Transforming the corporate philanthropy platform of the intercontinental Istanbul Marathon into actionable educational backing, TİKAV’s "Future Leaders" initiative provides long-term holistic development. The program supports 64 selected university scholars throughout their tertiary education, integrating academic performance with leadership training, technical resources, and socio-cultural integration.
Marking the 50th corporate anniversary of Akfen Holding, the Akfen Volunteers network—composed of employees across Akfen Holding and its group subsidiaries—is fielding runners who are launching peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. Open through November 16, 2026, the collected funds directly support educational stipends and skill-building resources for the designated students.
Comprehensive Student Development Framework
The initiative addresses educational disparity across several operational pillars:
Holistic Scholarship Model: Delivers sustained monthly academic grants supplemented by direct personal computing hardware, digital connectivity, language acquisition modules, and professional mentoring.
Global and Cultural Mobility: Underwrites student participation in regional arts festivals, academic symposia, leadership workshops, and cross-border cultural discovery initiatives.
Employee Social Engagement: Akfen Volunteers deploy individual digital donation links across corporate and personal networks to maximize philanthropic contributions.
Donation Campaign Horizon: Mobilized ahead of race day, donation platforms will remain open through November 16, 2026, facilitating individual and corporate contributions.
Executive Commentary from Hülya Kırçuval
Hülya Kırçuval, President of the Board of Directors at TİKAV, stated:
“Empowering the academic and personal journeys of youth—particularly across Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia—remains our central organizational responsibility. Through the ‘Future Leaders’ initiative, our objective is to ensure that students do not simply graduate with academic degrees, but emerge culturally resilient, personally self-assured, and globally competitive.
The active participation of Akfen Volunteers in our 50th year carries profound meaning for our foundation. We are confident that every kilometer covered and every step taken along the marathon course will translate into tangible hope, professional opportunity, and social mobility for our 64 scholars.”
