STATUTE AND CONSTITUTION OF

THE AFRICAN STUDENTS

ASSOCIATION KOCAELI
(ASA-KOCAELI)
PART ONE

STATUTE
Title I: PREAMBLE
ARTICLE 1:
According to the meeting held in Kocaeli on 04/05/2016 by Africans students in Kocaeli,
Turkey it has been decided to create an AFRICAN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION IN
KOCAELI (ASA-Kocaeli). The association should be in lined with laws and statutes of
Associations in Turkey.
ARTICLE 2:
ASA-KOCAELI is a framework for consolidating cooperation between African students in
Kocaeli. It is open to any person or entity of African. ASA-KOCAELI has the right to work,
cooperate or join any regional, national or international organization working in the same areas.
ARTICLE 3:
The head office is located in Izmit-Kocaeli with the branch office located at Gebze-Kocaeli.
ARTICLE 4:
ASA-KOCAELI is a non-denominational, social and non-profit organization. Its actions are in
the context of promoting the diversified African culture.
Title II: OBJECTIVES
ARTICLE 5:
ASA-KOCAELI aims:
To develop a friendly and familiarized environment
To enhance idea sharing especially education wise
To promote cultural diversity and create the awareness of multicultural aspects of Africa
To create and promote social activities
To promote the spirit of creativity, partnership and entrepreneurship
To promote unity, cohesion, solidarity and integration.
ARTICLE 6:
The ultimate goal of the ASA-KOCAELI is to bring together all African students in KOCAELI
as a big family with the aim of sharing ideas on the platform of education, cultural and social
wise fully contributing to the development of Africa.
Title III: MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE 7:
A member of ASA-KOCAELI should be an African who is legally registered as a student of
Kocaeli University and Gebze Technical University who adhere to the present statutes, rules
and contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the association.
ARTICLE 8:
Any active member of this association is entitled to the following rights:
 The right to elect, be elected and to be nominated in the governing bodies of ASA-
KOCAELI
The right to be informed on the activities of ASA-KOCAELI.
The right to participate in any activities of the association.
The right of expression of opinion in an appropriate and proper manner.
ARTICLE 9:
The ASA-KOCAELI members are subject to the following obligations:
Respect of the constitution/by laws and the organs of ASA-KOCAELI.
Conserve and uphold the objectives of ASA-KOCAELI.
ARTICLE 10:
All ASA-KOCAELI members must:
Defend the ideas of all Africans.
Participate in all activities, give moral and material support to the executive and
management bodies.
Fulfil all contributions, special contributions and to make any payments as decided by the
General Assembly.
ARTICLE 11:
In order to facilitate compliance with the associations rules and regulations, any conduct from
a member(s) that is likely to discredit, threaten or demobilize members/association the
following sanctions imposed:
A) - With respect to the Executive Committee office:
Warning
Blame
Dissolution.
B) - In respect of members:
Warning
Blame
Exclusion.
ARTICLE 12:
Any member of the ASA-KOCAELI can resign freely. The resignation is not entitled to a
refund of contributions or fees paid. The resigning member is required to submit to the
association any document in his/her possession failure to which shall attract the penalty of
prosecution.
ARTICLE 13:
A person who previously resign from the association and is willing re-register, his/her
acceptance to the association shall be decided by the General Assembly.
ARTICLE 14:
Membership is lost by:
Resignation.
ASA-KOCAELI dissolution.
Death, expulsion, transfer or discontinuation by members.
Non-payment of dues for one semester.
Damage to the image and interests of the Association.
The finding of these facts and penalties relating thereto are the responsibility of the General
Assembly.
Title IV: BODIES AND OPERATION
ARTICLE 15:
ASA-KOCAELI's organs are:
The General Assembly
The Executive Committee Office (EXCO)
ARTICLE 16:
The General Assembly is the supreme organ of ASA-KOCAELI
It is composed of:
Members of the EXCO
Members of the specialized technical committees.
Honorary members
Benefactors.
ARTICLE 17:
The General Assembly;
Sets the policy of ASA-KOCAELI.
Defines the organization system.
Elects the members of Executive Committee.
Amends and adopts the program of activities.
Gives opinions and suggestions on budgets.
Adopts the moral and financial reports.
Decides on the dissolution of the association.
Fixes amounts and contributions.
Adopts the statutes and rules of procedure and shall, if necessary, change them.
ARTICLE 18:
The General Assembly meets in two ordinary sessions in a semester and in extraordinary
session at the request of 2/3 of members of Executive Committee.
ARTICLE 19:
The convening of the General Assembly shall contain the agenda and shall be in writing
addressed to members on the networking group page. The members shall also be informed via
other means such as SMS or e-mails.
ARTICLE 20:
The EXCO is the executive and administrative body of ASA-KOCAELI whose members are
elected by the General Assembly for a term of one year and renewable once.
The Executive Committee is composed as follows:
A President
A Vice President
A Secretary General
A Financial Secretary
Education and Training Secretary
Socials and Entertainment Secretary
Culture and Sports Secretary
Public Relation and International Affairs Secretary
Two auditors (one internal and one external)

