Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining individual health and enhancing societal well-being. The Nutrition and Dietetics Student Club at Near East University was reactivated in the Fall Semester of the 2024-2025 academic year to raise awareness in this vital field, promote healthy living through community projects, and foster professional development through scientific activities.

The club aims to address a wide range of objectives, from professional education to social solidarity, focusing not only on student-oriented activities but also on initiatives that benefit society as a whole.

The club is currently advised by Assist. Prof. Dr. Taygun Dayı, who served as the club president during his student years in 2018 and is now a faculty member in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. The club’s president, Zeynep Yıldırım, a third-year student in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, and vice president Hatice Gül Aktaş, a second-year student, lead the management team.

 

 

Promoting Sustainable Nutrition and Planetary Health

The club’s activities began with a welcoming lakeside event on October 16, 2024, themed “Bring Your Coffee!”.

This gathering not only introduced the club’s leadership and goals but also provided an opportunity for students to connect with faculty members in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Building on this positive momentum, the club collaborated with the Faculty of Health Sciences Nutrition and Dietetics Department and the Student Dean’s Office to host the symposium “Sustainable Living Principles for Planetary Health” on December 5, 2024. The event attracted significant interest from students and faculty across multiple disciplines. Key topics included the role of nutrition in achieving sustainable food systems, the importance of reducing food waste, and the health benefits of plant-based diets.

“Healthy nutrition is not only a personal choice but a commitment to the planet’s future.”

The symposium showcased presentations by esteemed faculty members and highlighted actionable strategies for integrating sustainable practices into daily life. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how individual and collective actions can contribute to planetary health.

 

 

As part of their commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, the Nutrition and Dietetics Club participated in a tree-planting festival held under the slogan “Hand in Hand for a Green Future.” Organized in collaboration with Near East University and the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command, the event took place at the Cyprus Turkish Forces Regiment in Ortaköy, Lefkoşa. During the event, 3,000 saplings were planted, symbolizing the shared dedication to creating a greener and healthier future for the planet.

 

 

Empowering Students and Building the Future

The club envisions itself as a hub for academic enrichment and community engagement. Future plans include organizing workshops on nutrition education for local schools, hosting seminars on the latest developments in dietetics, and collaborating with other student organizations to promote healthy lifestyle initiatives.

“Our goal is to inspire students to be leaders in nutrition and to use their knowledge to create meaningful change in their communities.”

Additionally, the club aims to expand its outreach through social media campaigns, awareness drives, and partnerships with local health organizations. By participating in the club’s activities, students have the opportunity to develop essential skills, network with professionals, and make lasting contributions to both the university and society.

 

An Invitation to Join

The Nutrition and Dietetics Student Club welcomes all students who are passionate about health, sustainability, and making a difference. Whether you are interested in academic research, community service, or simply meeting like-minded peers, the club offers a platform for growth and engagement.