A Goodwill and Cooperation Protocol was signed between Üsküdar University and the Istanbul Humanitarian Aid Association, aiming to create social benefit by combining scientific knowledge with field experience. The collaboration, which seeks to prepare disadvantaged young people for the future through the joint efforts of universities and civil society organizations, emphasized the importance of an academic approach in developing sustainable solutions.
The protocol signing ceremony was held at the Senate Hall of Üsküdar University Main Campus and was attended by Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University; Harun Altun, President of the Istanbul Humanitarian Aid Association; Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar, Social Contribution Coordinator of Üsküdar University; and members of the association’s board of directors.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “What matters is advancing through structured projects with clear goals”
Stating that the university has a long standing background in working with disadvantaged children, Prof. Tarhan shared their experience in this field and said: “Within our university structure, we have the Haydi Tut Elimi Association, which was established by the Istanbul Governorship in 2010. It focuses on similar areas and involves the active participation of our specialists. We also carry out significant fieldwork in cooperation with the Mutlu Yuva Association. Such activities can only be sustainable when they are carried out through structured projects and through cooperation among the Ministry of Family and Social Services, universities, and civil society organizations. What truly matters is progressing through projects with clearly defined goals and modules.”
“We must use language in the field that does not harm”
Drawing attention to the impact of language used in aid activities on child psychology, Prof. Tarhan emphasized that labeling terms such as “orphan” should not be used in the presence of children: “When these words are used around children, they can create a traumatic effect. For this reason, the Ministry uses definitions such as ‘children under protection’ or ‘children living in care homes.’ We, too, should use more inclusive and non-harmful expressions such as ‘children in need’ when working in the field.”
Harun Altun: “We aim for a model that delivers science to the field”
Introducing the association’s ‘One Hundred Percent Future’ project and expressing satisfaction with the academic support of Üsküdar University, Harun Altun, President of the Istanbul Humanitarian Aid Association, stated: “Joint efforts between universities and civil society organizations are the only centers capable of producing sustainable solutions to real needs. We go beyond providing scholarships by building a six stage holistic model that includes physical visits, psychosocial support, and academic guidance. Our goal is to establish a structure that brings science into the field and produces realistic solutions to social needs.”
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the goodwill protocol between the two institutions, a group photograph, and the presentation of commemorative gifts.
