Job Discussion Forums

[smurfwin]

Hey there! I have been teaching business English in Istanbul for the past six months and, although I like working with my students, I thought it would be interesting to do something completely different with my free time. I was wondering if any of you have had any experience with volunteer work in Istanbul. I can imagine that my most (ahem only) marketable skill would be that I can teach English. Thank you for the help!

[mongrelcat]

if you're not strictly limited to volunteer teaching work, you can volunteer to help the millions of abused starving and homeless animals at Cevre Sokak Hayvanlari Dernegi which is in Beskitas.

It's a severely dilapidated and filthy shelter and i imagine any help they can get would be appreciated. i go there sometimes and help or give money.

[scot47]

I would happily donate time, money and materials to any organisation that is devoted to reducing the cat population of Planet Earth.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

Well if Hamlyn had the Pied Piper, I don't see why Istanbul can't have a Pie-eyed Poobah ...

[mongrelcat]

this probably isnt the right thread for me to start this topic but i dont really care.....

http://ehdkd.blogspot.com/search/label/animal%20abuse

the state of animal welfare here is appalling but i didnt expect anything less, the state of human welfare being what it is. (/building collapse)

http://network.bestfriends.org/international/news/12863.html


http://www.mymerhaba.com/en/main/content.asp_Q_id_E_1627

[tarte tatin]

Thanks for those links Mongrelcat. I too an am animal lover and have been distressed by the mangy dogs and lame horses I have seen here.

To be honest Turks seem to look out for cats, at least where I live (one of my neighbours is hand raising an abandoned kitten) but are not as sympathetic to dogs. This is a typical Islamic attitude as dogs are unclean and cats are favoured in the Koran.

For those of us who put our own food scraps out for dogs, please be aware that chicken bones are not safe as they splinter and pierce the intestine.

Unfortunately animals in similar states can be seen in many countries, Portugal and Greece in particular. I think actually the street animals here seem better off than Greece.

The pet shops here are also a disgrace and it is upsetting to see monkeys for sale.

You are right that many people also seem to live in fairly primitive conditions, not only in cities but in rural areas. High up in the mountain villages I have seen relatively young people with very bow legs, obviously malnourished and living in tumble down housing.

[mongrelcat]

from ehdkd.blogspot:





MS. VERHEUGEN VISITED ISTANBUL MAJOR MR KADIR TOPBAS

On April 17, 2007, Ms Verheugen, European Parliament Vice President G�nter Verheugen's wife and ambassador of good will for Pro Animale and president of Pro Animale Ms. Wothke visited Istanbul Major Mr Kadir Topbas.

Ms. Verheugen after mentioning about the success of the Rehabilitation Center in Osmangazi which she admitted to be exemplary for all Europe, and referring to the Karacabey Bear Center supported by Pro Animale, she said she is aware of the fact that implementing neutering project in Istanbul is a huge task. She offered to do all she can to provide any consultancy or educational help needed from EU for a successful implementation of the project for solving the stray dog problem of Istanbul.

Our representative who was also at the meeting, reminded the Major about dogs dumped in forests after being neutered by many regional municipalities.

Mr. Topbas gave an instruction to Mr. Mehmet Yildirim the head of the Health Department to organize a meeting and invite all managers of veterinary departments of regional municipalities with the purpose of achieving a coordination between the municipalities. Ms Verheugen reminded Mr Yildirim that EHDKD will be in close contact with him representing herself to take information about the outcomes of the meeting and expressed her wish that this meeting will be hopeful for the stray animals of Istanbul.



there are pictures and images too but they are disturbing. Sorry if this offends anyone or people dont think its proper post topic but once i get going on this stuff i cant stop. the people who care will appreciate knowing about this stuff.
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[smurfwin]

Thank you for the good advice on volunteering! You are totally right about the current conditions for animal welfare, and I also miss having a pet and being around animals.

[dmb]

[lovelace]

Does anyone know about other volunteer work? Not with animals.