In 2024, Near East University strengthened its partnerships with non-governmental organisations to advance community well-being, equity, and inclusive development. These collaborations were structured across three key areas: student volunteering programmes, NGO-supported research activities, and the development of educational resources designed to address social, environmental, and public health needs.
Working closely with civil-society organisations, Near East University created hands-on learning environments where students actively engaged in community service, supported vulnerable groups, and applied their disciplinary knowledge in real social contexts. In parallel, joint activities with NGOs facilitated dialogue, experience-sharing, and the co-creation of community-sensitive initiatives that support long-term social impact. Educational campaigns, workshops, and outreach programmes further helped expand public access to learning opportunities while promoting inclusive and sustainable practices.
Student Volunteering Programmes
Barrier-Free Kitchen Workshop Conducted in Collaboration with the Turkish Cypriot Orthopedically Disabled Association
In 2024, Near East University strengthened its student volunteering activities through the “Barrier-Free Kitchen Workshop,” organised jointly by the Tourism Research Center, the Social Research and Development Center, and the Turkish Cypriot Orthopedically Disabled Association. Held in the Faculty of Tourism’s professional training kitchens, the workshop brought together Gastronomy and Culinary Arts students, academic staff, and association members from different age groups.
The event offered hands-on sessions focusing on accessible culinary practices. Students worked closely with participants, demonstrating adaptive cooking techniques, providing personalised support, and co-developing barrier-free methods that promote independence in the kitchen environment. Through teamwork, practice-based learning, and direct social engagement, students gained valuable experience in inclusive education and community service.
This initiative not only empowered individuals with physical disabilities but also helped foster empathy, social awareness, and volunteering culture among students. The collaboration created a meaningful platform that strengthened NEU’s relationship with civil society and highlighted the role of higher education institutions in promoting inclusive, community-centered development aligned with the SDGs.
Oral and Dental Health Awareness Initiative for Refugee Children in Collaboration with the Refugee Rights Association
On January 3, 2024, Near East University strengthened its NGO partnerships through a community-focused volunteering initiative carried out in cooperation with the Refugee Rights Association, one of the leading civil-society organisations advocating for asylum seekers and refugee communities in Northern Cyprus. Faculty research assistants from the Faculty of Dentistry conducted an outreach programme at the Human Rights House, delivering practical oral-health education for 43 refugee children and their mothers.
During the event, graduate research assistants—participating as student volunteers—provided hands-on demonstrations on proper tooth-brushing techniques and offered accessible guidance on oral hygiene and cavity prevention. The session was designed to equip refugee families with essential knowledge for maintaining daily oral health, while also empowering them through reliable, easy-to-apply preventive practices.
The collaboration addressed both health education needs and refugee rights awareness, aligning with the Refugee Rights Association’s mission to support vulnerable populations and reduce inequalities. By engaging directly with refugee families, student volunteers contributed to a meaningful social-responsibility initiative that fostered empathy, strengthened community ties, and helped promote inclusive access to health information.
Visit to the Refugee Rights Association to Support Civic Engagement and Social Awareness
On November 25, 2024, students and faculty members from the Departments of Political Science, Public Administration, and International Relations visited the Refugee Rights Association in Nicosia to engage in a community-focused collaboration aimed at promoting refugee rights and social inclusion.
During the visit, NGO representatives briefed students about ongoing challenges faced by refugee communities and discussed potential collaboration opportunities for volunteer-based social responsibility projects. The exchange strengthened students’ understanding of civic participation, human rights issues, and the role of civil society organisations in supporting vulnerable populations. It also opened new pathways for student-engaged initiatives that align with sustainable development and community empowerment.
Research Programmes
Collaborative Research Project on Disability Rights, Accessibility and Inclusive Employment with the Cyprus Turkish Orthopedically Disabled Association
Near East University has contributed to a major research-based NGO initiative led by the Cyprus Turkish Orthopedically Disabled Association (KTOÖD) and supported by the European Union. The project, titled “Empowering Persons with Disabilities: Removing Barriers to Employment and Protecting Rights,” aims to generate evidence-based strategies for improving employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities within local governments and the private sector.
As part of this initiative, co-chairs of NEU’s Social Research and Development Center provided expert advisory support, contributing to the design, monitoring and analytical stages of the project. Their academic inputs strengthened the research methodology, data collection processes, and policy-oriented evaluation framework.
Through field studies, stakeholder consultations, and assessments carried out with public institutions and civil-society actors, the project identified structural barriers to employment while mapping out practical pathways to enhance inclusion. The outcomes have been consolidated into a strategic guide designed to inform long-term policy development on disability rights, labour participation, and community integration.
Research Collaboration with the Cyprus Turkish Diabetes Association to Strengthen Community Health and Diabetes Awareness
In 2024, Near East University renewed its collaboration protocol with the Cyprus Turkish Diabetes Association, reinforcing a strong NGO–university partnership committed to advancing community health in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through this renewed cooperation, NEU and the Association jointly support research-driven community programmes focused on diabetes prevention, early awareness, and health education. The partnership enables coordinated activities such as:
- evidence-based public-awareness campaigns,
- community seminars on diabetes prevention and healthy lifestyles,
- collaborative needs assessments for diabetes-related risk groups,
- academic support for educational materials used in community diabetes education,
- and joint evaluation of community health outreach outcomes.
