Six-month training program strengthened the service capacity of neighborhood heads

The Mukhtars Academy, implemented through the collaboration of Bornova Municipality, the District Governorship, Yaşar University, and the Mukhtars Association, has been completed with a digital literacy training. Throughout the six-month program, 45 neighborhood heads were equipped with management, communication, and digital skills, aiming to improve the efficiency of public services. The training also aimed to strengthen communication between mukhtars and citizens and to support their adaptation to digital transformation.

The “Mukhtars Academy,” a pioneering initiative in Turkey carried out in cooperation with Bornova Municipality, Bornova District Governorship, Yaşar University, and the Mukhtars Association, concluded with its final session on digital literacy. During the last session held at the Bornova Municipality Council Hall, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ürün Yıldıran Önk from the Department of Radio, Television and Cinema at Yaşar University’s Faculty of Communication delivered a comprehensive training on accessing accurate information in the digital world, media literacy, and secure communication.

Participating mukhtars from Bornova stated that the six-month academy process was highly productive and thanked all contributing institutions and instructors.

Stronger local governance with academic support

The Bornova Mukhtars Academy stood out as a comprehensive program covering 45 neighborhood heads and aiming to enhance the quality of local government services. Throughout the training, participants received academic support in areas such as digital literacy, management skills, effective communication, and personal development.

The project aimed to both strengthen the communication between mukhtars and citizens and help them adapt to rapid changes in the digital world.

“Digital literacy is now a fundamental skill”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ürün Yıldıran Önk emphasized that digital literacy is not only a technical skill today but also the ability to access accurate information and combat misinformation. She noted that increasing the competencies of local administrators in this field contributes to more transparent and reliable communication between the public and citizens.

Mayor Eşki: “Our mukhtars are the strongest representatives of neighborhoods”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that the Mukhtars Academy made a significant contribution to the understanding of local governance, saying:
“Our mukhtars are the most important representatives of our neighborhoods. Improving their knowledge and skills directly enhances the quality of services provided to our citizens. With the Mukhtars Academy, we are building a more effective and modern local governance structure together.”

A model for Turkey

As a first-of-its-kind initiative in Turkey, the Mukhtars Academy was carried out through strong cooperation between Bornova Municipality, the District Governorship, Yaşar University, and the Mukhtars Association. The six-month program stands out as a model for increasing capacity in local governments and adapting to digital transformation.