A kindness club founded by 10-year-old Elmira Ayabakan at her school has grown into a nationwide movement encouraging children to take responsibility, develop ideas and help their communities.
Inspired by a book, Elmira decided to establish a kindness club at her school. With the support of her teacher, Yeliz Biçer, the idea developed into the Türkiye Kindness Club, where Elmira continues to serve as president.
Her mother, Pınar Dağ Ayabakan, helped expand the initiative beyond the school and now serves as president of the Türkiye Kindness Club Platform, which brings together families, volunteers, public institutions and civil society organizations.
The platform supports projects including school libraries, special education classrooms, neighborhood activities, anti-bullying initiatives and solidarity campaigns with the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) and Turkish Green Crescent Society (Yeşilay).
The initiative has also expanded internationally. Elmira traveled to North Macedonia, where she worked with children from the Turkish community in Koliçan village to create a book together.
The platform says its work is based on the belief that children should not simply participate in projects designed by adults, but should also be trusted to develop ideas, take responsibility and demonstrate leadership.
“Kindness begins in one heart and grows together,” the initiative says.
