Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan’s Social Innovation Projects Working Group has begun preparations for its first project. The “Gen Z+ at University” project aims to teach wisdom values to individuals.
The second meeting of the project, initiated under the name “Gen Z+ at University,” was held under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan , with the participation of Project Coordinator Dr. Lecturer Aylin Tutgun Ünal, Project Education Coordinator Dr. Lecturer Zeynep Gümüş, Project Consultant Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, and GENAR Research Company General Manager Cenk Şener.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan: “We must teach children the consciousness of living together”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that a healthy and safe family environment is needed to raise healthy children and said, “If precautions are not taken after Generation Z, there is a danger of a lost 'generation zero' emerging. Children need to be taught wisdom values. If a lost generation is not desired, precautions must be taken. An education system that builds character in young people is also necessary. Values must be taught for a faithful and wise generation to grow. If we do not teach wisdom as education to our children, we will not be able to compete with technology. We must teach children the consciousness of living together. If we do not teach this consciousness, there is a possibility of an egocentric, self-interested generation emerging. Therefore, our education system needs to be rebuilt, families need to be sensitized on this issue, and social projects need to be carried out,” he said.
Dr. Lecturer Ünal: “It is necessary to understand the new generation”
Dr. Lecturer Aylin Tutgun Ünal, emphasizing the importance of the project's awareness and perspective, said; “Although young generations in our country are classified with designations such as X, Y, and Z, every individual has a unique system of values. While the transfer of values from generation to generation was previously limited to the immediate environment, the new generation, growing up intertwined with technology, now forms its value system by interacting both online and in real life. Thus, it is necessary to understand the new generation with its mosaic value system. Starting from this perspective, measuring the value system of Generation Z and the families and educators they interact with, and carrying out studies to address shortcomings, are of great importance. I find the project important with this awareness and perspective,” she said.
The biggest handicap of the modern world is the loss of values!
Dr. Lecturer Zeynep Gümüş stated that with the project, they aim to speak the same language with the new generation of young people. Gümüş; “One of the biggest handicaps of the modern world is the loss of values. The new generation is experiencing serious communication problems. Families and educators often feel helpless. With the 'Gen Z+ at University' project, we aim to create a common language,” she said.
Dr. Nebiye Yaşar: “The project is important for the future of Generation Z”
Dr. Nebiye Yaşar; “The most beautiful answer to the question of how we want to see today's children and young people, who are Generation Z and will form the executive, working, and producing segments of the 21st century and hold an important place in its reconstruction and development, will be found in this project. When approached with tolerance, Generation Z can add value to their environments and positively change the dynamics of business life and society. Educators and managers, in particular, need to develop strategies for this generation to work harmoniously with others. This development is important for the advancement of Generation Z individuals in their future lives. The aim is to achieve balance between other generations and the new generation, meeting on common values. In this context; the project is of great importance for our society,” she said.
Cenk Şener: “Youth research holds great importance”
Cenk Şener, General Manager of GENAR Research Company, expressed his satisfaction in supporting the project as GENAR and said, “Youth research holds great importance. In the research to be conducted, the technological sophistication and well-being dimension of families need to be included in the measurements,” he stated.