First Graduates at Dosd
Down Syndrome Individuals Life Support Centre (DOSD) Meram, which launched vocational employment training programs to support the employment of individuals with special needs, celebrated its first graduates.
Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş said this education would open the doors of working life to individuals with special needs.
Implemented under the leadership of Meram Municipality, DOSD Meram marked another proud moment.
The first-term graduates of the Service Staff (Commis) Training Program, carried out with the Meram Public Education Centre, received their certificates at a ceremony attended by local officials and representatives.
Held between October 13 and January 20, the program lasted 274 hours. Eighteen individuals aged 16 and above participated, and 16 trainees successfully completed the training and earned their certificates.
Participants received both theoretical and practical instruction related to working life, including service techniques, work discipline, and communication skills. The program also strengthened social participation and self-confidence.
The ceremony was memorable for trainees and their families. The event once again demonstrated that individuals with special needs can take part in every area of life when provided with the right support and opportunities.
After three months of training, the young participants showcased their service skills to the audience. Certificates were presented to the graduates by protocol members.
MAYOR KAVUŞ: “THESE CERTIFICATES ARE A STRONG SIGNATURE PLACED ON LIFE"
Mayor Kavuş said they were celebrating not only the end of a program but also effort, patience, and determination. "These certificates are a powerful signature placed on life by our special individuals, saying 'I am here too," he said.
He noted that DOSD Meram reflects a people-centered approach to municipal service. He described the program as a valuable initiative showing that individuals with special needs can stand on their own feet.
Thanking everyone who contributed, Mayor Kavuş said the success belonged to the trainees, their families, and the instructors. Addressing the graduates, he said they had shown that obstacles Municipality Deputy Mayor Mustafa Uzbaş said attending the ceremony was a source of happiness and pride. He emphasized that municipal service also includes social services that touch people and described DOSD Meram as meaningful in this regard.
PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL EDUCATION YİĞİT: "INVESTMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION IS A SIGN OF DEVELOPMENT"
Konya Provincial Director of National Education Murat Yiğit said the progress achieved in just two years was encouraging. He noted that the quality of special education services reflects a country's level of development and congratulated the students.
ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT MUNLAFALIOĞLU: “OUR EDUCATION PROCESS IS PROGRESSING STEP BY STEP"
DOSD Meram Association President Mehmet Munlafalıoğlu said vocational employment training has been a key goal since the association's establishment. He stated that they advanced step by step, adding that they aim to support families and help children continue learning through sports and vocational skills.
At the end of the ceremony, protocol members and the graduates posed for a commemorative photo.
