contribution and to strengthen the family institution.
Offering Applicable Models in the Field
Prepared with Üsküdar University’s social innovation approach, the projects address the family as a protective and empowering center. Developed under the guidance of the biopsychosocial approach of Dr. Ayhan Özşahin, Head of the Department of Family Medicine at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, the projects provide applicable models in the field, establishing a strong example of cooperation among civil society, local administrations, and universities.
The Social Innovation Model Projects Approved by the Ministry of Interior Are as Follows:
1. Protecting Independent Living – YAŞAMKOR Project
Implementing Organization: Therapeutic Brain Mapping Association
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar University
Stakeholders: Governorship of Istanbul, Ümraniye District Governorship, Ümraniye Municipality, Ümraniye District Directorate of National Education
Objective: To protect individuals’ independent living skills and to develop protective and preventive social policies.
2. Disaster-Resilient Households Project
Implementing Organization: Tekirdağ Federations of Associations
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar University
Stakeholders: Governorship of Istanbul, AFAD Istanbul Provincial Directorate, Ümraniye District Governorship, Ümraniye Municipality, Ümraniye District Directorate of National Education
Objective: To strengthen households against disasters and emergencies, and to instill solidarity and safe living practices at the family level during times of crisis.
3. Healthy Relationships, Strong Marriages Project
Implementing Organization: Kocaeli Federations of Associations
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar University
Stakeholders: Dilovası District Governorship, Dilovası Municipality
Objective: To strengthen the institution of marriage, establish family communication on healthy foundations, and reduce divorce rates.
4. 365 Days of Family Project
Implementing Organization: Valuable Lives Education Association (DEHADER)
Stakeholders: Governorship of Malatya, Malatya Provincial Directorate of National Education, Yeşilyurt District Governorship, Yeşilyurt Municipality, Neighborhood Mukhtars
Academic Consultancy: Üsküdar University
Objective: To establish a “Family Mentorship” system supported by year-round continuous educational programs, thereby increasing social solidarity through awareness and guidance activities for families.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)