Turkish youth continue to achieve global success. Berrak Pınar Uluer and Selin Helvacıoğlu, through their work at the Swedish Turkish Youth Federation, successfully completed the Royal Foundation Values-Based Youth Leadership Program and received their diplomas from King Carl Gustaf of Sweden.
Turkish youth are continuing to make achievements abroad. Berrak Pınar Uluer and Selin Helvacıoğlu, who were selected for the Royal Foundation Values-Based Youth Leadership Program through their work as part of the Turkish diaspora in Sweden under the Swedish Turkish Youth Federation (Turkiska Ungdomsförbundet | TUF), have successfully completed their education and earned their diplomas. The diplomas were presented to Berrak Pınar Uluer, who works in the field of linguistics, and Selin Helvacıoğlu, who studies at one of the most successful dental faculties in the country, by King Carl Gustaf of Sweden at a ceremony held at the Bernadotte Library at the Royal Palace on May 15th.
Bringing Turkish youth under one umbrella
The Swedish Turkish Youth Federation, which has been operating since 1995 with the aim of bringing together Turkish youth in Sweden under one umbrella, expressed its appreciation for the selection and successful completion of the leadership program by the young individuals affiliated with the federation. Alçın Mutlu Hafif, the Secretary-General of the Federation, stated in a statement, “It is highly valuable for us that young people affiliated with the federation have been selected for the leadership program organized by the Royal Foundation and have successfully completed it. Through our integration-oriented activities, we strive to strengthen Turkish youth in Sweden and contribute to their prominence in all areas of society. We believe that educated and strong Turkish youth who can effectively implement democratic values in social life and reflect them in their leadership skills will continue to make a name for themselves in Sweden in the future, just as they do today.” The Royal Foundation Values-Based Youth Leadership Program focuses on young individuals who embrace the values of scouting, with an emphasis on leadership, in order to build a better society. Each year, over a thousand candidates apply to the program, and this year approximately 100 individuals were selected, including Berrak Pınar Uluer and Selin Helvacıoğlu from TUF, an independent civil society organization that encompasses nearly 20 associations in Sweden.
Continuing their work in the field of linguistics
Berrak Pınar Uluer expressed her thoughts on the matter as follows: “After completing my undergraduate education at Boğaziçi University, I came to Sweden in 2017 to continue my studies in linguistics and bilingualism. I worked as a research assistant at Uppsala University and started teaching English at various educational institutions. I am really happy to be at this point. I believe that a world is possible where immigrant communities can overcome barriers and make their voices heard when it comes to their rights. My goal is to pursue a career in academia by completing a doctorate.”
“I am proud to represent the Turkish youth in Sweden”
Selin Helvacıoğlu said, “I came to Sweden during my high school years. I am currently continuing my education at the dentistry department of Karolinska Institute. I am proud to represent the Turkish youth in Sweden through such a program. As I mentioned in my speech at the diploma ceremony, we learned that a true leader takes initiative, dares to act, and openly shares their shortcomings and feelings. With the gains I have achieved in this program, my aim is to continue my career at the university and contribute to the literature through academic studies.”