Researchers and experts from NEU work alongside the Association to provide scientific input for community health strategies and to strengthen the evidence base for diabetes awareness and prevention efforts across Northern Cyprus. This cooperation helps ensure that diabetes-related public-health initiatives are informed by current academic findings and tailored to community needs.
By aligning research capabilities with NGO experience, the collaboration represents a strong example of how universities can support civil-society partners in tackling key public-health challenges and developing sustainable, community-oriented health practices.
Collaboration with the Cyprus Turkish Microbiology Platform and the Turkish Microbiology Society
In 2024, the DESAM Research Institute strengthened its scientific engagement with key national microbiology organisations, particularly the Cyprus Turkish Microbiology Platform and the Turkish Microbiology Society. Through this collaboration, Near East University contributed to research-based discussions and evidence-oriented public-health initiatives that address infectious-disease management and community health risks.
As part of this cooperation, DESAM academics, together with microbiologists from both organisations, participated in joint scientific evaluations and expert briefings focused on emerging infectious diseases, diagnostic approaches, laboratory standards, and epidemiological developments affecting the region. These collaborative scientific sessions enabled:
- the exchange of up-to-date microbiological data relevant to public health,
- shared evaluation of disease-monitoring practices,
- dissemination of research-backed recommendations to the wider health community,
- and strengthened dialogue between academic researchers and national microbiology networks.
The involvement of both the Cyprus Turkish Microbiology Platform and the Turkish Microbiology Society ensured that DESAM’s contributions were embedded within a broader professional ecosystem of laboratory scientists, clinicians, and public-health experts.
Development of Educational Resocurces
Interdisciplinary Community Service Workshop with NGOs, Academics, and Student Volunteers
On June 3, 2024, Near East University’s Social Research and Development Center, in collaboration with the Champion Angels Association and the Cyprus Hearing and Speech Impaired Foundation, organised the “Interdisciplinary Community Service Workshop.” The event brought together NGO representatives, academics, and university students to exchange knowledge on social responsibility, educational practice, and inclusive community engagement.
Throughout the workshop, participants presented a wide range of community-based projects, including art and music sessions for individuals with special needs, environmental education activities, tree planting initiatives, earthquake awareness programmes, and social responsibility projects designed to support children and vulnerable groups. Students took an active role in project design and implementation, gaining practical experience in community-oriented problem-solving and volunteer-based learning.
The workshop served as a strong example of multi-stakeholder cooperation, demonstrating how universities and NGOs can jointly address societal needs while developing sustainable educational practices. It further reinforced students’ civic engagement skills and strengthened NEU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and socially responsive educational environment.
Collaboration for Accessible and Inclusive Educational Resources
Near East University hosted the 12th Barrier-Free Informatics Days, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders committed to advancing accessibility in education and digital environments. The event was organized in cooperation with the TRNC Barrier-Free Informatics Platform, the Turkish Barrier-Free Informatics Platform, disability-rights NGOs, public institutions, municipalities, technology specialists, and university academics.
Over several thematic sessions, participants jointly examined barriers faced by individuals with visual, auditory, and physical disabilities in accessing learning materials. Working groups developed recommendations and prototype solutions to improve educational accessibility, including:
- screen-reader–compatible digital course materials,
- audio-supported library resources and accessible book formats,
- user-friendly web interfaces based on WCAG international standards,
- inclusive design guidelines for digital learning environments, and
- community-focused training modules on accessibility awareness.
The collaboration enabled students, NGO representatives, public-sector professionals, software developers, and academics to work side by side in designing tools and resources that make educational content more inclusive. Public institutions contributed regulatory perspectives, NGOs provided field-based insight on the needs of individuals with disabilities, and university departments offered technical and pedagogical expertise.
This collective effort strengthened the culture of accessibility across the island, expanding public awareness and improving opportunities for learners with diverse needs. Through sustained partnerships with civil society and sectoral organizations, Near East University continues to support the creation of accessible educational resources that promote equitable participation in education and digital society.
Language and Culture Workshop for Children
Near East University collaborated with the Refugee Rights Association and the Child Protection Institution to develop and implement an educational workshop designed to support the language development and cultural awareness of children aged 7–11. Conducted over a three-week period, the initiative focused on producing accessible learning materials and interactive teaching resources tailored to the needs of children from diverse backgrounds, including refugee communities.
Led by students of the Turkish Language Teaching Department, the programme incorporated
- child-friendly reading texts,
- theme-based educational activities,
- language-games designed to strengthen vocabulary and expression,
- environmental-awareness modules, and
- culture-focused storytelling resources.
Each week addressed a different thematic area—such as friendship, cooperation, and environmental responsibility—allowing children to engage with newly developed materials through group work, reading aloud, dramatization, and interactive exercises. These activities were supported by university academics who provided pedagogical guidance and ensured the educational content aligned with inclusive learning principles.
The collaboration resulted in the creation of practical and adaptable teaching resources that can be reused in future community programmes. The involvement of the Refugee Rights Association ensured that the materials were culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of refugee children, while the Child Protection Institution contributed its expertise in child development and safeguarding.
By developing new educational resources and delivering them through a structured, community-focused programme, Near East University strengthened its contribution to inclusive learning environments and supported equitable access to education in partnership with civil-society organizations.