Rumvader (Rum Cemaat Vakıfları Destekleme Derneği) - Association for the Support of Greek Community Foundations in Turkey

National Network
Türkiye
Address

Katip Mustafa Çelebi Mah. Meşelik Sokak
No:11/A, 34433 Beyoğlu-İstanbul

Istanbul/
Turkey

Telephone
0090 212 252 88 94
E-Mail
rumvader@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
marinadrymalitou@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2011
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
General Information
Rumvader is the first civic association established by members of the community in 2011 with a view to address the problems governing community life. In detail, Rumvader serves as the only central institution of the community which is responsible for coordinating the activities of the 68 different foundations of the community.Rumvader employs 3 person staff and its main resources are coming from donations of the community foundations. Some of Rumvader's main partners are other Greek foundations, TUSEV, TESEV, Hrant Dink Vakfi, EU.Rumvader is being administrated by an elected management board comprised of 11 members all capable to attain multiplier effects of the benefits of the various actions initiated and implemented in the community.
Mission and Objectives

According to its statute Rumvader is founded in order to provide technical support and consulting to the community foundations in the scope to create the necessary conditions to improve communication and dialogue between the foundations. It also aims at providing material, financial assistance and support to the initiatives intended to solve the most crucial problems experienced by the foundations as well as turn this assistance towards individuals and other associations. In addition Rumvader’s mission is to contribute to the development of foundations in the social, cultural and economic sectors such as health, education, art, culture, sports, environment, women’s emancipation, youth,R&D, science and human rights and to the most effective communication of all these to the public.
Rumvader’s unique competences in assuming a central coordinating role and in bringing together experts from different fields contribute towards the realization of those goals.

Main Projects / Activities

Rumvader manages and coordinates a wide range of activities and actions and provide support to others. Since its establishment it has initiate and coordinate the following:
- Carrying out a European Union Project named 'Minority Citizens-Equal Citizen' which aims at raising Greek community members awareness in civil society and participation and in voicing concerns and demands regarding its minority rights (since January 2013)
- Undertaking of the operation of the nursery school for children of the community between 2-4 years old where a special care is given in the familiarization of the children with the Greek language.
- Organization of a dinner with the participation of the Prime Minister Mr. Tayyip Erdoğan and representatives from all the minority foundations, August 2011.
- Establishment of a new office within Rumvader which is responsible for accommodating demands of Greeks and other individuals regarding their settlement in Turkey and for providing services such as finding jobs or accommodation.
- Organization of a lecture by Prof. of Law Mr. Alivizatos on the topic “The meaning of citizen in modern Turkey” at Galata School. More than 200 people from a wide range of academia, intellectuals, journalists and members of other communities attended the lecture which was conducted in two languages Greek and Turkish. March 2012

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Our Association as a unique organization of a minority group living in Turkey can contribute greatly with its experience, multiculturalism and diversity in building a union of people around the region of Mediterranean.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We would like to expand our network, participate into a wider community of NGO's and community platforms and participate in different projects not only in Turkey but in the wider Mediterranean.

Contact (1) Full Name
Marina Drymalitou
Head of the organisation
Andonis Parizyanos
Contact (2) Full Name
Danai Palakoglu