Every Child is a World Program TRT Trabzon Radio Interview

• Editor

Dr. Tuğba Kontaş Azaklı, academic advisor for our program "Every Child is a World," was a guest on a program broadcast on TRT Trabzon Radio. Dr. Azaklı shared the story of our program and how it has evolved over the years with the audience. We have been running the "Every Child is a World" program since 2018. From the very beginning, our priority has been to improve the living and working conditions of women and children. We know that seasonal agricultural migration is considered one of the worst jobs for children, according to Convention No. 182 of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Therefore, the primary goal of our program is to keep children away from the orchards during the hazelnut harvest and ensure they are in safe areas. Over time, we have further developed our program. We have expanded it to include not only children's safety but also access to healthcare, care and nutrition for young children, and the diverse needs of families. Now, the program runs year-round, not just during the harvest season. We travel to the cities where children and families live, conduct home visits, and support them. After the earthquake, when the risk of girls, in particular, dropping out of school increased, we at Durak Fındık implemented a scholarship program to help them continue their education. Today, many of our girls and boys continue their education with this support. In the interview, Dr. Azaklı explained that while it took time to gain the trust of families in the early years of the program, a significant transformation occurred over time. As families saw the safe and hopeful environment we envisioned for their children, they believed in us even more, and today, together, we have become a huge "Every Child is a World family." One of the most significant reflections of this trust is that our children are transported to school by safe transportation and are able to continue their education at a school affiliated with the İkizce District Governorate. Along with education, healthcare is also a priority for us. At Durak Hazelnuts Private Ünye Çakırtepe Hospital, children and their families receive regular health and dental screenings, and all necessary treatments and medications are fully met. Furthermore, thanks to the implemented nutrition program, significant improvements in children's height and weight development are observed in just 30 days. Most importantly, the combination of education, health, and nutritional support results in visible progress in children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. The "Every Child is a World" program is not just a social responsibility initiative; it's a journey to build a healthier, safer, and more hopeful future for our children. And this journey is only possible when we stand shoulder to shoulder. Those who wish to watch the entire radio interview can do so via the link below.
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