Sakarya University (SAU) promotes educational, awareness-raising, volunteering, and social support programmes aimed at improving access to basic services for students and the wider community. In line with its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development, the University supports initiatives addressing essential needs, particularly clean drinking water, healthcare, hygiene, nutrition, and assistance for disadvantaged individuals.
Through its academic units, student organisations, local authorities, and civil society partners, SAU encourages community engagement and collaborative initiatives that help reduce economic and social barriers to essential services. During the 2025 reporting period, these efforts focused on raising awareness, supporting vulnerable groups, and encouraging students to participate actively in community-based solutions.
1. Health and Hygiene Education Programmes
Sakarya University recognises health literacy and preventive healthcare awareness as important elements in improving access to essential health services.
The Uganda Sanitary Pad Distribution and Women's Health Education Initiative combines the provision of essential menstrual hygiene products with educational activities addressing women's health. By integrating hygiene-related material assistance with health education, the initiative aims to improve awareness of women's health needs and promote healthier hygiene practices, as documented through its activity photographs and educational materials.
The University's Addiction Prevention and Research Centre (BAMER) also supports education, research, and awareness-raising activities concerning addiction prevention, public health, and healthy lifestyles. Its institutional activities address the recognition of addiction-related risks, the promotion of healthier behaviours, and awareness of available support mechanisms.
In addition, health literacy is supported through activities addressing cancer early detection and awareness, as well as scientific seminars on food safety and healthy nutrition. An example is the “Food Safety = Healthy Tomorrows” scientific seminar, which focuses on food safety and its importance for public health.
Photographs, event announcements, educational materials, and participant records from relevant 2025 health education activities provide additional documentation of these efforts.
2. Programmes Supporting Access to Clean Drinking Water
Sakarya University promotes student-led volunteering and community engagement initiatives that address access to clean drinking water as an essential human need.
On 3 December 2025, university students organised the “Solidarity Charity Bazaar for Access to Clean Water” to support a water well initiative in a community in Bangladesh experiencing difficulties in accessing clean drinking water. Sakarya University contributed to the organisation by providing the venue and necessary infrastructure.
The initiative encouraged students to engage with challenges related to clean water access while promoting community solidarity and voluntary participation in addressing essential needs beyond the University campus.
The Hayat Baharı Water Well Project, documented through project photographs and activity records, represents another volunteering initiative associated with efforts to improve access to clean drinking water. The project reflects the importance of community participation and social responsibility in addressing basic needs.
3. Supporting Access to Food and Nutrition Services
Sakarya University supports social solidarity initiatives that contribute to meeting the nutritional needs of students and members of the wider community.
During Ramadan 2025, the University announced the continuation of its traditional communal iftar programmes at the staff dining hall and Campus Mosque, with participation open to students and members of the public. Organised with contributions from Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, Serdivan Municipality, Adapazarı Municipality, and other supporters, the announced programme aimed to provide iftar meals for 2,000 people each evening.
By making its campus facilities available for these activities, Sakarya University supported community cooperation and initiatives intended to facilitate access to meals.
Another initiative contributing to affordable food access for university students was Kampüs Mutfak (Campus Kitchen), launched in 2025 by Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality in the university campus area. The service provides students with affordable meal options, helping reduce daily food expenses and improve access to prepared meals.
According to the municipality's 2025 announcement, Campus Kitchen recorded more than 30,000 student visits during its first month of operation. The municipality subsequently reported the continued use of Campus Kitchen by university students, highlighting the role of affordable food services in supporting students' daily needs.
The free soup distribution initiative for students, implemented by Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, is another example of local efforts to support access to food.
4. Supporting the Basic Needs of Disadvantaged Individuals
Sakarya University encourages student-led social responsibility and volunteering activities aimed at assisting individuals and families experiencing economic or social difficulties.
Between 21 and 25 April 2025, a charity bazaar supporting individuals with special needs was organised through student volunteering activities. Proceeds from the event were used to purchase a wheelchair for a child in need, as documented in the University's 2025 student volunteering activity report and related event photographs. Sakarya University supported the organisation of the event by providing venue and logistical assistance.
This initiative represents a tangible example of community support addressing an individual's mobility-related needs and helping improve accessibility in daily life.
Furthermore, on 22 December 2025, students organised a charity bazaar to support a family in need, as recorded in the University's 2025 volunteering activity documentation. The activity encouraged student participation in voluntary community assistance and social solidarity.
5. Complementary Institutional Measures Facilitating Access to Basic Services
Free Laundry Services for Students
A free laundry service available in the university campus area supports students' access to essential hygiene and sanitation facilities. By enabling students to wash their clothes free of charge, the service helps reduce daily living expenses and supports their personal hygiene needs.
This initiative contributes to improving students' living conditions and reducing financial barriers to basic services, particularly for students experiencing economic difficulties.
The service is documented through information on free laundry facilities for university students and supporting photographs.
Sakarya University complements its educational and community engagement activities with campus facilities and institutional information services designed to facilitate access to essential resources.
The University introduced a filtered drinking water refill station opposite the Central Library, providing students with access to drinking water free of charge. By allowing students to refill their own bottles, the facility helps reduce personal expenditure on drinking water while encouraging reusable containers and reducing single-use plastic consumption.
The University also provides health insurance information for international students, helping them understand the relevant procedures for accessing healthcare coverage during their studies.
Furthermore, the Accessible Sakarya University Information System and the University's published information on architectural accessibility expenditure and budgeting demonstrate institutional measures intended to improve accessibility and reduce barriers to participation in campus life.
Conclusion
Sakarya University adopts a collaborative approach to improving access to basic services by combining education, health awareness, student volunteering, social solidarity, and partnerships with local stakeholders.
Initiatives addressing women's health and hygiene, student-led clean water projects, food assistance activities, and support for disadvantaged individuals demonstrate the University's commitment to promoting social inclusion and addressing essential needs.
These activities contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) by supporting efforts to reduce economic and social barriers to basic services. They also illustrate how Sakarya University mobilises its academic expertise, student engagement, institutional resources, and community partnerships to generate positive social impact.