ARTICLE 21:
The Executive Committee is responsible for:
Uphold and protect the constitution of the association.
The implementation of decisions of the General Assembly.
The administration of association.
Approve the programs and budgets of the association.
Establishing committees to carryout activities of the association.
Human resources management, material and finance.
ARTICLE 22:
Honorary membership and Benefactors is bestowed on an individual or group of individuals
who have uphold the interest and growth of ASA-KOCAELI. The decision can be proposed by
the EXCO but must be approved by the General Assembly.
ARTICLE 23:
The Executive Committee should meet once of each month in ordinary session and in
extraordinary session convened by its Chairman or at the request of 2/3 of the members.
Title V: RESOURCES AND MEANS OF FUNDS OF ASA-KOCAELI
ARTICLE 24:
ASA-KOCAELI resources and means of funds include:
Membership fees
Subsidies of any kind
Donations and legacies
 Workshops, conference debates, performances and public events (sports and cultural
activities).
Any other resources authorized by the laws and regulations in force in Turkey.

Title VI: AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION

ARTICLE 25:
The present constitution of ASA-KOCAELI can only be changed by the General Assembly, on
the proposal of the Executive Committee, or by a majority of 2/3 of the active members.
ARTICLE 26:
The dissolution of ASA-KOCAELI will be announced at the extraordinary general meeting
assembly specially convened for that purpose by a majority of 2/3 of the active members. The
dissolution decision is taken by the majority of 75% of the members present or represented.
The presence of applicants being required.
ARTICLE 27:
The liquidation of the assets of ASA-KOCAELI can be made by the auditors or any other
person authorized to close the accounts.
ARTICLE 28:
In case of dissolution of ASA-KOCAELI, the allocation of assets is decided by the General
Assembly and is intended for one or more organizations with the same goals and having a non-
profit nature.
Title VII: FINAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 29:
ASA-KOCAELI has legal personality and has to go to court.
ARTICLE 30:
In case of dispute on the application of these statutes or any rules established by the association,
any legal authorities are competent.
ARTICLE 31:
The internal rules of ASA-KOCAELI completes and specifies the application of these statutes.
ARTICLE 32:
These statutes were adopted by the Constituent General Assembly and takes the place of moral
contract between all active members.
 PART ONE

