When the Time for Change Comes...
Social Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Cohesion Project Notes || February, 2024
How to Know When It's Time for Change?
There comes a time when we really want things to change, things that are going wrong, things that are disturbing the good of the world. The change must be radical and permanent, there is much work to be done. And then we believe that only big organizations can bring the change we dream of. But this is not the reality...
We fail to see how starting with small steps can have a huge impact on the path to change. A better future is only possible if each and every individual in society takes responsibility. Trust, commitment and common goals are what make a society strong. And this is essential for a better world.
Social entrepreneurs, also defined as 'Change Agents' in the literature, work for social change. We call these people 'Social Heroes'. They are ordinary heroes who do their passion, who are fair, sensitive and want to create permanent solutions for future generations.
They hear their inner calling to benefit society. They see that something better is possible and have the courage to take that first step. It is no longer a choice but a necessity to step out of the comfort zone and embrace change. Radical changes have never been easy. Making a fundamental change towards a strong society requires individuals to stand behind their decisions and take responsibility.
This is why it is important to support the pioneers of change in society, the social heroes.
What Does a Social Hero Who Wants to Make a Change?
1. Actively tackles a social problem. Of course it is important to desire change. But that desire must be put into action. When you truly empathize with those in distress, intention starts to transform into action.
2. Sets goals for social development, not individual development. When she works for an ideal greater than her own interests, she has no doubt that life will support her.
3. She knows that change is possible through creative thinking. It takes courage to see and do things different from the status quo. In this way, she does not lose her curiosity, her open mind and her skills.
Notes from Social Heroes in the Field
It is a compassionate place not only for the people of the region, but also for the disaster volunteers who are on the ground to ensure emotional recovery.
Field conditions are challenging for mental health workers. Taking a break in the field, charging your phone or even having a hot cup of tea can be a problem. This is the only place where we can meet with our patients. Our female patients can come here because it is a safe and warm environment. We can also organize group activities with children.
Even people who were distant from receiving psychological support started asking questions after the work here. I see that these questions are the beginning of something, that awareness has increased about getting support after the anniversary of the earthquake.
What Happened on the Field in February?
The official opening of Nurdağı Social Entrepreneurship Center was held in Gaziantep Nurdağı with the participation of the Minister of Industry and Technology Mr. Mehmet Fatih Kacır.
Our center, which became operational immediately after the earthquake, will continue to be a learning, working and socialization space for women, children and youth in the region.
As SEECO Project, we took our place within the projects carried out by the Ministry of Industry and Technology in the launch event of İŞ POSITIVE, the Project for the Development of Women's Professional Skills, Positive Discrimination for Women's Employment.
In order to support women entrepreneurs, producers, cooperatives and all women in business life with the courage to change and move forward, the theme of Development Agencies 2024 was determined as 'Women Entrepreneurship, Women Employment'.
Grant applications were evaluated in Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kilis and Adıyaman provinces.
Grant beneficiaries are being announced in Mardin, Diyarbakır and Şanlıurfa. The exciting wait for the entrepreneur candidates who have completed the trainings and prepared their business plans after the coaching and mentoring support ends on March 5. Applications from Gaziantep, Adıyaman and Kilis are planned to be announced in mid-March.
Our project work has started in Hatay, Osmaniye and Kahramanmaraş. Our priority in the region is to provide grants and support through mentoring/consultancy services to revive and strengthen existing businesses.
An agreement was signed for the establishment of our facility in Osmaniye, which produces clean peanuts free from aflatoxin, a toxic substance caused by mold. The project between the Eastern Mediterranean Development Agency and the Oil Seeds Institute (YATE) aims to create employment for disadvantaged groups through a reliable peanut food production model. The project focuses on the employment of women in Cevdetiye Shelter Camp.
Work has also started for the grant program in Adana and Mersin.
In Mardin, consultation, information and needs analysis activities have started for the establishment of Livelihood Facilities and Social Entrepreneurship Centers under Component 2 of the project.
Consultation meetings and focus group meetings with relevant institutions were organized in Midyat, Mazıdağı, Dargeçit, Derik, Ömerli and Savur districts. We are responsible for the society we live in and in order to change it for the better, we need individuals who are willing to create change, who are aware of the power within themselves. As SEECO Project, we are here for women to see the power and potential they have and to continue their journey of transformation as the heroines of their own lives. We are working to make more women heroines and build a stronger future.
