Üsküdar AFAD Support volunteers participated in post-flood efforts in Ayazağa

AFAD Support volunteers, consisting of Üsküdar University academic staff and students, provided support for the response and recovery efforts carried out after the flood disaster in Sarıyer Ayazağa Neighborhood. The team, operating in the field under AFAD's coordination, contributed to efforts in a total of six buildings, including schools, businesses, Quran courses, and residences affected by the disaster. 

Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Assistant Director of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) and Head of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program; Instructor Mehmet Kavacık, Head of the Dental Prosthetics Technology Program; and Research Assistant Ender Sezen from the Occupational Health and Safety Department participated in the efforts.

Along with the academic staff, Oğuzhan Çoşkun, President of the Civil Defense Club and a student of Emergency and Disaster Management; Serdal Bayraktar, an Occupational Health and Safety student; and Atilla Bayraktar, a Laboratory Technology student, also took part in the field as AFAD Support volunteers. The university team supported the response and recovery process by working alongside relevant teams in the efforts carried out under AFAD's coordination.

“Providing volunteer support in coordination is of great importance”

Evaluating the efforts, Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş drew attention to the importance of solidarity and inter-institutional coordination after a disaster. Demirtaş said, “It is of great importance for relevant institutions, professional teams, and trained volunteers to act in coordination to respond to the needs arising after a disaster. As Üsküdar University, we also participated in the efforts carried out under AFAD's coordination with our academic staff and students. Our aim was to contribute to the efforts by taking on tasks in line with the needs on the ground and to stand by our citizens affected by the disaster. Providing volunteer support in coordination is of great importance.”

“We attach importance to our students taking on responsibility”

Demirtaş stated that AFAD Support volunteer training is valuable for taking on responsibility in the field; “Volunteering, besides the desire to help, requires preparation, training, and responsibility. Therefore, it is very valuable to reflect the acquired training on the field in line with the guidance of the assigned teams. We attach importance to our students showing sensitivity to societal needs and taking on responsibility as trained volunteers. Universities offering their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of society has a counterpart in all processes from disaster preparedness to recovery.”

Demirtaş concluded his words by saying, “I thank all institutions and organizations, professional teams, and volunteers who worked selflessly in the field, especially AFAD. I extend my get well wishes to all citizens affected by the disaster.”