CONSTITUTION
Part I: PREFACE
ARTICLE 1:
We, the African Students Association members at Kocaeli, Turkey:
1. Recognize the need to share our cultures and traditions, and to learn to live together in
friendship and mutual respect for one another.
2. Commit to the need to offer academic, social, and any other assistance to one another.
3. Hereby constitute ourselves into a student association and adopt this constitution as the legal
document on which our association shall be established with the believe that:
This constitution shall be the supreme guide for the activities of the African Students
Association of Kocaeli, Turkey.
The General Assembly of the Association, through the decision of a two-third majority,
shall be the supreme interpreter of this constitution.
This constitution shall be effective from the day it is approved by the General Assembly of
the Association.
The association shall abide by the laws and statutes of Kocaeli, Turkey.
Part II: PREAMBLE, NAME AND MOTTO
ARTICLE 2:
In recognition and appreciation of our origin as Africans, our aspirations as young minds
seeking for knowledge to serve humanity especially our mother continent Africa. We give to
ourselves this constitution.
ARTICLE 3:
The name of our union is African Students Association in Kocaeli. Herein refer to as ASA-
KOCAELI.
ARTICLE 4:
The motto of ASA-KOCAELI shall be: Education, Unity and Fraternity
Part III: OBJECTIVES
ARTICLE 5:
ASA-KOCAELI aims:
To develop a friendly and familiarized environment
To enhance idea sharing especially education wise
To promote cultural diversity and create the awareness of multicultural aspects of Africa
To create and promote social activities
To promote the spirit of creativity, partnership and entrepreneurship
 To promote unity, cohesion, solidarity and integration.

Part IV: MEMBERSHIP, RIGHTS, DUTIES

ARTICLE 6:
ASA-KOCAELI is open to any natural or legally registered African Student in Kocaeli
University and Gebze Technical University who shares and commits to defend its goals and
interest.
ARTICLE 7:
The accession of ASA-KOCAELI is subject to payment of membership fees and acceptance of
its statutes and rules of procedure.
ARTICLE 8:
Membership fees are set at 5TL and it is paid once. This fee is subjected to change as agreed
by the General Assembly.
ARTICLE 9:
Every member has the right to:
Elect, be elected and to be nominated in the governing bodies of ASA-KOCAELI.
Be informed on the activities of ASA-KOCAELI.
Participate in any activities of the association.
Expression of opinion in an appropriate and proper manner.
Honorary members and supporting members may be invited to all meetings and general
Assembly of ASA-KOCAELI.
ARTICLE 10:
Any member has the duty to:
Fulfil the semestral membership fee.
Defend the ethics and objectives of the ASA-KOCAELI.
Contribute through their actions to implement rules governing the association.
Respect the majority views from the democratic debate.
Take part in the activities of the association.

ARTICLE 11:
The rate of the semester fee is due at 30TL. The fee will be in two instalments. 15TL at the
beginning of the semester and 15TL at the end of the semester.
ARTICLE 12:
Membership is lost by:
Resignation.
ASA-KOCAELI dissolution.
 Death, expulsion, transfer or discontinuation by member.
Non-payment of dues for one semester.
Damage to the image and interests of the Association.
The finding of these facts and penalties relating thereto are the responsibility of the General
Assembly.
Part V: BODIES AND FUNCTIONS
ARTICLE 13:
ASA-KOCAELI organs are those fixed by the statutes as follows:
The General Assembly
The Executive Committee Office (EXCO)
ARTICLE 14:
The General Assembly is the supreme body of ASA-KOCAELI and it is responsible for
determining the broad lines of action in the associations programs.
ARTICLE 15:
The powers of the General Assembly are:
Sets the policy of ASA-KOCAELI.
Defines the organization system.
Elects the members of Executive Committee.
Amends and adopts the program of activities.
Gives opinions and suggestions on budgets.
Adopts the moral and financial reports.
Decides on the dissolution of the association.
Fixes amounts and contributions.
Adopts the statutes and rules of procedure and shall, if necessary, change them.
ARTICLE 16:
The General Assembly meets in regular session convened by the President of the Executive
Committee Office and extraordinary session at the request of 2/3 of the members.
ARTICLE 17:
A simple majority of members is expected for the holding of regular sessions and 2/3 of the
members for extraordinary sessions.
ARTICLE 18:
The General Assembly decisions are primarily taken by consensus or by vote. The decision is
taken by a simple majority of members present. Voting is compulsory in case of choice of
people.
ARTICLE 19:
Executive Committee meetings are convened by the President. It meets once every month in
regular session.
It may hold extraordinary meetings at the request of its Chairman or at the initiative of 2/3 of
its members. The quorum required to validate decisions is a simple majority.
ARTICLE 20:
Decisions are taken by simple majority. In case of equality of votes, a second round of votes is
carried out and if a decision has not been reached, the Chairman has the casting vote.
Part VI: THE DUTIES OF OFFICERS
ARTICLE 21:
The President shall:
Be the legal representative of ASA-KOCAELI in all acts of association activities.
Convene and preside at meetings of the Executive Committee.
Chair the sessions of the General Assembly.
Coordinate activities and direct the concert expenses with the financial secretary in
accordance with accounting procedures of the association.
Be responsible for ensuring that all ASA-KOCAELI members perform their duties as
directed in this constitution.
Provide ASA-KOCAELI an up to date list of members and their position.
Have signing authority on all ASA-KOCAELI accounts in the absence of or vacancy of the
Financial Secretary
Be responsible for creating sub-committees as needed for other events.

