Simas

Our Activities: Empowering Communities Through Knowledge, Creativity, and Inclusion

In order to contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of the civil society, it conducts educational, cultural, sportive and social projects at national and international level for all segments of the society, especially disabled and disadvantaged citizens.

• Women’s Rights Education: We empower women and other members of society through workshops focused on understanding their rights, organizing advocacy campaigns, and creating impactful political documents. These sessions aim to foster awareness, confidence, and actionable change.
• Music Activities: We use music as a tool to bridge differences and promote cultural understanding.
  • Chorus Group: Under the guidance of conductor Aygün Çam, our chorus brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Syrians, to enhance intercultural dialogue and foster unity through shared musical experiences.
  • Instrument Training: In collaboration with Beyoğlu Gençlik Merkezi, we offer instrument training in guitar, piano, kemençe (a traditional Turkish instrument), and drums, encouraging creativity and skill development.
• Technology and Digital Skills: We prepare individuals for the digital age with tailored training programs:
  • For Teachers and Youth Workers: Our sessions cover advanced topics such as technology planning and integration models, Web 2.0 tools, multimedia design, educational videos, gamification, augmented/virtual reality environments, and innovative teaching methods like blended and flipped learning.
  • For Youngsters, Elders, and Disadvantaged Groups: We enhance digital skills by offering training in media literacy, coding (using tools like Scratch, Python, and MIT App Inventor), visual literacy, digital citizenship, and addressing online challenges like cyberbullying.
  • E-Learning Platform Design: Our team of distance education designers and technologists develops e-learning platforms for blended and flipped learning, enabling accessible and engaging educational experiences.
• Sport and Recreational Activities: We encourage physical well-being, social inclusion, and personal growth through diverse sports and recreational activities:
  • Walking Group: Utilizing the beautiful Kireçburnu Coastal Line, we organize 40-minute group walks three times a week, fostering both fitness and social connections.
  • Orienteering: Held in Belgrad Forest, these activities help participants build physical strength, soft skills, and personal development.
  • Yoga: Regular indoor and outdoor yoga sessions in İstinye Sar-Fit Sport Complex enhance physical and mental well-being while promoting social interaction.
  • Swimming: We provide discounted access and private swimming lessons for our members at İstinye Sar-Fit Sport Complex.
  • Archery: Embracing Turkish archery traditions, we offer archery courses for all ages, building confidence, discipline, and coordination under the guidance of professional trainers.
  • Mangala and Traditional Turkish Games: In collaboration with Beyoğlu Gençlik Merkezi, we organize Mangala (a traditional mancala game) and other heritage games like “Catching the Handkerchief” and “Blind Man’s Bluff” to promote physical activity, cultural preservation, and community bonding.
• Environmental and Marine Initiatives: We actively engage participants in protecting and restoring local ecosystems while promoting ecological awareness and sustainability:
• Marine Clean-Up Projects: Organizing beach and coastal clean-ups in areas like Sarıyer and Kireçburnu to remove litter, plastic, and hazardous waste, fostering community responsibility and ocean conservation.
• Eco Marina Programs: Partnering with local authorities, we promote sustainable practices in marinas, including waste management, pollution reduction, and habitat protection for marine life.
• Environmental Workshops and Campaigns: Conducting awareness sessions on topics such as recycling, plastic reduction, sustainable fishing, biodiversity protection, and eco-friendly lifestyle practices to empower citizens to act for the environment.
• Citizen Science and Nature Monitoring: Engaging participants in monitoring local marine and terrestrial biodiversity, documenting changes, and contributing to conservation research and initiatives.