A collaboration agreement has been made between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Zehra Güneş, the national player of the VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team.
A signing ceremony was held in Feriye with the participation of Zehra Güneş, UNICEF Turkey Representative Paolo Marchi, and VakıfBank Sports Club Vice President Ferkan Merdan.
Zehra Güneş expressed her excitement about the agreement, stating, “I am aware of the importance of this agreement. Today, I am signing with UNICEF, an organization that protects children and their rights. Through this collaboration, I want to change children’s lives. I am happy to protect children’s rights. Through your help, I want children to live in a better world. With UNICEF’s support, we can reach every child. Girls mean strong futures. Together with UNICEF, we will light the path for every girl child. I know the meaning of holding a child’s hand.”
Zehra emphasized the importance of working with UNICEF, saying, “We want boys and girls to grow up in an equal environment. For this, we aim to raise societal awareness. UNICEF aims to reach disadvantaged children and support them. I want to light the way for a girl child. There are many girls out there who need help, who are looking for a source of motivation. Even reaching 1 or 2 of them is important.”
Zehra also mentioned that she had long wanted to be involved in such work: “We had a brief training session with children. When I showed the girl how to make a pass and a volley, I could feel her emotions. She was so happy when she learned something from me. Even though it was something small, we don’t realize how much of an impact it can have. I always try to spend time with children. I don’t throw away the gifts from children. They act with pure love. My mother and father raised me this way. I try not to break children’s hearts as much as I can.”
Marchi: “Zehra is a great role model for children”
Paolo Marchi also expressed his excitement about the agreement, saying, “I just met Zehra, but she is already a hero to me. Zehra is a champion. She is also a champion for children. We will work together to make efforts in our endeavors. Zehra is a great role model for children. All children in Turkey can achieve whatever they want when given the opportunity. This is why I am very excited to work with Zehra.”
Marchi mentioned that they will be making visits together, adding, “UNICEF works for children in vulnerable situations. Zehra will help attract public attention. We will try to inspire children. We will focus on these issues, and Zehra will help us.”
Addressing the ongoing war in Palestine, Marchi stated, “There are crises happening in many parts of the world, such as in Sudan and Palestine. Children are the ones most affected by these events, whether in Palestine or other war zones. Since the war began, UNICEF has been working to achieve a ceasefire. We have an office in Gaza to provide humanitarian support.”
