Gizem Doğan, a 24-year-old biology student from Istanbul, actively volunteers in several non-governmental organisations, such as Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Türkiye’s Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid Association (ULAD).
Gizem’s journey into volunteering began after the Izmir earthquake in 2020 as an AFAD and ULAY association volunteer. “I had never thought about becoming a volunteer until that day”, she shares. “When I remember the difficulties of those days, I thought my country needed more volunteers. Even small help can make a difference”.
Living in Istanbul, a city vulnerable to earthquakes, Gizem was motivated by the need to prepare for future disasters. She now volunteers across various areas, including search and rescue, first aid, and forest fire prevention. “No matter what my situation is, my first goal is helping people”, she says.
Gizem recalls her most memorable experience during the aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. “Our team rescued a teenager after 94 hours under the rubble. We had almost lost hope, but that moment was incredible”. The emotional impact of these events is profound. “It showed me how much even small efforts can change lives”.
Her volunteering work varies, from charity events and tree planting to specialised disaster training and distributing emergency supplies. “Every role contributes to building resilience”, she notes. For Gizem, volunteering is not just about giving back but also about personal growth. “It’s about sharing my time and energy to benefit others, but it also helps me learn and meet new people”.
Her advice to aspiring volunteers is simple: “Don’t hesitate. Volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s a chance to grow while making a real difference”. She emphasises the importance of volunteers in disaster response.
“We fill critical gaps and provide both physical and emotional support during crises".
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