The TDP is a project by Bilkent students
which allows students to volunteer in several activities, such as tutoring elementary
school students in underprivileged areas, teaching sports, art, and computer classes, or
visiting elderly people in retirement homes. Bilkent News interviewed Vehbi Çelme (IE/II)
about one of the biggest volunteer organizations on campus, Toplumsal Duyarlılık
Projeleri and their future plans.
Bilkent News: When and how did the idea of Toplumsal Duyarlılık
Projeleri (Social Awareness Project) first appear at Bilkent?
Vehbi Çelme: TDP, following the 1999 Marmara Earthquake, began its
activities with the GEP "Voluntary Education Project," which aimed to serve the
people by providing them with educational means. Every semester and every academic year,
new projects were added to the agenda of TDP. We currently have 9 projects.
Bilkent News: GEP (Volunteer Education Project) appears to be the first
project to be remembered when we say TDP. Except for the GEP, for instance, are plans
being made to make a structural change in the Senior Citizen Home Project?
Vehbi Çelme: The Senior Citizen Home Project, as you know, is the most
unusual project within the scope of TDP because we came across a focus group consisting of
experienced and older people. This project reminds our focus group of their past and our
volunteers realize that one day they themselves will also grow old which makes this
project emotionally draining. So this year, the Senior Citizen Home Project will be open
to all volunteers of TDP, instead of a smaller group of people.
Bilkent News: Because there is a high demand for volunteering in the
Voluntary
Education Project, is there a plan to increase the number of schools participating this
year?
Vehbi Çelme: Rather than an increase, we plan to decrease the number of
schools to ensure that we are providing a higher-quality service. Also, since Bilkent has
a heavy course load and most departments have hard curricula, we do not want to discourage
people from volunteering because of their course loads. Last year, we worked with 13
schools but at times we lacked coordination and cooperation. Decreasing the number will
definitely increase the quality.
Bilkent News: Most Bilkenters do not know the relationship between TOG
(Toplum Gönüllüleri) and TDP. How can you explain what TOG is and what it stands for?
Vehbi Çelme: Toplum Gönüllüleri Vakfı (Social Volunteers Foundation)
is a nationwide charity foundation, working for the benefit of Turkish people in general.
For this reason, some people view TDP as a subgroup within TOG. Nevertheless, TDP is the
general name for all social awareness projects at Bilkent, and TOG is an autonomous group
just as are other project groups within TDP.
Bilkent News: Lastly I would like to ask about the Görme Engelliler
Projesi (Visually Impaired Project). This project is widely known in Turkey, and is really
fascinating.
Vehbi Çelme: GÖREP is also a different project, with a focus group
consisting of visually-impaired people, and is also a challenging project that requires
much more responsibility.
Bilkent News: The thing is how to establish a sense of empathy, isn't it?
Vehbi Çelme: …Yes, empathy. The thing is when you imagine yourself in
the shoes of those people, sometimes you can feel sorry but you also realize how lucky you
are, with all of the chances you have.
Bilkent News: As Bilkent News, thanks very much for this interview. We
wish you luck and success in your studies this semester.
Vehbi Çelme: You're welcome, thanks for coming.
If you are interested in volunteering with TDP, please contact them at ext. 1550
or 2157.
Erkan Bayır (MBG/III)
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