Yeşim Group Hosts Volunteering Summit
05.12.2025
Yeşim Group Hosts Volunteering Summit
As part of the 5 December International Volunteer Day, Yeşim Group brought together partner schools involved in its People First in Different Geographies project and the non-governmental organizations it collaborates with at the Volunteering Summit, hosted by the Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OIB) Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.
Within the scope of International Volunteer Day, Yeşim Group organized a meaningful event with the participation of partner schools and civil society organizations engaged in the People First in Different Geographies project. The Volunteering Summit, hosted by the Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School and aiming to promote a culture of volunteering among young people, brought together approximately 250 students from Şükrü Şankaya Anatolian High School, Bursa Boys’ High School, 3 Mart Halil Güleç Science High School, Ulviye – Ziya Gökalp Özer Anatolian High School, and the OIB Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School with organizations actively working in the field of volunteering.
The summit was also attended by representatives from the Turkish Education Foundation (TEV), the Foundation for Children with Leukemia (LÖSEV), the Contemporary Education and Culture Foundation (ÇEKVAK), the Association “One Paw for Every Home” Association (HEPAD), the Bursa Business Women’s Association (BUİKAD), Kalbim Seninle Solidarity Association, the Volunteer Movement Association, Young TEMA, and Bir Bulut Olsam Association, who engaged directly with students. The program was held in two sessions, moderated by Prof. Dr. Rüyam Küçüksüleymanoğlu, Faculty Member at Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Education.
Delivering the opening speech on behalf of the host school, Güray Köken, Principal of the Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, stated:
“We are proud to host such a meaningful organization on this special day. Yeşim Group’s ‘People First’ approach aligns perfectly with our school’s mission to educate individuals who embrace sustainable values and demonstrate high levels of social responsibility and awareness. We believe that volunteering is one of the most powerful tools enabling young people to contribute both to society and to their own personal development. In this regard, we place great importance on raising individuals who are sensitive to environmental, human, and social issues and who can develop lasting solutions at both local and global levels. We would like to thank Yeşim Group for bringing us together today and for opening this important awareness space for our students.”
Emphasizing the importance of volunteering within Yeşim Group’s institutional approach, Dilek Cesur, Yeşim Group Corporate Communications Director, said:
“In the 20th year since the passing of our founder, the late Şükrü Şankaya, we aim to build a better society and a more beautiful world by spreading kindness and volunteering in line with the ‘People First’ philosophy he entrusted to us. When we envisioned the Volunteering Summit, our goal was to bring this core aspect of our corporate culture together with young people and to foster awareness of volunteering and social entrepreneurship. Being here with you today once again shows how strong and meaningful this vision truly is. I would like to thank all the organizations who joined us and supported this journey.”
Following the opening speeches, the program continued with two sessions during which civil society organizations introduced their fields of work and shared information on volunteering activities. Students had the opportunity to closely explore various projects in which they could actively participate as volunteers.