Power of Solidarity

Here are our volunteers and their activities in our European Solidarity Corps project – 2023-1-TR01-ESC51-VTJ-000113761 – “Power of Solidarity”:

The Volunteers We Host:

Céleste Marissal

Activity Dates: 09.05.2024 – 12.06.2024

Supporting Organisation: Youth ID, France

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Celeste worked for our homeless friends in Sinop and Gerze shelters. She assisted veterinarians in their treatments and surgeries. She performed vaccinations and internal and external parasite treatments for approximately 50 cats under our care. She did the annual cleaning of the places where they lived with us. She implemented treatment protocols for sick cats in her home and did their cleaning care. She bottle fed orphaned kittens. She fed our homeless friends living on the streets with us.

Milisa Lekbir

Activity Dates: 04.08.2024 – 01.10.2024

Supporting Organisation: Association Educative et Culturelle Arc en Ciel, Algeria

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During her 2-month long service, Milisa assisted our veterinarians in neutering surgeries. She provided anti parasitic treatments for all the animals in the shelter. She also participated in the work at Sarıkum Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. She performed general examinations, anti-parasite treatments and vaccinations for approximately 100 cats under our care. She took on the feeding and care of orphaned kittens. She applied the treatment protocols given by veterinarians to the sick cats at home.

Elvin Lətifov

Activity Dates: 09.08.2024 – 06.10.2024

Supporting Organisation: “Common Sense” Youth Organization, Azerbaijan

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Elvin worked in Sinop and Gerze shelters throughout his activities and assisted the shelter staff in the treatment and care of our homeless friends there. He applied the treatment protocols of veterinarians and administered antiparasitic treatments. He performed general examinations of many sick, disabled and needy cats under the protection of our association. He performed vaccinations and internal and external parasite treatments. He applied the treatment protocols given by veterinarians to cats in the volunteers’ house that needed intensive care and undertook their other care. Thanks to Elvin, more homeless friends were helped.

Temmuz Eylem Yaygın

Activity Dates: 10.08.2024 – 07.10.2024

Supporting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Eylem worked in Sinop and Gerze shelters and assisted veterinarians in their treatments and surgeries. She applied the treatment protocols given by veterinarians to sick animals in the volunteers’ house. She performed routine examinations of cats and dogs, many of which were disabled, under our protection. She vaccinated these animals and treated them for internal and external parasites. She also assisted the staff in the care and treatment of wild animals in the Sarıkum Wildlife Protection and Rehabilitation Center. She learned and applied different treatment protocols, gained valuable practical experience and improved her medical skills. As the only Turkish volunteer in the activity, she helped other foreign volunteers, shelter veterinarians and animal owners with translations and explanations. Thanks to Eylem’s work, we were able to extend a helping hand to more homeless friends.

Breksam Ali

Activity Dates: 11.08.2024 – 08.10.2024

Supporting Organisation: Have A Dream, Egypt

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During her 2-month long volunteering service, Breksam worked in our shelters in Sinop and Gerze. She assisted with the sterilization of a wide range of animals. Additionally, she took care of sick animals in the garden of her volunteer house and in the patients’ room, and took care of them. She gained hands-on experience by performing medical assessments, handling animals, and administering treatment. She was able to develop her medical skills and broaden her knowledge of veterinary medicine. Thanks to Breksam, many homeless cats and dogs have received better care.

Sarah Jeremy Geron

Activity Dates: 15.08.2024 – 14.08.2025

Supporting Organisation: Association des Compagnons Bâtisseurs asbl, Belgium

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Throughout her time, Sarah worked at shelters in Sinop and Gerze, in the shelters where cats and dogs under our care were housed, and at the Sarıkum Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. She treated and cared for cats with diseases such as FIP, panleukopenia, and herpesvirus. She assisted in numerous treatments, including parasites, eye infections, and wounds. She provided feeding and care for orphaned kittens. She met the nutritional and hygiene needs of the cats and dogs in our care. She took sick and injured cats found on the streets to the clinic and assisted with their treatment. She assisted veterinarians at the shelter with their diagnosis, treatment, and surgeries. She provided pre-operative and post-operative care. She ensured the sterilization of the operating room and surgical equipment. She showed love and compassion to all our stray animals. Thanks to Sarah, many animals received necessary medical attention and improved their physical and emotional well-being. She also adopted Liv, a cat with one eye amputated.

