Kastamonu University continues to draw attention with its social responsibility projects. The project titled "Empowerment of Rural Girls through Judo," prepared within the scope of the Erasmus+ European Solidarity Corps Solidarity Projects ESC30, has been approved for support by the Turkish National Agency.

The project, to be conducted under the coordination of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bayram Ceylan and Res. Asst. Hasan Basri Taşkın from our university's Faculty of Sports Sciences, aims to support the physical, mental, and social development of 30 girls aged 8-12 living in rural areas by providing them with judo training.

Within the scope of the project, basic judo techniques, competition preparations, and belt exams will be conducted to help girls gain self-confidence. Additionally, interviews with Olympic and world champion female judokas, environmental awareness workshops, and awareness-raising meetings for families will also be held.

In the project, in collaboration with the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of National Education, the Turkish Judo Federation, and the Kastamonu Municipality, volunteer teams composed of university students will also play an active role. 

Kastamonu University aims to promote the ethical values of judo, supported by UNESCO, and encourage girls to become licensed athletes with this project, which is a continuation of the previously conducted "Fit Kids with Judo" project.

Making a statement on the subject, Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized that the project is not just a sports event and stated the following: As a university, we value not only academic achievements but also contributions to society. It is very valuable to us that our girls living in rural areas become empowered, gain self-confidence, and hold on to life more strongly through sports. This project will not only serve as a sports education but also as a life school. Every empowered girl child is a guarantee of a bright future.

Additionally, our Rector expressed gratitude to the President of the Turkish National Agency, İlker Astarcı, the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their contributions and dedication to the internationalization processes of higher education institutions.