The “Interdisciplinary Community Service Workshop”, held at Near East University, brought together academia and organizations working for the benefit of society under one roof. The struggles undertaken and the solidarity projects implemented inspired young people who gained experience in the field.
Organized in collaboration with the Atatürk Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Dentistry of Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, the “Interdisciplinary Community Service Workshop” was held with high participation. Bringing together academics, students, and representatives of civil society organizations at the Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences, the workshop addressed projects focused on social benefit and a sustainability approach.
The workshop, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of Turkish National Anthem, featured an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, Head of the Social Research and Development Center of the Atatürk Faculty of Education of Near East University. The event, held in two sessions, included a panel titled “Sustainability and Community Service”, moderated by Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay, Co-Chair of the Center for Social Research and Development. Speakers at the panel included Rabia Özcömert, President of the Olive Tree Education and Solidarity Association (ZAYDER), and Bahire Çoşkuner Doğru, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Cyprus Foundation for the Hearing and Speech Impaired (KİKEV).
The workshop, which addressed social responsibility initiatives within various disciplines, highlighted the messages conveyed by civil society organizations. Bahire Çoşkuner Doğru, President of KİKEV, emphasized the importance of social awareness, recounting her struggle to “be the voice of silence” despite her hearing loss. Rabia Özcömert, President of ZAYDER, stated that workshops supporting women’s production, soup kitchen projects, and collaborations with universities have enabled young people to gain field experience and strengthened social projects. Thus, the workshop demonstrated that academia can transcend campus boundaries and transform into a model of solidarity that directly engages with society. At the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Seçil Aksoy from the Faculty of Dentistry presented thank-you plaques to Rabia Özcömert and Bahire Coşkuner Doğru for their contributions.
The concept of service to society is growing with different disciplines!
The workshop, which included an exhibition and bazaar of products from the Olive Tree Education and Solidarity Association, also featured student posters and exhibitions for the participants. Within the framework of projects led by Specialist Hulin Sıddık, Specialist Ayşe Öztoprak, and Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay from the Faculty of Education, students collaborated with two different civil society organizations to create handicrafts. The sale of these works for the benefit of ZAYDER and KİKEV highlighted the social solidarity aspect of the event. In her opening speech, Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, Head of the Near East University Social Research and Development Center, stated that the workshop aimed to strengthen the bond between the university and society. Emphasizing that community service programs instill entrepreneurship, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility in students, Prof. Dr. Altınay stated that collaborations with the Faculty of Dentistry and other faculties contribute to the active participation of doctors of future and teachers in social transformation.
She became the voice of silence, never giving up the struggle!
Speaking at the panel, KİKEV President Bahire Coşkuner Doğru shared her life story and experiences in social struggles with the participants. Drawing attention to the difficulties faced by disabled individuals, Doğru said, “Everyone, disabled or not, has a struggle with life. The important thing is to be able to continue on your path despite the obstacles encountered.” Bahire Coşkuner Doğru, who experienced hearing loss at the age of 26, explained that she withdrew from society for many years during this period, but over time transformed the difficulties she experienced into a struggle for social awareness. “I hid my hearing aid with my hair for years. I went through a period where I isolated myself from society. But afterwards, I rejoined life more strongly and started creating awareness through volunteer work”, said Doğru, adding that she never gave up despite all the negativity she faced. Referring to the foundation’s establishment process, Doğru emphasized the importance of social solidarity with the words, “I struggled to be the voice of the silent. I tried to touch myself first, and then society.”
While young people gain field experience, social projects are being moved forward!
Rabia Özcömert, President of ZAYDER, also spoke at the panel, describing the social responsibility activities and sustainable solidarity model carried out within the association. Stating that they aim to transform their community service approach into a production-oriented structure, Özcömert said that they have implemented the “Women’s Workshop That Produces, Not Just Meets Needs.” She explained that women participate in production through tailoring, sewing, and embroidery work, adding, “Our women both contribute to their household economies and support children’s education and the needs of our association with the income generated.”