Abdelrahman Ezzeldin

Activity Dates: 16.08.2024 – 28.09.2024 and 01.01.2025 – 30.06.2025

Supporting Organisation: Have A Dream, Egypt

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During his time here, Abdelrahman became a doctor for cats and dogs in shelters and under our care. He provided medical care, assisted with treatments, surgeries, and vaccinations. He cared for orphaned puppies and kittens and took disabled dogs for walks. He showed love and compassion to our stray animals. Thanks to him, many animals received necessary medical attention and improved their physical and emotional well-being. He also exchanged knowledge and experience with fellow veterinarians from various countries. This experience helped Abdelrahman develop both personally and professionally. He gained increased self-confidence, improved his foreign language skills, and learned to adapt to new environments.

Asmer Hasanova & Lala Shiriyeva

Activity Dates: 03.10.2024 – 30.06.2025

Supporting Organisation: “Common Sense” Youth Organization, Azerbaijan

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Throughout their work, Asmer and Lala provided treatment and care for stray animals in need at shelters in Gerze and Sinop, as well as under our care. They assisted veterinarians at the shelters during surgeries and provided post-operative care. They cared for orphaned kittens and puppies and took disabled dogs for walks. They showed love and compassion to our stray animals. Thanks to Lala and Asmar, many animals received necessary medical attention, and their conditions improved both physically and emotionally. They exchanged knowledge and experience with veterinary colleagues from different countries, improved their foreign language skills, and developed themselves professionally, socially, and personally.

Kamil Mammadov

Activity Dates: 10.10.2024 – 07.12.2024

Supporting Organisation: “Common Sense” Youth Organization, Azerbaijan

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During his 2-month long activity, Kamil worked in the shelters to assist the vets with their operations and treatment. He did the parasite treatment of the cats and dogs of the association. He took care of the sick cats by giving their medication and providing their hygiene in the patient room. He helped the animals for their post-op care. He assisted the vets for the examination of the cats and dogs which are both in the garden of the volunteers’ house and in the village. He took the association’s dogs out for a walk.

Neslihan Öztürk

Activity Dates: 10.10.2024 – 07.12.2024

Supporting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During her 2-month long activity, Neslihan had the opportunity to take part in many surgeries as well as caring for and treating animals in need of care. Professionally, she took part in developing manual skills for ovariohysterectomy operation and following up the animals to be operated on. At the same time, she assisted the veterinarians in charge during the operations. In addition to going to shelters, she also did parasite treatments, antibiotic supplements after sterilization operations for the animals cared for by the association, and sometimes she took them out for a walk to meet the walking needs of the association’s beloved dogs. During her volunteering period, Neslihan tried to use all her professional knowledge for the health of animals. At the same time, she learned new information. Apart from the operations she performed in the shelters, she personally took part in the care and treatment of animals at home for the association. Within the scope of this project, she added many things to herself professionally, as well as the opportunity to get to know the other volunteers’ cultures coming from different countries.

Pilar Gago Lastra

Activity Dates: 15.10.2024 – 12.12.2024

Supporting Organisation: Asociacion Building Bridges, Spain

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Pilar volunteered in the Sinop and Gerze shelters. The day for her started with checking up all the cats and dogs in the cages and also the ones in the intensive care unit. She helped the vets with their treatment and surgeries. She applied post-op care and daily check-up of the patients and babies. Also, she gave them food, water, and toys and paid caring attention. She also worked in the patients’ room and the garden where there a disabled cats and dogs of the volunteers’ house. By teamwork, she applied their treatment and care by turns. Her tasks were taking care of the feeding, toilets and cleaning the areas, warmth, medication, and cuddles. She made toys for the cats, and made social media to increase their adoptions. With the help of other volunteers, she also helped pre/post operation care, long walks, training, games and give attention, and love to the dogs at the garden. Pilar worked in the village where the association’s disabled, weak and orphaned animals are. She helped with the cleaning and feeding there. Around Sinop town, she fed and gave water to stray animals as well, checked their health and gave them caring attention.

