Many Bilkent students are familiar with the work of the TDP (Toplumsal Duyarlılık
Projeleri), which is composed of Bilkent student volunteers and supported by other
organizations such as Toplum Gönüllüleri Vakfı (TOG) and Uygar Görme Engelliler
Derneği. The organization works on projects to help needy people, older people living
alone and children who are working instead of going to school.
One of their successful projects, started in 2004 in the Altındağ Yahya Galip Primary
School. Sokak Lambası (Street Lamp) Project provides outreach to children between the
ages of 7 and 15 who delay education to work in the streets. The main goal of the project
is to make parents and children conscious of the importance and necessity of education.
Bilkent volunteers organize festivals, job introduction seminars, drama workshops and
meetings for parents with psychologists. Volunteers go to the school and provide cultural
and social enrichment activities to groups during the week and at the weekends, provide
similar enrichment to individuals and host workshops.
The volunteers aim to improve the children's self-esteem and sense of belonging; bring
them together with health foundations; unite them with society; provide them with tools to
approach the differences in society with tolerance and finally, explain what may happen to
a child who works in the streets. The International Children's Center, the Association of
Umut Çocuklar, Foundation of Çocuklara Yeniden Özgürlük, National Education Ministry,
Working and Social Security Ministry, UNICEF, municipalities, media and police officers
contribute to the project. You may also contribute by doing whatever you can to help the
children improve themselves. All are welcome to take part in the project as a volunteer.
To contact TDP Society, register on their website: http://tdp.bilkent.edu.tr
or www.tog.bilkent.edu.tr
Yeşim Şağban (IE/III)
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