design+peace
Design + Peace
About us
Design+Peace is a non-profit organization addressing pressing environmental and societal issues with a focus on research, education, collaboration, and innovation. In addition to our humanitarian projects, we provide a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, where people from diverse backgrounds can work together. Our aim is to establish a multidisciplinary network that connect those who share our commitment to promoting positive social and environmental change.
active projects
More projects will be announced soon!
PlayPark is a natural, organic playground designed for children aged 5-12 years. The project aims to foster physical and psychological development through play, utilizing sustainable materials and natural elements. The playground promotes creativity, teamwork, and community engagement, offering children a safe space to play and socialize.
Design+Peace, in collaboration with the Mavi Kelebekler Children’s Rights Community, hosted its first Career Day at the Subaşı Container City Birlikte Güzel space. The event featured speakers from various fields, including journalism, law, architecture, and health, offering students valuable insights and inspiration for their future careers. The event aimed to empower young people, especially in post-disaster regions, by providing them with career guidance and motivation. Design+Peace looks forward to organizing more Career Days to continue supporting students' professional aspirations.
Design+Peace’s first kids and family camp, held from November 4-6 at Hakoni House in Rize, brought 23 children and 40 participants together for activities like workshops, art, and yoga. Funds raised supported communities in Hatay and earthquake-affected areas, and the children wrote letters to peers in Hatay, fostering empathy. Preparations for 2025 camps are underway, and Design+Peace welcomes suggestions and sponsorships.
The Design+Peace Libraries Book Donation Campaign aims to support children and youth affected by the earthquake in Hatay by expanding the library in the "Better Together" area. The library, which has been warmly received, provides children with access to books that fuel their imagination and enhance their education.
The "Better Together" project is the second phase of an initiative to support children and women in Hatay's Subaşı Container Settlement after the earthquake. This safe, accessible space includes a play area, study zone, library, kitchen, and restrooms, serving as a base for our outreach to residents. Through partnerships with Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, we provide art workshops, educational support, and community events like theater performances and Career Days. By expanding resources and fostering solidarity, "Better Together" empowers residents to rebuild with hope and resilience.
Design+Peace’s Art Ambassadors Program supported Muzip Tiyatro in performing Keloğlan and Rapunzel across Hatay, captivating children and families with educational and entertaining shows. The performances received great enthusiasm, and the community expressed strong support for future events. In 2025, Design+Peace will continue to support Muzip Tiyatro’s original works and seeks sponsors to help expand access to art for children.
ways to contribute
Design+Peace provides a platform for everyone who wishes to be a part of positive change, a platform for the exchange of knowledge and collaboration.
You can support us by joining our team, volunteering, making donations, and becoming our partner. Contact us to get involved with our projects.
We welcome new ideas on how we can improve our organization. If you have an idea, please send it along. Together we can make a difference!
OUR FOcus Areas
Our Partners
Bridge to Turkey Fund (BTF)
Established in 2003, BTF, a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, focuses on children's education and healthcare in Turkey. It collaborates with Turkish NGOs and global donors to support underserved youth, emphasizing democratic and secular values.
SF Earthquake Action
This grassroots group responds to the 2023 Turkey and Syria earthquake by organizing support activities and providing essential services like shelter and medical aid to various affected groups, including women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and refugees.
Anatolian Arts Institute (ANA+)
ANA+ focuses on celebrating and understanding Anatolian cultures. Through events, research, and education, it aims to foster an open space for diverse community collaboration and cultural exploration.
UCIM
Founded in 2017, UCIM combats child abuse in Turkey. Led by teacher and award-winning activist Saadet Özkan, the organization offers legal, educational, and psychological support to combat child abuse, supported by over 50,000 volunteers.
Umutlar Yeşersin Community
Umutlar Yeşersin is a volunteer organization that makes impactful steps towards improving children's lives. This community focuses on enhancing the educational and living standards of children. From improving the physical conditions of educational institutions to fulfilling children's clothing needs, they carry out a wide range of projects.
ID Kültür ve Sanat
D Culture and Art is a volunteer community aimed at improving the education and quality of life for children and youth. It organizes fun learning activities and provides educational spaces to support their education. This organization positively impacts the lives of children and youth with support from various segments of the community.
news & updates
Stay informed with the latest news from Design+Peace! Keep checking back to stay connected and see how we continue to make a difference through creativity and compassion.
Çocuktu bu hikayenin kahramanı. Yeşillikler içinde, omzunda önce annesinin elini hissetti. Nasıl da güven vericiydi. Sonra derin bi nefes aldı. Ardından yine. Oksijeni bile başka mıydı buranın ne? Yaptığı son egzersiz dengelemişti tüm uyumu. Daha fazlasına ihtiyacı olduğunu hissetti. Birazdan tanışacağı arkadaşlarıyla göz göze geldi. Gülümsedi. Yazacakları mektupta kalem tutacak arkadaşıydı belki de gülümsediği ya da mektubun son cümlesini hoşçakal diye değil merhaba olarak tamamlayacak o çocuk.
The Racso Project is taking a big step forward with Design+Peace! Newsom has been carrying the torch of hope for 52 days from London to Turkey to build our Eco Village in Hatay Samandağ!
Our new project PlayPark is a natural, organic playground designed for children aged 5-12 years. The project aims to foster physical and psychological development through play, utilizing sustainable materials and natural elements. The playground promotes creativity, teamwork, and community engagement, offering children a safe space to play and socialize.