EVENTS

As Istanbul Nişantaşı University School of Physical Education and Sports, we organised the International NEV 23 April Children’s Festival in cooperation with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, together with the Akyuva Foundation and the İyilik Rengi Association. With the participation of 240 disadvantaged children, the event aimed to preserve the unifying spirit of 23 April and support social integration processes. The main objectives of the event were to bring together children with different life stories on the common ground of childhood, support their social integration, and create an inclusive understanding of the festival within the university environment whr no child would feel alone.

The 240 disadvantaged children who participated in the event were identified through the Akyuva Foundation and the İyilik Rengi Association. In addition, 80 volunteer students took part in the event, which was held over two days in six sessions. Throughout the event, the participants came together through various activities and enjoyed an entertaining and educational experience. The programme was enriched with a range of activities, including sports games, creative arts workshops, entertaining competitions, and music and dance performances.

The outcomes of the event included the strengthening of social interaction and friendship among the children, opportunities for participants to express themselves and develop self-confidence, and a better understanding of the meaning and importance of 23 April. The event received positive evaluations from both the participants and the staff accompanying the children. Feedback indicated that the children had a happy and enjoyable day, strengthened their social connections, and formed new friendships.

The 1st International NEV 23 April Children’s Festival provided a meaningful experience for disadvantaged children, supported social integration, and reinforced our university’s mission of contributing to society. Continuing similar events in future years will further increase the significance of such social projects. We are grateful to the academic staff of the School of Physical Education and Sports, the Akyuva Foundation, the İyilik Rengi Association, the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, and al volunteers who contributed to the organisation of the event.

Coordinator: Asst. Prof. Dr. F. Salih ŞEKER