Giulia Nania

Activity Dates: 18.10.2024 – 15.12.2024

Supporting Organisation: Scambieuropei ETS, Italy

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Giulia engaged in activities aimed at supporting our stray animals and promoting their welfare. Her primary tasks included sewing and creating handmade fabric peluches, which are going to be sold to raise funds. The money generated from these sales are being used to cover medical expenses for stray, abandoned, and sick animals under the care of the association. Additionally, Giulia prepared interviews, videos, and posts for the association’s social media channels in the village for the cats and dogs where they are living under the care of other volunteers. These social media contents aimed to increase awareness about the plight of stray animals, highlight their individual stories, and encourage adoptions by responsible and loving families. Through her tasks, she developed her sewing and artistic skills. She also benefited from collaborating with other volunteers and fellow participants, which enriched her ability to work in diverse teams and improved her communication skills in cross-cultural settings. She learned how to create content for social media sharpened her digital marketing and communication abilities, giving her valuable experience in crafting impactful campaigns.

Giulia Manin

Activity Dates: 04.11.2024 – 30.12.2024

Supporting Organisation: Scambieuropei ETS, Italy

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Giulia, from the Animal Care Department of Padua University, worked in Sinop and Gerze shelters. At both shelters she usually started with checking up all the cats and dogs living there. Then she helped the veterinarians during surgeries, sterilisation and castration in particular, and other kinds of treatment. Other tasks usually included carrying out medications, feeding, and making sure that the skinnier animals also get to eat, providing water, toys and a lot of care and attention. Another important task was also making sure that the frailest animals get access to shelter and food. She took the dogs for a walk and played with them and gave them a lot of love until adoption. Giulia monitored the animals’ post-operation, or those in need of prolonged treatment, making sure they were recovering despite the shelter conditions. Moreover, she tried to contribute by creating videos of the puppies of the shelter to raise funds for blankets and food. She worked for the sick cats in the patient room in the volunteers’ house and the disabled cats and dogs in the garden of the volunteers’ house. She did their further treatment and cleaning. She also took them to the clinic when necessary. Giulia also worked in the village where there are cats and dogs, the majority of them are disabled, weak or orphaned and need special care, under the protection of our association. She went there to give toys, vaccinations and monitor their condition. Sometimes she also took the dogs for a walk and spent some time with them. When she went outside she always tried to have with her a small emergency kit with food, water, syringes, leashes and some medical equipment for injuries. If the illness was serious, she contacted the shelter workers so they could take the animal to the shelter.

Oumaima Chemrah & Ali Abada

Activity Dates: 29.12.2024 – 25.02.2025

Supporting Organisation: Association Isaaf Jrada Solidarité et Développement, Morocco

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During their activity, Oumaima and Ali provided care of many homeless animals in shelters and under our care, and assisted veterinarians in treatments. They had the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of animals in need, support the shelter’s operations, and learn about the challenges faced by abandoned, abused, and neglected animals. They helped the staff of the shelters for rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals. In addition to the shelters, thye provided feeding, cleaning and treatment of our association’s cats and dogs in the village. In addition to their work, they were responsible for the sick and disabled cats and dogs kept at the house needing special care, including special nutrition, treatment and attention. In order to maintain the well-being of the animals, they were assigned to tasks like cleaning kennels, cages, and common areas to maintain a hygienic environment. Feeding animals according to their dietary needs and schedules, providing fresh water and ensuring clean bedding, walking dogs and engaging them in playtime to promote exercise and socialization were among their responsibilities. They had the opportunity to meet new friends from different countries during their activity.

Phoebé Hubin

Activity Dates: 05.01.2025 – 04.03.2025

Supporting Organisation: Youth ID, France

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During her activity, Phoebé provided care of many homeless animals in shelters and under our care, and assisted veterinarians in treatments.

