Fontys for Good: Together We Stand for Turkey and Syria

We strongly encourage our students to contribute and create positive societal change. We recognise numerous ways to improve the world and educate our students and employees on taking meaningful actions in areas that matter to them.

Read how the concept of Fontys for Good was born and impacted those suffering from the aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. 

6th February, Monday

Zeynep, a Fontys Pulsed team member, awoke to devastating news from her homeland, Turkey. Two earthquakes had struck, affecting millions in both Turkey and Syria. The aftermath was chaotic, with over a dozen cities affected, 15 million in distress, and 47,000 lives lost in an area the size of the Netherlands. Touched by the news and driven by a desire to help, Zeynep and Pulsed team shared the urge: "Let's do something!" Thus, "Fontys for Good" was born, a fundraising project to aid earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

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Fontys Pulsed had undertaken impactful societal initiatives under the concept of "Pulsed for Good." These initiatives, though impactful, were initially confined to the Pulsed domain. However, "Fontys for Good: Together We Stand" marked a pioneering step, extending this concept university-wide. All Fontys students and professionals were welcome to contribute to this cause this time.

From Pulsed for Good to Fontys for Good

The Fontys for Good "Together we stand" initiative was a collective effort that brought together 38 students and professionals from various backgrounds to address the pressing issue of earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria.

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The initiative encompassed several vital components, including creating a project identity and promotional materials, partnerships with impactful NGOs, engagement of individual donors through online platforms, collaboration with multiple companies for donations and sponsorships, and organising main fundraising events.

This collaborative endeavor ultimately raised 3,850€ to support earthquake victims. It provided valuable insights into the importance of communication within the Fontys community, cross-departmental cooperation, and student guidance for efficient project execution.

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How did we do it?

With much teamwork and effort, the Fontys for Good team organised two main events: Drive in Cinema in Eindhoven Sectie-C and a fundraiser at Fontys Eindhoven campus. 

Pulser Susanne took the lead in organising the Drive-in cinema and describes the experience: "The moment that felt the most magical was when it all came together on the parking lot at Sectie-C. EVERYTHING worked!" The money raised for the cause is why the team works, but many personal gains bring forward feelings such as pride. "Seeing the first customers drive in, smelling the freshly baked popcorn, hearing the clear sound on the FM radio channel of my car, seeing the razor-sharp image on the screen... I still remember how happy and proud I was at that moment. We did it!" explains Susanne. 

Pulser Zeynep sees the project as a significant reminder of how caring the Pulsed community is. "Experiencing this significant loss for my homeland, Turkey, was difficult. I felt this was bigger than me, and I had to do something. I am grateful to all the students who joined the Pulsed Academy Team on this project." She also adds how the money raised made a concrete difference for the NGOs working hard to help the ones affected by the earthquakes. "I am super proud that through this project, we get to sponsor three students for eight years who were severely affected by the earthquake and provide hundreds of hygiene packs to women in the area."

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