Near East University delivers a wide range of educational outreach activities designed to promote the Sustainable Development Goals across the wider community. These initiatives target local residents, displaced people and refugees, and alumni, ensuring that SDG-related knowledge, skills, and awareness extend beyond the campus environment. Through workshops, seminars, community-based training programmes, and intergenerational learning activities, the University provides accessible education that supports social inclusion, environmental awareness, health literacy, and lifelong learning. The following examples demonstrate NEU’s commitment to delivering impactful, SDG-aligned educational opportunities for diverse groups within society and strengthening community engagement through sustained outreach.
Local Community
Awareness and Educational Visit to Esentepe Middle School as Part of the “Zero Waste” Project
On January 4, 2024, as part of the ongoing “Zero Waste Target” Project, Near East University Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, accompanied by Mrs. Sibel Tatar, visited Esentepe Middle School to deliver an awareness session on waste separation and sustainable practices.
The “Zero Waste Target” Project, launched in 2022 under the patronage of Mrs. Sibel Tatar, aims to promote responsible waste management and environmental awareness. During the presentation, Prof. Dr. Özden highlighted key topics, including recycling, waste separation, ecosystem protection, climate change, and ecological footprint, emphasizing the vital role that students and teachers play in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.
This visit helped foster environmental consciousness among young individuals and reinforced the project’s mission to promote sustainable waste management practices within the community.
Near East University Promotes Sustainable Development Goals through STEM Education in Local Schools
As part of its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, Near East University organized a series of STEM-focused workshops for secondary and high school students during November and December 2024.
These interactive sessions were held at 20 Temmuz Science High School, Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School, and Bayraktar Secondary School, aiming to raise awareness of global challenges and inspire young learners to explore the role of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) in achieving sustainability.
Workshops at 20 Temmuz Science High School and Bayraktar Secondary School were specially designed for female students, encouraging girls to develop scientific thinking skills, creativity, and confidence in pursuing STEM fields. Meanwhile, the Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School session engaged a broader group of students in exploring how STEM disciplines can contribute to solving issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
Throughout the sessions, students participated in hands-on activities, including scientific experiments, engineering projects, and sustainability-themed problem-solving exercises. Near East University academics emphasized how STEM supports innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical thinking, empowering youth to take part in shaping a more sustainable future.
By providing these educational experiences, Near East University continues to promote SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through local community engagement and youth empowerment initiatives.
The events were facilitated by Near East University faculty members including Prof. Dr. Aşkın Kiraz, Prof. Dr. Engin Baysen, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Arıkan Sarıoğlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülsüm Aşıksoy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuriye Sancar, Dr. Nezihal Gökbulut, and Aslı Akyol İnada.
Healthy Nutrition and Growth in Children
A seminar on “Healthy Nutrition and Growth in Children” was held for middle school students at Hala Sultan Divinity College in Haspolat, organized by the Cyprus Turkish Dietitians Association and Near East University, with the support of the Ministry of Education. The seminar was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taygun Dayı, a pediatric dietitian at Near East University Hospital and a faculty member of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The seminar consisted of two sessions, where students were educated on the importance of healthy eating and its role in supporting both physical and mental development during childhood. The event, which involved the participation of academic staff from the department, focused on how children can adopt balanced diets to improve their overall well-being and academic performance. The seminar received positive feedback from the students, who showed enthusiasm and interest in learning more about nutrition.
Near East University and Dikmen Municipality Collaborate to Promote Sustainable Community Education
In line with its sustainability goals and community engagement mission, Near East University has been carrying out a series of educational and awareness-raising activities in collaboration with Dikmen Municipality throughout 2024. These joint initiatives aim to empower local communities, promote health awareness, and strengthen early childhood education — all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Promoting Public Health Awareness
A variety of community seminars were held to promote preventive health and well-being among Dikmen residents.
- On January 19, 2024, the Faculty of Dentistry organized a seminar titled “Conscious Use of Drugs and Antibiotics,” highlighting the dangers of antibiotic misuse and its impact on public health.
- On April 11, 2024, the seminar “Conscious Steps in Coping with Cancer” provided essential information on early diagnosis, cancer prevention, and healthy lifestyle habits, featuring expert speakers from the Faculty of Medicine.
- On November 8, 2024, the seminar “Take Care of Yourself” focused on healthy nutrition, oral health, and aging, offering participants practical guidance for everyday well-being.