She took many tasks such as assisting the vet with sterilisation, stitching and making bandages for rescued cats and dogs, taking care of sick cats at home or in shelters, giving them daily treatment, cleaning their space and spending quality time with them, feeding them special food if necessary, trimming their nails, helping them to go to the toilet, brushing their hair, cleaning their ears, walking them around the house. She also brought love to our homeless friends. She has grown a lot on many levels. Professionally she learned new ways, practical and theoretical aspects of the job, thanks to other volunteers or veterinarians on site. Personally she experienced teamwork, living in a community and discovering new places with the other volunteers. We thank Phoebé for all her outstanding work for our homeless friends.

Hibat-Allah Ouakka

Activity Dates: 13.01.2025 – 11.02.2025

Supporting Organisation: Association Isaaf Jrada Solidarité et Développement, Morocco

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

During her activity, Hibat provided care of many homeless animals in shelters and under our care, and assisted veterinarians in treatments. As a veterinarian, her responsibilities included performing sterilization surgeries, administering medications, and providing food and general care for the animals. Additionally, she took care of sick and injured cats, ensuring they received the necessary treatment and recovery support. This experience deeply influenced her both personally and professionally. It reinforced her passion for veterinary medicine, particularly in the field of animal welfare and community outreach. She gained a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by stray animals and the importance of collective action in addressing these issues.

Corrado Maiorino

Activity Dates: 26.02.2025 – 22.04.2025

Supporting Organisation: Associazione di Promozione Sociale Kora, Italy

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Corrado took on the care of sick, weak, disabled and orphaned cats and dogs in the Sinop and Gerze shelters and the ones under our protection. His responsibilities included: feeding and providing water; cleaning the areas, administering medications orally, subcutaneously, and intramuscularly; walking the dogs; transporting sick cats from home to the city-center clinic for regular check-ups; assisting vets with surgeries such as neutering and spaying of stray cats and dogs; and, on one occasion, feeding stray dogs alongside another volunteer and a member of the organisation. Corrado fulfilled these responsibilities with utmost dedication and professionalism, and together with his teammates, responded to the needs of as many of our homeless friends as possible.

Natalia Duchonova

Activity Dates: 28.02.2025 – 27.04.2025

Supporting Organisation: INEX – Sdružení dobrovolných aktivit, z. s., Czechia

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Natália took care of the sick, weak, disabled and orphaned cats and dogs in the Sinop and Gerze shelters and the ones under our protection. She also took care of animals in need of medical assistance in the Sarıkım Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Her main responsibility was caring for animals in the village, where they had enclosures housing cats and two dogs. Her daily tasks included feeding, cleaning, and performing regular health checks. She also established a dedicated hospitalization room for sick cats, where they received treatment and special care. In addition to her work in the village, she looked after sick animals at her house. One room was designated for cats undergoing FIP treatment, and she had a garden area for disabled animals, where her focus was on cleaning and feeding. At the shelter in Sinop, Natalia assisted during surgeries and helped with ongoing treatments. In Gerze, she was more actively involved in performing operations, including castrations and sterilizations for both cats and dogs. One of her and her volunteer friends’ key achievements was establishing a dedicated room for sick cats, which allowed for more focused and effective treatment. She also carried out a thorough health check of all the animals and created a catalogue to better track their conditions and needs. Professionally, the most valuable part of the experience was her work in Gerze, where she participated in numerous surgeries. This hands-on practice significantly improved her skills and confidence in surgical procedures. Natália also adopted a stray cat after treating it. She named it Ceta. Once the documents for her departure abroad are completed, Ceta will be going to the Czech Republic to join Natália in September. Thanks to Natália, many of our friends regained their health and received better care.

Olivia Jones

Activity Dates: 02.03.2025 – 29.03.2025

Supporting Organisation: Kreisjugendwerk der AWO Karlsruhe-Stadt, Germany

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Olivia took on the care of sick, weak, disabled and orphaned cats and dogs in the Sinop and Gerze shelters and the ones under our protection.

In the shelters, she contributed her surgical skills at the local animal shelter clinics by assisting in the sterilization of over 30 cats and dogs. She provided wellness exams and treatments, such as wound repair and infection remediation. At the Gerze shelter, she provided comprehensive neonatal care for puppies and kittens, including parasite prevention, vaccination, and the treatment of infections. This involved closely monitoring their health, ensuring proper nutrition, and administering treatments to support their immune systems and overall development during their critical early life stages.

