YOUNG WOMEN UNDER STATE PROTECTION, WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED KADEM’S INTERNATIONALLY AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PREPARE THEM FOR LIFE, EXPERIENCED THE JOY OF GRADUATION FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THE GRADUATES ARE SET TO BEGIN THEIR CAREERS AT TÜRK TELEKOM
Since 2016, KADEM’s social responsibility project, “Future Job Project,” which supports young women under state protection, has celebrated the graduation of its 6th term. As part of this internationally award-winning initiative, 12 more young women have been employed, marking a significant milestone.
A graduation ceremony for the young women who completed the six-month training program was held at the Ataşehir Sheraton Hotel. The event was attended by the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş; the Chair of the KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar; KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu; Türk Telekom CEO, Ümit Önal; the project team; representatives from partner organizations; and invited guests.
Guided by the principle of “Equality in existence, justice in responsibility,” KADEM’s Future Job Project (FJP) was developed to support young women aged 16–18 living under state protection in Child Support Centers who, for various reasons, have been unable to pursue formal education, and to provide them with employment opportunities. Since its launch in 2016, the project has completed its 6th phase, with the certification ceremony filled with emotional moments.
Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, emphasized that the most important aspect of KADEM’s Future Job Project is that it not only provides young women with professional skills but also helps them gain self-confidence and a strong determination to succeed. She continued her remarks as follows:
“Dear young women, each of you is not only shaping your own future but also becoming a part of a journey that strengthens the position of young women in society. The knowledge and skills you have gained through this project are not only important for your individual success but also play a significant role in the transformation of our country. I am proud of all of you.
Like those who graduated before you, you will be in an advantageous position during your internship and employment processes due to this multifaceted training. By participating in the Future Job Project, you have opened the door to a bright future, and now you are about to take your first steps. With the opportunities provided by our state, and with the trust and care with which we have raised you, our precious children, today marks the first day of your new lives. Wherever you are, you will show that with the power of starting anew, more beautiful doors are opening for you. We will always be by your side.”
KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Directors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu, in her speech at the ceremony, stated: “For 11 years, we have been working with all our strength to ensure that women experience a state of well-being in both the family and all areas of social life, and especially to help young women become educated, strong, aware, professional, and happy individuals. The Future Job Project has opened the door to a new life for many young women. Some have continued their education after KADEM and started university, adapted to working life, and established their own homes and families. Thanks to these examples, we begin each new phase of our project with stronger faith and motivation. In the coming years, we aim to expand the Future Job Project and guide many more young women across Türkiye.
KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Directors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu, in her speech at the ceremony, stated: “For 11 years, we have been working with all our strength to ensure that women experience a state of well-being in both the family and all areas of social life, and especially to help young women become educated, strong, aware, professional, and happy individuals. The Future Job Project has opened the door to a new life for many young women. Some have continued their education after KADEM and started university, adapted to working life, and established their own homes and families. Thanks to these examples, we begin each new phase of our project with stronger faith and motivation. In the coming years, we aim to expand the Future Job Project and guide many more young women across Türkiye.”
Gümrükçüoğlu continued her speech, addressing the young women: “The KADEM family will always be by your side in the next phase of your lives. Your teachers and mentors will guide you and offer support in every aspect you need. However, the best companions in your new life will be your determination, perseverance, and the goals you set for yourself. I have no doubt that with the knowledge, skills, and experiences you gained during the past 6 months, you will achieve even greater success in every area of your life. Despite all the challenges you’ve faced, you have shown how important it is to believe in yourself and say, ‘I can do it too.’ You didn’t let the burdens on your shoulders bring you down or drag you along. Despite everything, you took charge of your lives. You proved to yourself that when you want something and set your mind to it, you can achieve it. I am proud of each one of you. My expectation from you is to continue on your path with the same determination and belief… And most importantly, to step into life as strong, confident, idealistic, and happy women who believe in themselves.”
After the speeches, Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar and Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu presented the graduates with their “diplomas” in recognition of their successful completion of the training.
At the end of the program, KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar answered reporters’ questions about the Future Job Project (FJP), stating:
“This is, I can say, KADEM’s most valuable project. Although it’s called the Future Job Project, it is not just a job preparation initiative; it is a life preparation project. We are very proud to have graduated 187 young women from FJP so far. We continue to support the young women who have participated in FJP with housing and help them thrive in their professional lives. Young women who have faced various difficulties and challenges at a young age are opening a completely new chapter in their lives with the FJP project. Ensuring that even one young woman can stand on her own feet, live independently, and contribute to her well-being as a healthy individual without relying on anyone is extremely important. When the determination of these young women is added to our efforts, the result is this beautiful outcome.”
Based on the model of cooperation between NGOs, the public sector, and the private sector, the Future Job Project (FJP), carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services (ASHB), the Ministry of National Education (MEB), and partner organizations, aims to prepare disadvantaged girls for life. The project offers young women training in various categories, as well as internship and employment opportunities.
Based on the NGO-public and private sector collaboration model, the Future Job Project (FJP), implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Family and Social Services (ASHB), the Ministry of National Education (MEB), and other stakeholder institutions, aims to prepare disadvantaged girls for life. The project provides young girls with training in various categories, as well as internship and employment opportunities.
For six months, they received training from experts in their fields.
As part of the project, young girls completed 163 hours of computer training, 72 hours of touch typing, 40 hours of diction, and 252 hours of general accounting. Additionally, under the scope of psycho-social support, training and group activities were conducted on various topics, including methods for protection from neglect and abuse, self-confidence and self-compassion, techniques for managing challenging emotions and situations, anxiety intervention strategies, psychological resilience, nonviolent communication, self-awareness, peer bullying, dating violence, and relationships.
Under the title “Experience Sharing,” group work, seminars, and workshops were organized in 10 different areas, including religious, spiritual, and cultural values, legal rights, overcoming challenges in professional life, media literacy, safe social media usage, and healthy living. These sessions were led by educators and experts in their respective fields.
Young Girls Who Successfully Completed Their Training Were Employed
So far, a total of 187 young girls have been given training opportunities as part of the project. Of these, 130 successfully completed the training, and 91 were granted employment opportunities and placed in institutions. This year, 12 graduates were employed by Türk Telekom, beginning their independent careers.
The FJP Project Was Awarded an International Prize
The Future Job Project was awarded the “Champion for Equality and Equity for Girls” prize in October 2024 by the UK-based international NGO “Girls Human Rights Hub (GHRH)” in the category of equality and justice for girls.
The FJP Project Has Become a Beacon of Hope for Young Girls
Support continues for graduates of the Future Job Project even after the program ends. For two years, mentorship, psychological support, and housing assistance help ease the transition of young girls from state care to independent living.
