Merve Özdenler
Vice Chair
Children of Earth Association (YEÇED)
| Location | İstanbul, Turkey |
| Gender and Title | Female, Clinical Psychologist |
| merveozdenler@yeced.org | |
| Telephone | |
| Website | http://www.yeced.org |
| Bio |
Expertise
| Expertise | Country | Affiliation | Local |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict | Lebanon, Palestine, State of, Syria, Turkey | Children of earth Ass. (YECED) |
|
| My expertise in conflict settings is shaped by years of field-based experience in war-affected regions, particularly Northern Syria and Gaza. In response to the complex realities on the ground, I have been actively involved in conducting conflict-sensitive needs assessments and designing protection and education interventions that are responsive to the lived experiences of children and communities. At YEÇED, we have developed localized psychosocial and educational models grounded in both cultural relevance and community participation. These interventions are systematically evaluated through MEAL frameworks and academic research tools to ensure effectiveness, adaptability, and ethical standards in volatile environments. My work aims to bridge the gap between field realities and evidence-based humanitarian programming in protracted conflict zones. | |||
| Protection | Lebanon, Palestine, State of, Syria, Turkey | Under review |
|
| I am currently serving as the Vice President of YEÇED (Children of Earth Association), a child-focused humanitarian NGO active in conflict-affected areas, particularly Syria and Gaza. My expertise lies in child protection, education in emergencies, and community-based MHPSS programming. I work at the intersection of policy design, field implementation, and academic research, integrating faith-sensitive and decolonial approaches into protection work. At YEÇED, I lead multi-sectoral projects, coordinate with local actors, and contribute to strategy development and advocacy. My background allows me to connect field realities with reflective practice and contribute meaningfully to locally-led and ethically grounded humanitarian responses. | |||