She conducted medical wellness examinations and created a comprehensive medical history database for all 66 cats at the sanctuary and volunteer house. Additionally, Olivia with the other volunteers created and executed treatment plans for 10 cats suffering from chronic respiratory infections at the sanctuary. At the volunteer house, she attended to 10 cats, including one pregnant and three FIP-positive patients, providing them with medication, enrichment, feeding, and cleaning. She also cared for a new-born kitten requiring critical care, including around-the clock feedings, warming, and stimulation. Post-operative overnight care was another significant part of her role, where she ensured the proper recovery of 10 cats after surgery and evaluated their fitness to return to the sanctuary.

She focused on building trust and positive relationships with the local community. To the best of her ability, she took the opportunity to inform them of the benefits of sterilization and vaccinations for street animals.

Through her volunteering, she gained far more in return. She significantly expanded her veterinary surgical and treatment skills. Olivia also had a chance to gain experience on collaborating effectively with the other volunteers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She gained a greater appreciation for teamwork and became a more effective collaborator as a result. Overall, this experience has not only enhanced her personal growth but has also deepened her understanding of diverse perspectives.

Brandon Steve Penaloza Viera

Activity Dates: 04.03.2025 – 30.04.2025

Supporting Organisation: Associazione di Promozione Sociale Kora, Italy

Hosting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

The Volunteers We Sent:

Selinay Barış & Nisa Su Çoban

Activity Dates: Selinay: 15.05.2024 – 12.07.2024 & Nisa Su: 21.05.2024 – 18.07.2024

Supporting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Hosting Organisation: “Common Sense” Youth Organization, Azerbaijan

During their 2-month activities, our volunteers prepared the social media content of the host organization and managed its blog. They conducted interviews with newly selected volunteers. They acted as guides and interpreters in the Team Volunteering team. They gave a seminar titled “Zero Waste” as part of the Summer School and sewed cloth bags with the students. They gave a seminar titled “Active Listening”. They held a seed planting activity titled “Leave a Seed for the Future” with children and young people. They worked in a book club. With this activity, our volunteers improved their digital skills, gained many qualifications in the environmental field and gained experience in personal, social and professional areas.

Batuhan Gürsoy & Sündüz Sude Çakmak

Activity Dates: Batuhan: 03.07.2024 – 17.08.2024 & Sude: 02.07.2024 – 20.08.2024

Supporting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Hosting Organisation: Asociatia de Tineret Raise Your Voice, Romania

During their 2-month activities, our volunteers carried out sports activities with children and young people in Dragașani. They encouraged the target audience to acquire healthy lifestyle habits through sports. They also organized fun and educational activities for children. With this activity, our volunteers developed their organizational skills, experienced event planning and gained self-confidence to interact with participants.

İrem Gürkan & Özge Ataş

Activity Dates: İrem: 17.07.2024 – 13.09.2024 & Özge: 22.07.2024 – 18.09.2024

Supporting Organisation: Sahipsiz Hayvanları Koruma ve Yaşatma Derneği

Hosting Organisation: “Common Sense” Youth Organization, Azerbaijan

For 2 months, our volunteers organized activities such as quiz shows, carbon footprint, chemistry experiments, theater and karaoke days for students on summer vacation in Sumgait. They witnessed the wonders of chemistry and science with a chemistry experiment. They also organized movie nights by choosing movies that appeal to the relevant age group in order to draw attention to the issues of ecological balance, increasing carbon footprint, global warming, obesity and the destruction of greenery. At the end of the movies, they made evaluations with the students and talked about the movies. They also undertook the tasks of managing the social media accounts in the office of the hosting organization, researching articles about their projects and creating projects. They took part in sharing the ESC projects of the hosting organization and preparing posters. They ushered for the guests from affiliated partners of the hosting organization. With this activity, our volunteers experienced taking responsibility on their own and developed themselves in personal, social, cultural and professional areas by stepping out of their comfort zones.