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Volunteer students
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Syrian refugee children
50+ Refugee families -
Mentorship Program and Summer Programs
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
During the program, alongside faculty from selective Turkish universities, volunteers partake in case studies concerning Turkey and the Middle East and enrich themselves about the region.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
On the weekends, based on the location of the program, volunteers experience the rich history and culture of Istanbul or South East Anatolia. Volunteers attend special tours led by experienced tour guides.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Throughout the program, high school students partake in 2-4 hours of volunteer work each weekday with Syrian refugee children and disadvantage children between the ages 8 and 15. The content of the volunteer work is shaped by the volunteers under the leadership of volunteer mentors who have previously attended the program. The volunteer works includes visits to the homes of refugee families that allows volunteers to form their own projects that they continue to sustain following the program.
GIVE A HAND
Mentorship Program
The Syrian refugee crisis has been ongoing for over a decade, and the lives of millions of refugee children
have been drastically impacted by the upheaval. In Give a Hand, we are dedicated to supporting these children adjust to their new lives
in Turkey.
Since 2019, our organization has been offering 30 pairs of mentees and mentors, where 2-hour weekly mentorship and guidance to Syrian refugee children
and disadvantaged children ages 7 - 13 are provided through online and in-person programs. Give a Hand Help firmly believes in the transformative power of mentorship. To ensure the highest
quality of guidance and support, we have implemented a comprehensive online mentorship training program for our volunteer mentors. This program is designed to equip our mentors with the skills,
knowledge, and confidence required to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they mentor. Our mentors provide emotional,
academic, and social support, giving the children a sense of security and a safe place to express their feelings. Through our online
meetings, we provide a place for them to talk, play games, study, and receive advice from their mentors. To further our mission,
we also offer fun competitions, field trips, and art competitions for our participants.
Syrian refugee children face many struggles as they try to integrate into Turkish society. Language and
cultural barriers can make it difficult for them to adjust to their new environment. Our mentors guide them through the process of
adaptation, helping them to understand their new world and integrate. Our mentors also provide emotional support, creating an
environment of acceptance and understanding.
As Give a Hand volunteers, we are committed to helping these children transition into their new lives in Turkey as smoothly and quickly as possible. With our online and in-person programs, we are able to provide guidance, support, and friendship to these children, giving them the opportunity and hope to create a better life for themselves.
GIVE A HAND
Personalized Research Programs
Since 2015, Give A Hand has been collaborating with leading universities in Turkey. The organization was founded in Gaziantep upon an academic partnership with Hasan Kalyoncu University. In 2017, Kultur University 2022. Give A Hand Istanbul programs were established with the support of Istanbul Technical University and Yeditepe University.
During the Give A Hand programs, attendees are given an opportunity to not only design their own volunteer projects to sustain beyond the program but also do academic research. In addition, as part of our personalized research programs, high school students worldwide are given an opportunity to do independent research with our faculty during a separate time frame.
Give A Hand Programs
allow you to view the world from a different perspective.
Don’t miss out on this life changing experience.
GIVE A HAND
Our Testimonials
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Participating in Give a Hand’s mentorship program, Hatay Project, and the Art Exhibition has been an eye-opening and heartwarming experience. Working closely with Syrian refugee children, like my mentee Ayse, has given me a deeper understanding of the devastating impact of the war in Syria and the resilience of these young souls. Each week, our interactions, filled with learning and laughter, have not only aided their growth but have enriched my global outlook as well. Seeing the strength and hope in these children, despite their hardships, has instilled in me an immense love and respect for their spirit. Being a part of their journey and the Give a Hand family is something I cherish deeply, and I’m committed to continuing this work, hoping to bring positive changes in their lives.
DAMLA SAYKI
Through the history and politics crash course of Middle East, I came to understand how the impasse in the area has stemmed from historical prejudices and conflicts.. By working in the social market, volunteering at a local elementary school where Syrian refugee children attend, helping out at the food distribution center and visiting the actual container camp, I saw with my own eyes how these Syrian refugees, tormented by the loss of their house and maybe their families, are motivated only by a single hope that the war may end.
CATHY WANG
Stanford University 2021
When I look back on to our time in Gaziantep, I think all the hardship we went through was worth it. In the process of trying to help others, we gave away our positivity but at the same time we see the indestructible faith in humanity that as long as there is life, there is hope and future. I am greatly inspired by how the Turkish governments are doing what they can to settle down the refugees by establishing a special market, giving them technical skill trainings, and places to live. I will definitely continues communicating with my little sisters and come back next year to continue doing this program. I believe that through our efforts we can help more and more people in need…
SHIRLEY YE
Columbia University Barnard College 2021
I choose to participate in the Give A Hand program because I wanted to be able to impact someone’s live in an amazing way. I learned so much on this trip. I learned more of what is actually going on in Syria, not just what the media is selling for a better story.
TANYA ROBINSON
Auburn University 2021
Joining Give a Hand and working with refugees in Turkey are some of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. I sincerely appreciated what had been done to the refugees from many sides and I was absolutely glad to play a role in this process. Yet the world still required us to be more patient, more empathetic, and more proactive than we expected. Give a Hand drove me to examine myself on how I could bring changes to the global community, and I feel ready now to make further commitment on helping the refugee community with the best of my ability.
STEVEN LI
Dartmouth College 2021
Give A Hand Programs
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Give A Hand Programs
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