1. Duzce Golyaka Solidarity Houses Project

The Duzce Golyaka Solidarity Houses Project, known as Imece Evleri Projesi, was constructed by the Association of Volunteers for Solidarity (AVS) in partnership with Gelderland Aid of Turkey Organization. This initiative involved collecting funds from Turkish people living abroad.

The Duzce Golyaka Solidarity Houses Project was a collaborative effort aimed at building houses for those affected by a disaster. It was spearheaded by local volunteers (AVS) working alongside Gelderland Aid, which supported fundraising efforts among the Turkish diaspora. This partnership highlights the importance of community and international support in rebuilding efforts after a disaster.

Think of this project like a school fundraiser where students from different classes come together to raise money for a common goal. The students (volunteers) work together, collect donations from parents and the community (overseas Turkish people), and use the funds to build better facilities for themselves.

Villagers actively participate in the construction process, with at least one member from each family required to contribute. This involves both construction labor and the management of funds.

A unique aspect of this project is the involvement of villagers in the actual building process. Each family is encouraged to have someone participate, promoting ownership and responsibility. This also ensures that the fund management is transparent, with community members overseeing how funds are utilized.

Imagine a neighborhood project to build a playground. Each family contributes by having a parent volunteer for construction. This not only helps build the playground but also fosters a sense of community as everyone works together towards a common goal.

The management of funds is overseen by a shared fund administration comprising representatives from the villagers, AVS, Gelderland delegation, and local government. This ensures equal representation in decision-making.

A committee with diverse representation oversees the project's financial and operational decisions, ensuring that all voices in the community are heard. This collaborative governance model helps build trust among stakeholders and ensures fair use of resources.

Think of it as a town hall meeting where community members suggest ideas for improving their neighborhood and vote on the best proposals. This inclusive process encourages everyone to feel involved and valued.

Technicians from Mimar Sinan University and other professionals provided technical guidance. Local construction teams were formed, integrating training and expertise from experienced builders.

Engaging local professionals and educators increased the project’s credibility and effectiveness. By training local teams, the project not only attends to immediate housing needs but also builds skills within the community for future projects.

It’s similar to a mentorship program where experienced tradespeople teach young apprentices. As they build houses, they also gain valuable skills that prepare them for jobs in construction long after the project ends.

The project was developed in phases, with active community engagement in building and living conditions promoting self-reliance and confidence among the villagers. During construction, community members lived in temporary shelters.

The phased approach allowed for gradual development, giving villagers a sense of progress and achievement. Living in temporary shelters while building their homes fostered a spirit of resilience and self-sufficiency.

Think of how people might renovate their homes one room at a time while temporarily living elsewhere. Each new completed room boosts their morale and gives them a sense of accomplishment, making the whole experience worthwhile.

Users could observe and participate in all construction aspects, ensuring safety and reliability. Their involvement helped reduce costs and increased the number of houses built.

By participating in construction, community members could ensure quality and affordability. Training in construction techniques enabled some villagers to potentially enter the construction industry later, opening employment opportunities.

It’s like a cooking class where participants not only watch but also cook their meals. They learn valuable skills, which might inspire some to pursue cooking as a career, just like villagers learning construction skills.

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