As part of the “365 Days of Family” Project, supported by the Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Society Relations, carried out under the scientific consultancy of Üsküdar University and implemented by the Valuable Lives Education Association (DEHADER), Family Mentorship Trainings were organized. The comprehensive five-day programs held in Malatya were completed with strong participation and great interest. The project, implemented under the scientific guidance of President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, also carries the distinction of being the first Family Mentorship initiative in Türkiye.
The opening ceremony in Malatya was attended by Malatya Deputy Governor Ahmet Korkmaz, Ministry of Interior Civil Society Relations Department Head Mehmet Fatih Günay, Yeşilyurt Mayor Prof. İlhan Geçit, Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Ebubekir Kayhan, DEHADER President Mine Yeter, academics and guidance counselors.
During the five-day program, guidance counselors and local administrators came together to receive practical training on family communication, parenting skills, crisis management, digital awareness, psychosocial support and community engagement.
Dr. Nebiye Yaşar: “We aim to empower every family as a school and every parent as a life guide”
The scientific coordination of the training was led by Üsküdar University Social Contribution Coordinator and Young Minds Academy Director Dr. Nebiye Yaşar. Family workshop sessions were conducted by Clinical Psychologist Edibe Serra Erol.
Emphasizing the transformative societal impact of the project, Yaşar said: “Family mentorship is much more than a training program. It is the beginning of a value-based transformation at the heart of society. Every family member gaining inner awareness is the first step toward establishing healthy relationships. With this project, we aim to empower every family as a school and every parent as a life guide.”
A model of experiential learning was applied
In the highly interactive sessions, participants engaged in case analyses, group activities, empathy exercises and role-playing practices, creating an experiential learning environment.
In post-training evaluations, participants stated that the program contributed significantly to both their personal and professional development.
Prof. İlhan Geçit: “A strong society is built on strong families”
Yeşilyurt Mayor Prof. İlhan Geçit highlighted the importance of the project, saying: “We are implementing the vision of 2025 Family Year, declared by our President, starting from Yeşilyurt with a model that will inspire all of Türkiye. Family is the fundamental institution where a person grows with love, compassion and belonging. A strong society is built on strong families. Family Mentorship trainings are the most concrete expression of this understanding.”
A new vision for the family institution
Carried out under the auspices of the Malatya Governorship and in cooperation with Yeşilyurt Municipality, the project also makes a strong contribution to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “2025 Family Year” vision. Strengthening social solidarity and supporting family values on a scientific basis, the project will be expanded nationwide in line with Üsküdar University’s Social Contribution vision.
Family mentorship in Türkiye for the first time under the scientific guidance of Prof. Nevzat Tarhan
Family mentorship is being implemented in Türkiye for the first time under the scientific consultancy of President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan. As part of the project, Tarhan’s weekly family-themed videos will be shared across Türkiye with the support of the Malatya Governorship. In addition, Tarhan’s books on family that are personally signed will be gifted to guidance counselors participating in the “Family Mentorship Training.”