Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Science Communication Office organized a “Development and Communication Seminar” as a “Science Café” activity for children residing at the Samsun Kavak Juvenile and Youth Closed Detention Center. The event was held within the collaboration protocol signed between OMU and the Samsun Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, aiming to strengthen communication skills, support healthy developmental processes, and contribute to institutional rehabilitation efforts. The seminar also included participation from facility staff.
Organized as part of the educational and rehabilitation initiatives implemented under the protocol, the activity continued OMU’s ongoing efforts to support children in correctional settings through sustained educational engagements and previous improvement-focused programs.
Participants included Prof. Dr. Koray Mehmet Zeynel Karabekiroğlu, Head of the OMU Faculty of Medicine Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Psychologist Tülay Keskin Çalık, Dr. Feride Burcu Taflan, Dr. Melis Elif Şenel, and Dr. Çağıl Deniz Açıkgöz. Experts provided interactive insights on communication, emotional regulation, behavioral patterns, and healthy development.
During the visit, Facility Director Selma Tekin introduced the OMU team to the living spaces of the 12–18 age group, including sports areas, digital gaming rooms, workshops (art, tailoring, handicrafts), a theater stage, the Şehit Eren Bülbül Library, and the “Culture Street” created through a joint project by OMU Painting–Art students and the children.
In the conference hall, Prof. Dr. Karabekiroğlu began his talk by stating that he encountered an environment much more positive than he expected, expressing his appreciation for the efforts invested in the institution. Addressing the facility staff, he shared insights on adolescent psychology, behavioral consistency, trust-building, communication techniques that reveal emotions and thoughts, and rehabilitation approaches.
Emphasizing the importance of strong parent–child relationships, Prof. Dr. Karabekiroğlu noted that children who come into conflict with the law often tend to focus on the negative:
“Consistency in behavior also brings trust. These children do not forget even the smallest inconsistency.”
He highlighted the need to use reflective or exploratory questions instead of giving advice:
“Questions that help children express their emotions and thoughts and develop their awareness are much more valuable. For example, ‘How did this make you feel?’ or ‘What comes to your mind when you think about this?’ should be used.”
Representing OMU’s Science Communication Office were Rector’s Advisor Prof. Dr. Emine Şendurur, Science Communication Coordinator Lecturer Mürsel Kan, and Lecturer Dr. Elif Şevik İnal. University officials emphasized the significance of collaborative work with correctional institutions in supporting the social reintegration of children.
At the end of the visit, Facility Director Selma Tekin presented Prof. Dr. Karabekiroğlu and Prof. Dr. Şendurur with a special gift made from products crafted by the children. The OMU team expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality.
Under the protocol between OMU and the Kavak Juvenile and Youth Closed Detention Center, several art and educational projects have previously been carried out:
• As part of the “Indoor Colorful Relief Applications and Design” Project, OMU Faculty of Fine Arts lecturers and students produced artworks for the facility’s interior spaces. The project opened in June 2025.
• Last year, a “Culture Street” was created within the detention center, where OMU Faculty of Education Visual Arts Society students and the resident children jointly transformed the corridors into workshop and art areas.
These initiatives aim to support children’s emotional development, foster healing through art, and strengthen their social adaptation skills.
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