- Complementing these efforts, the seminar “Be Kind to Yourself” further emphasized self-care, preventive dental health, balanced nutrition, and physical and emotional well-being in aging.
Celebrating Learning and Community Engagement
The World Children’s Day Event, held on May 31, 2024, brought together children, families, and educators for a day of creativity and learning through workshops and exhibitions. The event encouraged play-based learning and strengthened the connection between the university and local preschools, fostering a culture of shared growth and sustainable education.
Education for Early Childhood Development and Children’s Rights
The Pre-School Teaching Club and the Social Research and Development Center of the Faculty of Education organized a series of workshops at local preschools including Pınarbaşı Kindergarten, Yetenekli Eller, and Elele Pre-School Education Centers. Led by academic experts, the workshops offered creative and interactive learning experiences that supported children’s skill development.
Additionally, on November 20, 2024, students organized an exhibition marking Children’s Rights Day, emphasising children’s well-being, participation, and protection while providing valuable professional learning experiences for future educators.
Through these diverse collaborations, Near East University and Dikmen Municipality demonstrate a strong commitment to building healthier, more informed, and inclusive communities. Each initiative serves as a meaningful contribution to sustainable local development and education for the SDGs.
Cancer Awareness and Prevention Education for the Local Community
Within the scope of Near East University’s commitment to SDG-focused community education, two important cancer awareness activities were organized in October 2024.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Department of Midwifery at the Faculty of Health Sciences conducted a series of Breast Cancer Prevention Trainings in collaboration with the Cancer Patients Assistance Association. The sessions, held at several schools and institutions, focused on early diagnosis and self-examination techniques to enhance community awareness and support preventive health education.
Additionally, at Esentepe Secondary School, a Cancer Awareness Seminar was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taygun Dayı from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlighting the role of healthy eating in cancer prevention. Around 80 students participated, engaging in discussions on nutrition and cancer risk reduction.
Through these initiatives, Near East University continues to educate and empower the local community on health and well-being, supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4: Quality Education.
Displaced people
Language and Culture Workshop for Children Organized by Near East University, Refugee Rights Association, and Child Protection Institution
Near East University, in collaboration with the Refugee Rights Association and the Child Protection Institution, organized a “Language and Culture Workshop” for children aged 7 to 11. The three-week event aimed to improve children’s Turkish language skills while helping them explore cultural diversity.
The workshop focused on a different theme each week, encouraging active participation through group work, games, and interactive exercises. In the first week, children worked on a text about “friendship and love” and participated in Turkish language games to enhance their writing and thinking skills. They also read a text on “bicycles” aloud and engaged in activities that made learning enjoyable.
The second week focused on essential concepts such as cooperation and environmental protection through fables. The children’s language abilities were further developed through reading aloud, word-building games, and interactive discussions that also helped foster ecological awareness.
The event concluded with the distribution of gifts and a performance of Cypriot music. Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Nagehan Gökler Gürkaya of the Refugee Rights Association presented certificates to the students of the Turkish Language Teaching Department who led the activities.
Dental Health Awareness Program for Refugee Children:
Collaboration Between Faculty of Dentistry Research Assistants and the Refugee Rights Association to Raise Refugee Rights
On January 3, 2024, faculty research assistants from Near East University partnered with the Refugee Rights Association to organize an oral health awareness event for refugee children at the Human Rights House. During the program, 43 refugee children and their mothers received practical training on tooth-brushing techniques and information on oral hygiene and cavity prevention.
This community-focused initiative not only supported the oral and dental health needs of refugee children but also contributed to raising awareness about refugee rights and strengthening social sensitivity and solidarity.
Alumni
“Green Finance and Sustainable Investment” Event Held at NEU with Alumni Participation"
The Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Near East University organized an online seminar titled “Green Finance and Sustainable Investment”, broadcast through the university’s official channels. The event aimed to raise awareness on environmentally friendly financial practices and sustainable investment strategies.
The seminar featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Seraj from the Department of Economics and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ali from the Department of Banking and Finance as keynote speakers. The experts shared insights on the global rise of green finance, the role of sustainability in the investment world, and the key dynamics shaping the future of financial transformation.
A notable aspect of the event was the active participation of Near East University alumni. Throughout the session, alumni contributed by sharing their knowledge and professional experiences, strengthening the link between academia and the business world. This enriched learning environment supported knowledge exchange and fostered a sustainability-focused community mindset.
This activity aligns with Near East University’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 – Climate Action and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. The university continues its mission to promote sustainability awareness through educational outreach initiatives for various segments of society.