Near East University continues to touch the lives of young people and teachers through its social responsibility projects. The specialist doctors of Near East University Hospital, who voluntarily participated in the “Transition from Adolescence to Youth” project implemented in cooperation with the Kyrenia Inner Wheel Club and the Ministry of National Education, started to provide informative trainings to public schools in the TRNC.

The first training seminar of the project, which was implemented with the aim of helping young people take a step towards a healthy future, was held at Sedat Simavi Vocational High School. The training seminar, which attracted great participation, aimed to manage adolescence correctly and to raise awareness among teachers so that they could better understand the needs of young people.

The training seminar, which was held with four different presentations, addressed the topics of physical and mental development during adolescence, sexually transmitted diseases, HPV and cervical cancer. Dr. Neptün Fazilet Erdener, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Deniz Aykol Ünal from the Yeniboğaziçi Department of Near East University Hospital, and Child Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan Özlü provided guidance to teachers on possible problems and solution suggestions during this period. The presentations ended with a question and answer session and were followed by presentations where flowers were presented to the participants.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan Özlü, who provided information on physical development and changes that occur in the body during adolescence, began her presentation by addressing the ‘adolescence period’. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlü stated that this period is a transition period between the beginning of adolescence and full maturation, during which the individual continues to develop physically, mentally and emotionally, and also touched on important health problems experienced during adolescence. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlü said, “Regular follow-up and correct guidance are of great importance in order for young people not to deviate from their normal developmental line during this period.” Expert Clinical Psychologist Deniz Aykol Ünal, who addresses the psychological development of young people and the changes in this process, said, “Adolescence is a period when the search for identity intensifies and emotional ups and downs are frequently experienced. It is very important to approach young people with empathy and establish supportive communication during this process.” Specialist Clinical Psychologist Deniz Aykol Ünal, who stated that families and teachers have important duties, said, “We should understand the needs of young people and provide them with a safe space.”

Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department Head Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer addressed the ways in which infectious diseases spread and protection methods, and stated that hygiene habits should be acquired at an early age. Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer, who said “Teaching young people the basic ways to protect themselves from infectious diseases is a critical step not only for individual health but also for public health. Educators act as an important bridge in this regard.” Also, Dr. Neptün Fazilet Erdener provided information about cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus and sexually transmitted diseases, and drew attention to the fact that it is possible to protect against such diseases. “Cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be prevented with early diagnosis and the HPV vaccine. The vaccine should be administered starting at the age of 13. In addition, correct protection methods play a vital role in preventing diseases such as cervical cancer,” said Dr. Neptün Fazilet Erdener, adding, “By raising awareness among young people on these issues, we can contribute to their becoming healthier individuals in the future.”