The Vice President shall:

Assume all the duties of the president during his/her absence.
Be responsible for administrative duties related to new membership.
Maintain contact with alumni of ASA-KOCAELI.
Serve with the President as the official representative of the students when more than one is
required.
Assume the duties of the Secretary during his/her absence.
Prepare a tentative schedule at the beginning of each academic year of proposed events.

The Secretary General shall:

Represents the president in case of absence or incapacity of president and vice president
within the limits of tasks delegated to have.
Ensure the coordination of Executive Committee activities.
Maintain a current contact list of all members.
Be responsible for the successful chairing of some executive meetings.
Prepare an annual activities report to the General Assembly.
Write the reports and minutes of all meetings of the General Assembly and Executive
Committee.
Check the ASA-KOCAELI e-mail account and maintain the networking group/webpage.
Oversee the implementation of their decisions.
Be responsible for ASA-KOCAELI archives.
The Financial Secretary shall:
Be responsible for the finances of ASA-KOCAELI.
Manage monetary transactions of ASA-KOCAELI and maintains accounting records for all
practical purposes.
Present a report of the financial standing of the association at the beginning and at the end
of every semester.
Make periodic reports as the need arises.
Co-sign with president and the secretary general to authorize bank withdrawals and funds
disbursements.
Be the chairperson of the financial committee.
The Education and Training Secretary shall:
Be responsible for outreach, education and training in relation to Turkish people and ASA-
KOCAELI.
Use all facilities and tools available to it to help orientate new African students.
Organize and coordinate seminars, symposiums, and discussion panels to help disseminate
information on conditions and issues concerning Africa.
Be the chair of education and training committee.
Socials and Entertainment Secretary shall:
Organize and publicize social activities to promote good relations among members of the
association and with their communities.
Encourage entertainment events and other activities.
Be in charge of entertainment tools.
Culture and Sports Secretary shall:
Be responsible for organization of cultural and sports activities/events.
Arrange for such services to alleviate the culture alienation that many African students
experience as a result of living in a foreign country.
Participate in traditional campus fairs.
Organize and be the chairperson of the culture and sports committee.

Public Relation and International Affairs Secretary shall:

