A major challenge in peacebuilding is its case for profitability. Unlike conflict, there is a resounding silence when justifying the economic benefits of peace. “The dominance of the securitized approaches may be attributed to much more consistent and powerful lobbying, by political and commercial interests in the defense sector. In contrast, the peacebuilding field has […]
“You know when you came here I couldn’t express myself and now I’m talking!” The goals of HasNa’s English Language Skills for NGOs were not only to improve comprehension and grammar skills but also to help participants gain confidence using English. We inaugurated HasNa’s English Language Skills for NGOs in Diyarbakir, Turkey on May 9th, […]
Pat Lowther and Kathy Scruggs were seniors in college when they were moved by President Kennedy’s call to service with the Peace Corps. They applied, took the exam, and reported to Peace Corps training at Georgetown University. At Georgetown, they studied with about 100 other volunteers to become English teachers in Turkey. It was terribly hot […]
Kathy Scruggs and Pat Lowther were Peace Corps volunteers in Turkey during the 1960s. After more than 4 decades, they are returning in May to lead a 3 week HasNa English language program. Kathy and Pat will travel to Diyarbakir, Turkey to train 16 NGO professionals, including board members and volunteers. English language training is […]
HasNa has been working in Turkey since 1998, applying its unique model to promote peace through understanding. Our projects are the result of dedication to our mission and also hard work and commitment from local partners and project participants. Successful projects require input from local organizations and individuals. They also require passionate participants who take what […]
In Turkey, all sweet, juicy oranges are called Washington Oranges. When we received a project proposal to help improve citrus production in Turkey we learned that the Washington Orange is originally from Brazil and produced in California and Florida. But since it was originally imported from the U.S., now all sweet, juicy oranges are simply known […]
How are we doing? Are we making an impact with our programs? To what degree are we achieving our mission? These are questions NGOs must ask themselves time and again to ensure that they are indeed making a difference. HasNa completed a comprehensive survey of our program graduates to assess the impact we have made […]
Everywhere you look, on TV, in print, online… Turkey’s resurgence as a regional and economic power is making headlines. Last October’s edition of The Economist included a special report on Turkey, detailing the successful strides the country has made in the last decade and also the unresolved issues that still need to be addressed. One […]
During spring and summer we were busy running projects. This fall and winter we are busy building for the future. We are diligently working to establish partnerships with in-country organizations, surveying previous HasNa graduates, and upgrading technology in order to build a foundation for achieving our future goals. HasNa’s programs depend on strong coordination with […]
HasNa’s Cyprus Friendship Program (CFP) is underway again! For a 2nd year, HasNa has brought a group of young, future leaders to the United States for a month of leadership training, team building and community service. CFP focuses on fostering trust and understanding through friendships between Turkish Cypriot teens and Greek Cypriot teens to prepare these future […]
