Üsküdar Üniversitesi and Istanbul Humanitarian Aid Association signed a ‘Goodwill and Cooperation Protocol’ aiming to produce social benefit by combining scientific knowledge with field experience. In this collaboration, which targets preparing disadvantaged youth for the future through the synergy of universities and non-governmental organizations, the importance of an academic approach for sustainable solutions was emphasized.
Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Istanbul Humanitarian Aid Association President Harun Altun, Üsküdar University Social Contribution Coordinator Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar, and members of the association's board of directors attended the protocol cooperation ceremony held at the Üsküdar University Central Campus Senate Hall.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “The essential is to progress with projects that have clear objectives”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, stating that as a university, they have a long history in working with disadvantaged children and sharing his experiences in this field, said: “We have the 'Haydi Tut Elimi' Association, established by the Istanbul Governorship in 2010, which we incorporated into the university. It is a structure where our experts actively work on topics of your interest. Additionally, we are carrying out significant work in the field with the 'Mutlu Yuva' Association. Such activities can only be sustainable if they are conducted through projects, in cooperation with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, universities, and NGOs. The essential is to progress with structured projects that have defined goals and modules.”
“We need to use non-hurting expressions in the field”
Tarhan, drawing attention to the impact of the language used in aid efforts on child psychology and emphasizing that labeling terms like 'orphan' should not be used in the field, stated: “When these words are used in the presence of a child, they create a traumatic effect. The Ministry uses the definitions 'child under protection' or 'child in loving homes' for these children. We, too, should use more inclusive and non-hurting expressions in the field, such as 'those in need'.”
Harun Altun: "We aim for a model that brings science to the field"
Istanbul Humanitarian Aid Association President Harun Altun, introducing the association's “Yüzde Yüz Gelecek” (One Hundred Percent Future) project and expressing their happiness at seeing the academic strength of the university by their side, said: “Joint efforts of universities and non-governmental organizations are the unique centers that produce sustainable solutions for needs. We are building a 6-step holistic model that goes beyond providing scholarships, including physical visits, psychosocial support, and academic guidance. Our goal is to create a structure that brings science to the field and produces realistic solutions for societal needs.”
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the goodwill protocol between the two institutions, a group photo session, and gift presentations.