Üsküdar Üniversitesi, through its Haydi Tut Elimi Association, which has been active since 2010, closely engages with children who have been subjected to neglect, abuse, violence, and driven into crime, providing them with help and support. The association's new board of directors was determined by a vote, and certificates of appreciation were presented to individuals whose donations have touched the lives of many children and young people. Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, who reaffirmed his role as the Association President, stated that through the association, they have touched the lives of many disadvantaged individuals, and they do all of this as silent acts of kindness. To date, the association has provided clothing and material aid to 5,000 children, while continuing to support hundreds of young people with aid such as scholarships, household items, shopping cards, and sacrifice shares.
The Haydi Tut Elimi Association, established in 2010 with the support of a few volunteers, conducts activities to closely engage with children who have been subjected to neglect, abuse, violence, and driven into crime. The association, which carries out protective mental health, well-being, and positive psychological resilience studies to protect children and young people aged 0-18, operates with the aim of supporting them in the process of their reintegration into society, reunification with their families, and completion of their social rehabilitation.
The association's board meeting was held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Central Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, and the new management was determined.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “We Have Touched Many Lives Through the Association”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Haydi Tut Elimi Association, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, and Psychiatrist, stated in his opening speech at the general assembly that the association was founded 11 years ago, saying: “Since 2010, we have touched the lives of many people. Serious projects and works have been carried out. These are done by our donors. We receive from our donors and record them transparently in our activity reports. We add to them and deliver them to those in need. We carry out our activities as a social responsibility of the university.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan: “A Large Portion of Donors Consist of Women”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, noting that donors are extremely pleased to see their aid reaching those in need, said, “80-90% of our donors are women. They dress children with their own pocket money. Diapers are bought. As an association, there are individuals who are orphaned, whose situation is documented by the state, who are over 18, and whose state support has significantly weakened. They haven't found jobs. We have been very helpful to these individuals. There are legal loopholes, they can't find jobs. Children can be left stranded. We tried to help these children and young people. We do all of this as silent acts of kindness, but today this silence was broken. We called it silent kindness, but we also wanted to announce the work done. While aiming to encourage such acts of kindness, we also wanted to show that we are open and transparent.”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan thanked all donors, the association's management, and its employees.
Following the opening speech, a presidential council consisting of Murat Koşar, Ayşegül Şekli, and Fatma Turan was formed.
A. Banu Güngenci: “We Supported the Opening of 75 Homes. We Provided Scholarships to Over 100 Students”
A. Banu Güngenci, Secretary General of Haydi Tut Elimi Association, stated in her opening speech that they act in coordination with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, saying:
“We try to reach all young people leaving the institution. We support young people in setting up homes. We provide assistance with household items, rent, and clothing. To date, we have supported the opening of 75 homes. We support them in paying their bills. We provide regular scholarships within our means to students residing in institutions and studying at university. To date, we have provided scholarship opportunities to over 100 of our students. Our volunteer psychologists and psychiatrists help our young people. Our volunteer lawyers provide support in the cases and follow-ups of our young people. We dress our babies and children during holidays. We have brought smiles to the faces of nearly 5,000 of our children with material and clothing aid. We distribute sacrifice shares during Eid al-Adha. More than 250 shares have been distributed to date. During Eid al-Fitr, we distribute cash aid from the association's official account under the name of provisions and sharing fees,” she said.
A. Banu Güngenci: “We Are a Bridge Between the Donor and the Beneficiary”
A. Banu Güngenci also noted that they work in cooperation with Üsküdar Üniversitesi Student Clubs, stating that they bring children from children's homes to the university with the support of student clubs, setting up workshops and organizing events. Güngenci said, “We are merely a bridge. That is, we are a bridge connecting the donor with the beneficiary. Thanks to the donations collected from philanthropists through campaigns organized by our association, we deliver aid to those in need 12 months a year.”
A. Banu Güngenci stated that they achieved a total income of 34,065 TL in 2019, all of which was donations, adding, “In 2020, 45,682 TL, and in 2021, a total of 22,800 TL was deposited into the bank as donations until June. For 2019 activities, we opened 5 homes. 500 cards were distributed, with a total value of 21,100 TL. 6 of our students received scholarships. 3 projects were carried out. 10 food packages were distributed. 60 sacrifice shares were distributed. 60 holiday outfits were distributed. In 2020, 6 homes were opened. 583 cards were distributed, with a value of 28,270 TL. 51 scholarships were provided, totaling 9,450 TL. Two projects were carried out. 23 food packages were distributed, worth 5,600 TL. 50 sacrifice shares were distributed. In the first 6 months of 2021, intensive activities were carried out. 2 homes were established. 199 cards were distributed, worth 15,650 TL. 24 scholarships were distributed, totaling 4,800 TL. 22 food packages were distributed, valued at 4,300 TL. And 28 sacrifice shares were distributed.”
Following her opening speech, A. Banu Güngenci read the board of directors' activity report, the audit committee report, and the management and audit committee reports. In the continuation of the board meeting, new board members were determined and approved by the votes of the members.
New Board of Directors Appointed
Following her opening speech, A. Banu Güngenci read the board of directors' activity report, the audit committee report, and the management and audit committee reports. In the continuation of the board meeting, new board members were determined and approved by the votes of the members. The association's board of directors was determined as follows: Association President Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Vice President Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar, Assoc. Dr. İsmail Barış, Secretary Ayşe Banu Güngenci, Members Dr. Lecturer Fatma Turan, Barış Sürekli, and Serpil Tarhan.
Association Donors Attended the Meeting
The Board of Directors meeting concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to individuals who donated to the association. Gülbin Biter, one of the association's donors, participated in the meeting via video conference and thanked the association's management and employees, saying, “What the association does is incredible. I follow it closely. Many hearts are touched. May Allah be pleased with everyone.”
Certificates of Appreciation Presented to Donors
Davut Bozkurt, one of the association's donors who attended the meeting, stated that he received significant support from the association and that through the association, they reached many young people in need. He personally delivered a letter he wrote to Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan in 2005. Certificates of appreciation were also presented by Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan to Murat Koşar, Hayriye Alptekin, Davut Bozkurt, and Hatice Çavdar, who supported the association with their donations.
The program, broadcast live from ÜÜTV, concluded with a commemorative photo session.