The GLB 300 - Societal Impact course, which represents the third and final stage of the Global Issues and Responsibilities program, provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience they have gained in previous GLB courses about the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through voluntary service projects. As part of this course, AGU students from different departments form multidisciplinary groups of 3 to 5 members and design community service projects in collaboration with stakeholders, addressing at least two of the 17 SDGs.
During the Fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, a total of 339 students in 60 multidisciplinary groups implemented their projects in collaboration with 17 different external stakeholders. These stakeholders included 11 schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, 1 nursing home, 1 special education and rehabilitation center, 3 non-governmental organizations, and 1 state hospital, all located in the Kocasinan and Melikgazi districts of Kayseri.
From each section of the course, the top three exemplary groups were selected, making a total of 33 groups eligible to present their projects as posters at the Project Fair held on Friday, December 20, 2024. During the event, students who participated in community service projects throughout the semester showcased their projects, which were designed in alignment with at least two of the United Nations' 17 SDGs.
Through their posters, students detailed their projects aimed at benefiting society, highlighting the impact of their semester-long efforts and raising awareness of their contributions within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Following the poster presentations, the event continued with a panel session inaugurated by AGU Rector Prof. Dr. Cengiz Yılmaz. The following distinguished guests participated as jury members and panel speakers:
- Sami Çapacıoğlu (Kocasinan Municipality)
- Gökhan Türkbey Kuloğlu (Turkish National Agency)
- İlker Küçükdemirci (Turkish National Agency)
- Miraç Büyüktürk (Kayseri Chamber of Commerce)
- Faik Yılmaz (UNHCR)
- Filiz Koltuk (Kayseri Provincial Directorate of Youth)
The panel addressed topics such as international exchange programs, the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, the value of volunteering activities, and alternative pathways for students who wish to continue volunteering after completing the course.
At the end of the event, the jury selected the top three projects:
- Wonders of Light : Berkant Yımaz, Şevval Akpınar, Batuhan Can
- Designing Life Beyon the Screen : Mehmet Davutoğlu, Gülşen Akın, Burak Samet Varel, Beyzanur Gül
- Hydroponic Farming : Funda AKBULUT,Hüseyin ALTINSOY,Serap Sude ERKAYA, Timur YAŞAR,Ecem Nur YÜKSEL
The group members of the top three projects were awarded certificates and prizes. The Project Fair was widely praised as a strong example of fostering social responsibility awareness, promoting collaboration with stakeholders, and contributing to the community.
You can access to the projects presented at the Project Fair from here:
https://glb-en.agu.edu.tr/GLB300Projects
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