NEWS

Organized by Istanbul Nişantaşı University within the scope of a social responsibility project, the event titled “Individuals with Special Needs and Social Cooperatives” was successfully held with the aim of supporting the active participation of individuals with special needs in social life and raising awareness about the model of social cooperatives through a comprehensive program.

In the first part of the event, the panel “Tomurcuk Cooperative and Social Cooperatives” took place with the participation of Dr. Bengü Kurtege Sefer from the Department of Sociology at Istanbul Nişantaşı University, Gülser Özkan, Chairperson of the Board of Tomurcuk Cooperative, and Yasemin Güler, a partner of the Cooperative and Director of the Tomurcuk Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. During the panel, insightful discussions were held on the importance of social cooperatives, the foundation of Tomurcuk Cooperative, and the contribution of individuals with special needs to production processes.

In the second part of the program, a short video showcasing the project activities was screened, followed by the “Transformative Experiences: Student Reflections Panel.” In this session, members of Tomurcuk Cooperative and students from Istanbul Nişantaşı University shared their experiences within the project. Our students Ayşen Tezcan Elmacıoğlu, Gül Vatansever, Merve Betül Aysal, Sinem Çalışkan, Sıla Çatal, and Şevval Karaçam sincerely reflected on their personal development and the skills they gained throughout the project process.

The program concluded with a musical performance by the Tomurcuk Choir and the Tomurcuk Youth Exhibition. As Istanbul Nişantaşı University, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to al the speakers, students, and participants who contributed to this meaningful social responsibility initiative.