Bülbülzade Foundation Secondary Education Unit organized two different debate programs for middle and high school students. The debate program for middle school students was held in 4 different groups with a total of 2 rounds as a preliminary elimination competition. In addition, the first stage of the Debate Tournament was organized with the male and female students of Bülbülzade Foundation, Touch Life Orphan Association and Bilimder, hosted by BEKAM.In the middle school debate program, male students debated on the question titles “Does peer bullying affect school success / does it not affect school success?” and female students debated on the question titles “Do smartphones make learning easier / not easier?”.In the first stage of the Debate Tournament organized for high school students, “Social media applications that emphasize visuality should be restricted. / should not be restricted.” and ‘The exam-oriented education system in Turkey blunts students’ creativity. / it does not.” Debates were held on the topic.The final stage of the Debate Tournament, where 2 groups qualified for the final stage, will be held in 2 weeks.

The first study visit of the Erasmus+ KA151 Mobility of Youth Workers project carried out by Bülbülzade Association was hosted by Alaca Association in Tetova, North Macedonia on 5-6 May 2025.In the program attended by 13 youth workers from our organization, the activities carried out for women and young people were examined on site. The second stop of the program will be held on 7-8-9 May in Skopje, hosted by Köprü Association.

Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, Mehmet Ali Eminoğlu, President of BEKAM (Science Education Culture Research Center), Mustafa al Hüseyin, President of Gaziantep Syrian Community and Remzi Yılmaz, Director of Migrant Services Center paid a courtesy visit to Gaziantep AFAD Provincial Director Mahmut Coşkun.Within the scope of the visit, information was shared about the humanitarian aid, education and development activities carried out by Bülbülzade Foundation in the earthquake zone, in the international arena and especially in Syria. Detailed information was also given about the Liaison Office, which started its activities in Aleppo in the new period, and the Aleppo Anatolian Cultural Center, whose renovation works are ongoing.AFAD Provincial Director Mahmut Coşkun gave information about the works carried out during the earthquake and the housing projects completed and delivered to the rightful owners. He also evaluated the meetings held with the Aleppo administration and the Consulate General of Aleppo, as well as the new studies planned in the region.At the end of the visit, Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, presented a plaque to Provincial Director Mahmut Coşkun for AFAD's devoted work during the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Anatolian Federation “Strategic Planning and Management” Workshop was held at Kayseri MÜSİAD Branch. The second part of the event, which was attended by representatives of member associations and foundations of the Federation, was visited by Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the National Defense Commission, AK Party MP Ayşe Böhürler, Kayseri Governor Gökmen Çiçek, Kayseri Metropolitan Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç, Talas Mayor Mustafa Yalçın and AK Party Provincial Chairman Hüseyin Ok. Speaking during the visit, Governor Gökmen Çiçek referred to the painful events that took place in Kayseri in the past, known as the 'Kayseri Events', and emphasized the importance of the support given by the Anatolian Federation from the beginning of the process. Thanking Turgay Aldemir, President of the Anatolian Federation, Çiçek said, “The Federation has made great contributions to Kayseri and Turkey to overcome this process.” Çiçek also thanked Aldemir and MP Ayşe Böhürler, saying that he had read the books they had recommended to him and that the intellectual mind provided by these books was of great importance in solving social problems.Speaking during the visit, MP Ayşe Böhürler drew attention to the federation's efforts to make women's labor visible and said, “The Anatolian Federation carries out its work together with women to a great extent, it is a very valuable structure in this sense.” Böhürler stated that the federation acts with systematic and regular working principles even in times of crisis and appreciated their organization especially during the earthquake.Böhürler also stated that the federation has put forward projects centered on unity and solidarity in the Islamic geography and that this is an important contribution to Turkey's intellectual structure. At the end of his speech, he expressed his pleasure to be present at the workshop. He also expressed his satisfaction that he participated in many activities of the Federation.Finally, Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the TBMM National Defense Commission, who took the floor during the visit, emphasized that the work and activities carried out are very important, that he appreciated the work of the federation, and that all NGOs should take initiatives in education, youth and family issues. Akar emphasized that NGOs should make their activities deeper and more efficient, and stated that unity and solidarity are essential.“Sincerity and Ikhlas should be essential in civil society”Akar, who evaluated the management structure of NGOs in his speech, stated that a service-oriented approach should be adopted, away from political expectations. “Our wealth, property and position in this world are empty. What is important is what we prepare for the afterlife,” Akar said, drawing attention to the importance of serving with sincerity and sincerity in non-governmental organizations.However, Akar also mentioned the disorganization in the organizational structure of NGOs. Stating that many foundations and associations are engaged in similar activities, which reduces effectiveness, he said, “The body cannot handle such diversity. Unity and solidarity is a must, especially in NGOs. We should carry out activities in a deeper and more effective way.”“Obstacles to Civil Society: Arrogance, Envy and Indifference”In his speech, Akar also pointed to the main problems that NGOs face and listed three important factors as the source of divisions: arrogance, envy and indifference. Emphasizing the necessity of working towards a common goal by getting rid of these factors, Akar said, “We must work for this homeland, for this nation and for humanity with a pure heart.”Stating that family and child education, which constitute the foundation of society, should be given special importance, Akar said that global trends target the family structure and this should be realized. Emphasizing the importance of evaluating history from a correct perspective, he said, “Those who look down on their history wear a bag around their neck.”Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Anatolian Federation, in his short briefing to the visitors, emphasized the common mind that will build the future of Turkey as a Federation, and stated that they carry out trainings for children and youth, education and teachers, family and women, and that each institution attaches importance to social sensitivity, cooperation and the awareness of being a nation in the local area where it is located. He gave information about the mission of the Anadolu Kültür centers that were opened in the safe zone before the Syrian revolution and the centers that will be opened in Aleppo, Damascus and other places deemed necessary after the revolution. He expressed his satisfaction with the visit and thanked the visitors. A plaque was presented at the end of the visit. 

