BURSA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
“WELCOME, GROW, GIVE”
WELCOME
Welcome newcomers from overseas and help them better adapt to life in Bursa
- Finding a school / children’s needs
- Finding a doctor / hospital
- Where to shop? How to get around town?
- City tours
- BIWA Buzz – BIWA’s newsletter
- Provide a “home away from home” – BIWA Clubhouse
GROW
Encourage communication and friendship between Turkish and Foreign women and children
Social gatherings
- Holiday parties
- Bowling, weekend BBQs, etc.
- Coffee hour at the Clubhouse
Children’s multi-lingual playgroup (BIP)
This playgroup is designed to provide children with their first group experience outside the home and give them the opportunity to develop their first social skills.
It is the duty of all parents to lead the activities, maintain the classroom, and provide the children with a safe and stimulating environment.
Provide opportunities for personal development
Workshops
- Sewing / Crafts
- International cuisine
- Music for children
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Art
- Dance
Lunch Speakers
“Women and Turkish Politics” – Sena Kaleli
“Bilingualism and Education” – Handan Yatkin, TED Koleji
“Understanding Your Children” – Aysegül Alkis, child psychologist
“Women and Turkish Law” - Avk Nigar Uyan
“Children and Disabilities in Turkey” – Hasan Ozturk
“Creativity is not just Art” – Rose Deniz
“Tips for learning Turkish” - Duygu Demirdizen
Factory visits
Oyak-Renault
Yeşim Textiles
GIVE
Perform local charity and contribute to the development of the city of Bursa
Volunteering
Free English lessons for children (in cooperation with the City Council)
Physical therapy for handicapped children’s foundation
Fundraising / Collection of goods for donation
Cekirge Orphanage
BURSA Women’s Shelter
OÇEM Bursa Autıstıc Children’s Education Center
Cooperation with local government
BURSA Kent konseyi(City Council)
Participated in the founding of the “Foreigners Working Group”
For International Women’s Day – organized a showing of a documentary about Sabiha Gokcen at Merinos
For International Denim Day – organized a protest with the BKKB
Founding member of the Bursa Women’s Association Platfom BKKB
Nilüfer Yerel Gündem 21 (Local Agenda 21)- Women’s Council
Cooperation with other similar associations in Turkey
Participated in the International Women of Istanbul’s 2009 Christmas Bazaar (sold handcrafted items made by BIWA members with a part of profits donated to charity)