In 2025, Near East University extended sustainability-related education beyond its enrolled student community through dedicated outreach activities for alumni, local residents, migrants and refugees. These initiatives included online sustainability learning, sector-focused training, structured family education, language education and social-integration programmes. Through these activities, the University shared academic knowledge and practical skills with different groups in the wider community, supporting lifelong learning, social inclusion and the application of the Sustainable Development Goals in everyday life. Sustainability Education for Alumni through the “Smart Cities and Sustainable Development Goals” Course -2025 Delivered by Near East University academics, the course examined the relationship between smart-city development and the Sustainable Development Goals, including smart-city solutions, innovative energy sources and sustainable approaches to urban development. By engaging alumni beyond their formal studies, the activity supported continued learning on sustainable cities, clean energy, technological innovation and climate-responsive development. Sustainability and SDG Training for Hotel Employees By taking sustainability education directly into the workplace, the initiative enabled members of the local professional community to understand how the SDGs can guide operational decisions and long-term organisational practices, particularly in relation to SDGs 6, 7, 8, 12, 13 and 17. Health, Psychology and Art Education for Women in Prison The programme combined education in public health, psychological well-being and art. Participants received training on health-protective measures in closed environments and practical guidance on emotional balance and coping with stress. A two-week Art Therapy Workshop for Women provided an additional creative and participatory learning experience, supported by interactive question-and-answer sessions. Healthy Adolescence, Healthy Future: Education for School Teachers By strengthening the knowledge and guidance capacity of school educators, the programme extended university health education into the local community and contributed particularly to SDGs 3, 4 and 17. The programme introduced students to budget management, saving, financial risks, entrepreneurship and business idea development through interactive presentations and real-life case studies. The training was designed to strengthen students’ financial awareness, entrepreneurial thinking and ability to relate economic concepts to everyday life. Ten-Week Parent Education Programme The “Supporting the Sexual Development of Children for Mothers and Fathers Programme” provided education for parents of children aged 48–72 months, focusing on child development, sexual education and healthy parent–child communication. The programme was designed to help parents address sensitive developmental issues using accurate information and communicate more openly and effectively with their children. Pre-programme assessments indicated limited knowledge among participants, while evaluations conducted after the ten-week training showed improvement in parents’ attitudes toward sexual education and stronger communication skills with their children. The programme therefore combined community education with measurable learning outcomes, supporting family well-being, preventive education and healthy child development. The programme combined expert presentations with practical group exercise sessions, providing participants with accessible information on age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, the benefits of regular physical activity, and the importance of maintaining strength, balance, flexibility and mobility in later life. The activity also highlighted the contribution of exercise to preserving functional capacity and supporting healthier ageing. Inclusive Turkish Language Programme for Refugee and Migrant Students The programme supports 18 refugee and migrant students from six countries, providing structured language education designed to improve their Turkish-language skills and enable more equal and active participation in education. Academic staff coordinate the programme, while senior students from the Turkish Language Teaching Department voluntarily contribute to its delivery. By addressing language as a major barrier to educational and social participation, the programme supports inclusive education and contributes particularly to SDGs 4, 10 and 17. The programme provided practical education on CV preparation, access to employment opportunities, fundamental human rights and navigating public services. Interactive sessions also enabled participants to discuss challenges related to social participation, equal opportunities and integration into the wider community. By combining employability skills, rights education and guidance on accessing public services, the programme supported the social and economic inclusion of migrants and refugees and contributed particularly to SDGs 8, 10, 16 and 17. Academic experts from the University provided practical education on family planning, sexual and reproductive health, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and nutrition in the context of migration. Participants were also informed about how to access available reproductive health services, strengthening their ability to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The programme addressed health challenges that can particularly affect migrant and vulnerable communities, including changing living conditions, economic difficulties and altered dietary patterns. By extending accessible health education to refugees and migrants, the initiative contributed particularly to SDGs 3, 5, 10 and 17.Alumni
Local Community
On 22 December 2025, the Near East University Faculty of Tourism delivered a dedicated sustainability training programme for employees of the Concorde Tower Hotel titled “Sustainability and Integration of Sustainable Development Goals in Hotel Businesses.”
The training translated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into practical applications for the hospitality sector. Participants examined areas including energy and water efficiency, waste management, responsible resource use, local sourcing, employee well-being and environmental and social responsibility. Practical examples demonstrated how sustainability principles can be incorporated into the daily operations of different hotel departments.
In December 2025, the Near East University Gender Research and Application Center (TOCAM) delivered a multidisciplinary educational programme for 25 female inmates at the TRNC Central Prison.
By extending university education to a vulnerable and disadvantaged group within the wider community, the programme supported access to health knowledge, psychological well-being and inclusive educational opportunities, contributing particularly to SDGs 3, 5, 10 and 16.
In January 2025, specialists from Near East University Hospital delivered an educational seminar for teachers at Sedat Simavi Industrial Vocational High School as part of the “Transition from Adolescence to Puberty” project, implemented in collaboration with the Girne Inner Wheel Club and the TRNC Ministry of National Education.
The programme provided four expert-led sessions addressing physical and psychological development during adolescence, sexually transmitted infections, HPV and cervical cancer. Teachers were also guided on recognising the needs of adolescents, providing appropriate support and communicating with young people in a safe and informed manner.
Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Education for High School Students
In December 2025, the Near East University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences delivered a Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Training programme for 11th-grade students at Meral-Vedat Ertüngü State High School.
The initiative forms part of Near East University’s wider community education activities linked to sustainable development, supporting young people with practical life skills and contributing particularly to SDGs 4, 8 and 17.
Near East University also completed a structured 10-week parent education programme in 2025 in cooperation with the TRNC Prime Ministry Drug Enforcement Commission.
Promoting Healthy Ageing through Exercise Education
In 2025, the Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences collaborated with the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health to deliver a community education activity focused on healthy ageing and the role of physical activity in maintaining independence and quality of life.
By translating academic health knowledge into practical guidance for older adults and the wider community, the initiative extended university education beyond the campus and supported healthy ageing, social participation and well-being, contributing particularly to SDGs 3, 4, 10 and 17.Displaced People and Refugees
Social Integration Training for Migrants and Refugees
Sexual Health and Nutrition Education for Refugees and Migrants
In December 2025, Near East University delivered a Sexual Health and Nutrition Education programme for refugees and migrants at the Nicosia Turkish Municipality Solidarity and Education Center.
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