Touch Life Orphan Association high school students organized a surprise program for their mothers.The program started with poetry readings about the meaning and importance of the day. A music recital was performed by the students. In addition, bracelet gifts and flowers prepared by the students with their own hands were presented. Before the program, mothers and daughters had their photos taken in the souvenir corner prepared by the students for their mothers with their own hands.The program ended with a souvenir photo taken after the participating mothers shared their feelings and thoughts.

Regular meetings continue with the participation of representatives of Bülbülzade Foundation, Migration Coordination Unit, BEKAM, Gaziantep Syrian Community, Migrant Services Center and Fajr Radio.During the meeting, evaluations were made with the directors of the Anatolian Cultural Centers, which have been operating in northern Syria, especially in Azaz, Afrin, Jarabulus and Al Bab since 2019. In addition, the education programs for different age groups and branches in the centers were examined. While the preparations for the courses and activities planned for the summer period were evaluated, consultations were held on the progress of the students.The online meeting ended with suggestions for increasing the number of Anatolian Cultural Centers and diversifying them according to regional needs.

As Bülbülzade Foundation, we have been providing clothing aid to thousands of children and families in need every year since 1994. Through the Aid Unit of our Foundation, families and children in need can choose and buy their clothes in a shopping store environment. In April, a new clothing donation was made within the scope of the “Dress a Child” campaign.We sincerely thank all our volunteers who contributed to the “Dress a Child” campaign and our valuable supporters who donated.

A delegation from Bülbülzade Foundation, Migrant Services Center and Gaziantep Syrian Community visited Jarabulus Anatolian Cultural Center.During the visit, a poetry program on Gaza was also attended. In the poetry program, the students of the Anatolian Cultural Center read poems written by themselves and poets.“As Bülbülzade Foundation, we have carried out activities in various fields with the people of the region we have been supporting since 2016 in Jarablus, the first safe region of Syria. The process that started with the aid center, children's park, academies and trainings accelerated education and training with the Jarablus Anatolian Cultural Center in 2019. Turkish lessons, support and compensation trainings, English lessons, computer and art lessons continue with intense participation at the Anatolian Culture Center.”

Today, young people have more opportunities than ever to develop personally and contribute meaningfully to society. One of the most impactful among them is the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).So, what is ESC?The European Solidarity Corps is an initiative of the European Union that encourages young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to take part in volunteering projects that benefit communities. These projects are not limited to Europe; they also take place in partner countries around the world. The main goal is to promote solidarity, encourage social responsibility, and support the personal and professional development of young people.ESC allows young people to engage in projects related to the environment, education, social services, cultural heritage, refugee support, and more. Projects usually last from 2 to 12 months, and the EU covers all basic expenses – including accommodation, meals, travel, and insurance. Participants also receive a monthly allowance.Why Join ESC?Discover new cultures and make international friendsPractice foreign languagesUnlock your potentialGain valuable experience for your future careerGrow in awareness of social issuesAnd the best part? Academic qualifications are not a requirement. What matters most is motivation and a willingness to contribute.Who Can Apply?Young people aged 18–30Residents of EU or partner countriesMotivated individuals open to working in diverse environmentsESC with Bülbülzade FoundationAt Bülbülzade Foundation, we hold official ESC accreditation, enabling young people to take part in international solidarity-based volunteering projects. Through our network, you can access meaningful opportunities that support both personal growth and positive social impact.