VEFA GATHERINGS 2024: SUPPORT AND SHARING FOR THE ELDERLY CONTINUES

The Vefa Gatherings Project, launched in collaboration with Istanbul Aydın University and the Anatolian Education and Culture Foundation (AKEV), continues this year at the Zeytinburnu Semiha Şakir Nursing Home. The project, which was initiated last year, aims to enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals and continues its work with a large volunteer team.

As part of the project, volunteer academics and students from Istanbul Aydın University visit the nursing home and provide services in various fields, including audiology, physiotherapy, hair and beauty care, sports, and music. Students and academics specialized in these areas aim to support the physical and mental health of elderly individuals.

Success of Last Year, Momentum of This Year

This project, initiated under the leadership of AKEV, continues to expand this year after the successful outcomes of last year. The project coordinators state that they will continue organizing various activities to enrich elderly individuals’ social lives and help them lead more active lives through physical and mental activities.

One of the volunteers, Lecturer Leyla Cesaret, Head of the Hair and Beauty Care Program at Istanbul Aydın University, shared her experience: “Spending time with the individuals at the nursing home and making a positive impact on their lives is a great joy for us. Our interactions with them benefit both them and us,” she said.

Social Responsibility and Social Sensitivity

The project aims not only to support elderly individuals but also to instill social responsibility awareness in young people. Volunteer participants develop their professional skills during the nursing home visits while increasing their empathy and sensitivity towards disadvantaged groups in society.

Continuing with broad participation this year, the Vefa Gatherings Project aims to enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals and ensure their more active participation in social life.