A Meaningful Visit by Our Students to the Mersin Provincial Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate

Within the scope of a cooperation protocol signed between the Council of Higher Education and AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority), student organizations from our university visited the Mersin Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate on October 27, 2026.

The visit aimed to enhance students' awareness of disaster preparedness, encourage their participation in volunteer activities, and provide them with knowledge and experience in disaster management. In this context, the importance of registering with the AFAD Volunteer System was highlighted, and students were encouraged to engage in volunteer initiatives.

The program also included an informative session on the priority disaster risks in our province, covering the significance of disaster preparedness, the early identification of risks, and the value of social solidarity.

Furthermore, the search and rescue vehicles and equipment utilized by AFAD were introduced to the students, with detailed explanations provided regarding their intended purposes and functions. Through a hands-on demonstration, the students had the opportunity to examine the search and rescue equipment closely and try using it themselves.

This visit made a significant contribution to increasing students' disaster awareness, providing them with knowledge and experience regarding search and rescue operations, and strengthening their sense of volunteerism. By fostering closer cooperation between our university and the Mersin Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate, this initiative has supported the goal of cultivating a generation of young people who are informed, prepared, and responsive in the face of disasters.