05/01/2011
Held for the first time this year, the “Civic Involvement Projects for Employees” are open to all employees of Sabancı University, and received support from 60 Sabancı University employees for 6 projects since October.
The Sabancı University Civic Involvement Projects (CIP) have been focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged groups for 11 years with an average of 1000 volunteers in 75 projects annually. The CIP for Employees began with two pilot projects last year, and was expanded to a full effort with 60 people working on 6 projects. The average time committed to the project is three hours a week throughout the year.
This year’s projects are:
1- Municipality of Kartal Civic Center and Women’s Handiwork Market
2- Rowing without Barriers
3- Social and Artistic Development for the Disabled
4- Ecocampus Project
5- Animal Rights Projects
6- Mobile Literature Workshops
Municipality of Kartal Civic Center and Women’s Handiwork Market Project
This project aims to support women with training and social activities, helping improve their quality of life, and is being led by 11 employees. The project takes place in Civic Centers for women or Women’s Guidance Centers, and includes computer skills training, drama and literature workshops, civic education and women’s rights.
Another aspect of the project is to help women realize their potential, believe in themselves, and become a part of the labor market. Supported by the KEDV (Foundation for Women’s Work) and the Municipality of Kartal, the Kartal Women’s Handiwork Market is an ideal environment for helping women who are already a part of the labor market realize their full potential.
Project supervisor, School of Languages Instructor Zeynep İskenderoğlu Önel says:
“Every week, we meet with approximately 20 women at the Kartal Civic Center to support them in their daily lives. For the first month and a half, we train them in computer skills, which they may need in their everyday lives. This will be followed by education in human rights and citizenship. This will include sessions on the role of women in the society and in the family, the depiction of women in mass media, and effective communication within the family.
“At the Kartal Women’s Handiwork Market, we help women sell their own products more effectively. We began with a visit to the market. During the year, we will try to support them with marketing and sales techniques, new product development, and communication skills.”
To be continued…