Projects

Training-Oriented Programs

HIV/AIDS & STIs

Prevention of AIDS through Strengthening STI Services in Turkey:
HRDF has started its work in HIV/AIDS area with female and transsexual sex workers being among the vulnerable groups under high risk. To prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STIs, the HRDF has carried out a challenging and unique program between 1995 and 1997. The project in Turkey aims to improve STI diagnosis and care through training of physicians and other health care providers and by improving the level of information of sex workers on STIs and HIV/AIDS. Within the framework of the program, a regular newsletter is published. The sex workers participated in the preparation of the newsletter called 'GACI' that was distributed to 1,000 sex workers as well as to media and related institutions.

Prevention of STIs and HIV/AIDS in Azerbaijan:
HRDF started to work in Azerbaijan in 1988, using its experience that was gained through the programs implemented in Turkey. In collaboration with UNFPA, the Foundation has provided technical assistance for the development of STIs and HIV/AIDS prevention curricula and teaching methodologies in training institutions.

HRDF has the organizational capacity to provide technical assistance to other NGOs and public institutions in:

  • Development of training programs for 'training of trainers' on issues relevant to HIV/AIDS & STIs prevention and counseling;
  • Introduction and demonstration of the unique model of 'peer education' for sex workers, drug addicts, etc.;
  • Development and preparation of educational and training materials; and
  • Implementation of culturally sensitive programs.

    Social and Cultural Development of Young Girls and Women

    HRDF has extended its efforts in every field, to encompass a skills-training component. Starting with 1997 all CBS programs include a literacy and vocational training element to provide impetus for the improvement of the women's status.

    HRDF has implemented a CBD project in Gaziantep and Kilis between 1997-1998, which has a training component for women among its activities. A total of 413 women successfully completed the literacy courses and a total of 210 women attended to vocational courses during this period.

    HRDF has implemented another program in the slum areas of Istanbul between 1997-1999, in collaboration with the European Union. Within the framework of this program, women received training in literacy and human rights, attended vocational courses as well as receiving information on reproductive health. The program aimed to support the empowerment of young girls and women living in the under-developed periphery of the metropolitan area. More than 500 women have been informed on issues like, human, woman rights and legal rights.

     


    • Reproductive Health

    Supporting Health Promotion for Adolescents
    A particular project of the HRDF that has started in 1998, provides accurate information and responsible behavior training in sexual and reproductive health to adolescents. In cooperation with the Departments of Education of universities in the three major cities of Istanbul, Izmir and Bursa, a training program and related materials are developed for teachers who serve as trainers. The program is being implemented in four faculties and aiming to expand in all educational schools nationwide.

    On July 2001, as a component project, a series of interrelated activities were planned to contribute to addressing adolescent' health promotion needs and to integrate health promotion topics in curricula of formal and non-formal education. Through the project, the schoolteachers will be trained on health education as well. In February 2002, a situation analysis of existing reproductive health programs and the information needs of the adolescents was submitted to the MoNE's authorities.

    Sexual Health on BBC
    A project has been implemented in collaboration with BBC and IPPF between 1999-2000. A radio program on sexual health for youth was broadcast and a booklet was published to be distributed to young people. Also a toll free phone number was installed to provide counseling on sexual and reproductive health issues.

    In-service Training for University Residents
    Lessons drawn from the past activities show that the quality care is directly linked to in service and pre-service training programs. Building on this experience, HRDF has started to implement a project with the financial support of UNFPA and in collaboration with the MCH/FP General Directorate of Ministry of Health, in 2001. During the project, approximately 200 residents from Ob/Gyn, Family Health, Public Health and Pediatrics departments of Training Hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and Adana will be trained on Reproductive Health issue in two years.

    Training in the Referral Sites of Willows Foundation
    The Human Resource Development Foundation in collaboration with Istanbul University Woman and Child Health Training and Research Center has conducted a survey to assess the quality of care at Willows Foundation referral sites in Istanbul and Diyarbakır and undertook an intervention for quality improvement in 2001. The purpose of this study was to improve the collaboration and quality of services at referral sites, which would enhance the target population receiving better reproductive health services.

    Recently, another study has been conducted with the collaboration of HRDF and WCHTRC to asses the attitudes and needs of service providers. Based upon the findings of this study, a training program will be implemented in the region with the collaboration of Istanbul Bar Association's Women's Rights Implementation Center and Pusula Consultancy Firm.

    Wellbeing of Children and Youth

    Working Children
    HRDF is a participant in the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC) since 1994. In 1996, with the support of the International Labor Organization (ILO), HRDF designed and provided an orientation and information program for primary school inspectors and administrators, teachers and families in areas where high levels of child labor are persistent in Istanbul. The program aims at increasing awareness on the problem of working children and generating greater support for them within the formal education system.

    As a continuation of these efforts, HRDF has implemented another program between 2000-2001 to support children working in textile, furniture and auto repair workshops by educating their parents and employers to on child labour issues and creating opportunities for these children to reparticipate in the education system.

    Music for Youth
    HRDF has started a new program to create job opportunities to the skilled youth from slums. The foundation coordinates music technology skills training collaboration with UK's famous band Asian Dubb Foundation's Education Department, HIP Productions and ?i?li Municipality. The technical skills provided by the project will create new job opportunities for young people, who are underprivileged.