Within the framework of the cooperation protocol signed between our university and the Kırklareli Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, the closing ceremony of the social responsibility initiative “Active Ageing and Supporting Children’s Cognitive Development Project II” was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aykaç Conference Hall in the 3rd Central Classroom Building.
The ceremony was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Rengin Ak; Deputy Governor Elif Canan Tuncer; Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Kadriye Eylem Özkaya Lassalle and Prof. Dr. Murat Gençbay; Kırklareli Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Bilgin Özbaş; Deputy Director Mehmet Karaman; Rector’s Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. İskender Gümüş; Intergenerational Development Center (NEGEM) Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeliz Mercan; academic and administrative staff; and students who volunteered in the project.
Following a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeliz Mercan provided information about the “Active Ageing and Supporting Children’s Cognitive Development Project II.” She stated that the social responsibility project aimed to ensure the active participation of individuals aged 60 and above residing in Kırklareli in social life, as well as to support the holistic development (cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, emotional; including those with developmental disabilities or in need of developmental support) of children aged 0–18. She noted that the project activities, which began on February 17, 2025, continued for eight weeks and concluded on May 9, 2025.
Project Deputy Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Yeniçırak, in his presentation, emphasized the importance of intergenerational solidarity and shared information about the benefits the project had provided.
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Rengin Ak, highlighted that the project helped older citizens aged 60 and above actively engage in community and social life, thereby contributing to their integration into society. She also noted that the project played a protective role against negative conditions such as loneliness, depression, and social isolation.
Continuing her speech, Prof. Dr. Rengin Ak said:
“Another significant achievement of the project is that it created an intergenerational environment by bringing together our elderly citizens and students, increasing interaction, and fostering the exchange of knowledge and experience between the two generations. The coming together of different generations has brought numerous benefits to both young and elderly people, such as reducing intergenerational prejudices, enhancing bonds, strengthening social capital, creating connecting and bridging social networks, and fostering solidarity.
Today, I am pleased to announce some exciting news. As Kırklareli University, we are launching the 60+ Refreshment University. Applications have been completed, and the program will be ready for education in the 2025–2026 Academic Year. On this occasion, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to NEGEM’s activities and extend my gratitude.”
Following our Rector’s speech, participation certificates were presented to the project teams from our university and the Kırklareli Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, as well as to the volunteer students involved in the project.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of graduation certificates to the elderly citizens who received training at NEGEM.
KLU
