Türkiye: Inclusive education for visually impaired students
Supporting equal access to education and building confidence for young people with visual impairment
In Türkiye, visual impairments can limit access to equal opportunities and affect the quality of education available to children and teenagers. Since 2021, we have supported initiatives aimed at strengthening both the education and social integration of visually impaired students.
Supporting academic achievement through tutoring
Since 2021, Givaudan volunteers have contributed over 550 hours of tutoring in subjects such as chemistry, physics, and history. This sustained support has helped students improve their academic performance, with several successfully passing the Turkish national university entrance exam.
Improving access to learning through assistive tools
To enhance access to education, we supported the creation of an IT room equipped with assistive technologies. This space is used each year by more than 60 students to access digital learning resources. In addition, over the years, tens of Orbit Readers (refreshable Braille devices used for reading and note-taking) have been provided to students with financial and academic needs. These tools have significantly improved their ability to study independently and communicate more effectively.
Providing support in difficult times
Following the 2023 earthquake, targeted support was provided to affected students through the replacement of learning materials and remedial classes. This support enabled them to overcome academic setbacks and reintegrate into their school routines. Continued guidance for teachers and families helped ensure longer-term educational continuity.
Building confidence and social skills
In 2024 and 2025, activities focused on strengthening students’ communication and social skills. Through over 200 hours of sessions, students developed confidence in public speaking and improved their ability to navigate social interactions. Givaudan volunteers continue to support these efforts through regular engagement, including public speaking practice sessions and interactive activities such as fragrance workshops.
Following all the progress achieved, a dedicated mathematics support programme is currently being introduced to address learning gaps in areas such as basic operations and geometry, which can be particularly challenging for visually impaired students. This initiative aims to provide adapted learning methods to strengthen foundational skills essential for academic success and everyday life.