Ensure that all events are advertised to all members in advance on the networking
group/webpage.
Promote involvement of the student body at planned events.
Keep regular contact with the African diplomatic missions regarding programs and activities
of the association, and shall solicit assistance from the missions as the need arises.
Identify, establish and maintain external links outside the association.
Consult with international office and prepare a list of guest speakers to address the
association.
Enhance and maintain the image of the association.
The Auditors shall:
Be responsible for auditing, resources, expenses and certify the minutes of the Financial
Secretary.
Present an annual report to the General Assembly and inform the executive committee of
their various controls.
The specialized Technical Committees
Are responsible for the implementation of ASA-KOCAELI activities in their specific fields.
Composition and allocation are determined by the Executive Committee.
Are headed by a board of at least three (3) members including a President and rapporteurs.
Honorary members
Honorary membership is bestowed on an individual or group of individuals who has/have
uphold the interest and growth of ASA-KOCAELI. Award of membership can be proposed by
the EXCO but must be approved by the General Assembly.
Honorary members are responsible for:
Providing advice.
Supporting morally and financially if willing.
Part-taking in the Associations events willingly and when invited.
Benefactors
Benefactor(s) is an individual or group of individuals who has/have the interest and growth of
ASA-KOCAELI. They are allow to be financial sponsors of ASA-KOCAELI activities and
events.
ARTICLE 22:
All meetings are sanctioned by a report. Regular attendance at meetings is mandatory.
Part VII: ELECTIONS AND IMPEACHMENT OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
ARTICLE 23:
The general elections for the association shall be held during the meeting of the General
Assembly not later than one month to the end of every school year.
All members, who have fulfilled their financial obligations, shall be eligible to vote and vie
for elective offices according to the provisions contained in the Members' Rights and Duties
in PART IV.
Members of the Electoral Committee shall volunteer and three be appointed by the
Executives not later than two weeks before the date of the election.
Members of the Electoral Committee shall not be eligible to vote or be candidates of the
election.
All members of the association, who have fulfilled their membership obligations as stated
in PART IV, shall be eligible to nominate candidates for election
Each nomination shall be mentioned to the Executives and must be seconded by another
member who must have also fulfilled all membership obligations as stated in PART IV.
Voting shall be by transparent balloting.
 All members are entitled to one, and only one vote per candidate.
The candidate shall win the election with the simple majority, meaning the candidate with
the highest number of votes in the total votes cast.
In the event of a tie, a by-election or run-off election shall be held between the tied
candidates. And if the tie still remains after the by-election, the executive committee of the
association shall cast the deciding vote.
A by-election shall be conducted at the following General Assembly meeting in the event
of a resignation or removal of any person or persons from an elected position.
In case of unacceptance of a candidates lost in the elections, he/she has the right to petition
against the results via the electoral committee within 24 hours.
All the above election procedures shall apply to any by-election.
ARTICLE 24:
Honorary members:
Do not have the right to vote or be voted but can be allow to be present during the election
process.
Can be part of the Electoral Committee.
ARTICLE 25:
Any member may request an impeachment vote and the proposal must requires at least two-
thirds majority vote by members who have attended at least three meetings prior to the one at
which the impeachment vote is held. No members may be expelled from the group while
impeachment proceedings are pending.
ARTICLE 26:
Any member:
That does not respect the statutes and rules of procedure,
Who displays a behaviour harmful to ASA-KOCAELI,
That does not meet his/her contributions for one semester,
Who is absent and hold statutory meetings without good cause for a period of three months,
Is subject to the following penalties:
Warning
Suspension of voting rights after one warning
Exclusion.
Part VIII: RESOURCES OF ASA-KOCAELI
ARTICLE 27:
ASA-KOCAELI resources and means of funds include:
Membership fees
Subsidies of any kind
Donations and legacies
 Workshops, conference debates, performances and public events (sports and cultural
activities).
Any other resources authorized by Turkish laws and regulations

ARTICLE 28:

ASA-KOCAELI is committed towards third parties by the signature of its President. For
banking, the signature of the President, Secretary General and Financial Secretary are required.
Part IX: CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE 29:
These rules of procedure may be amended only by the decision of the General Assembly with
a majority of 2/3 of its members present and voting.
ARTICLE 30:
The Executive Committee and possibly the General Assembly shall decide on cases not
covered by the statutes and these rules.
Part X: APPENDIX
APPENDIX 1:
This constitution of the African Students Association Kocaeli is drafted and presented today in
recognition of the work done by members of the 2015-2016 Pioneer adopting committee and
also for the work done by the African Students Association Kocaeli, for its guidance.
APPENDIX 2:
This constitution is approved by the General Assembly and takes the place of moral contract
between all active members.
The signatures of the Pioneer drafting committee officers are placed here in the print version.
 PIONEER DRAFTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Asabuwa N. Fahanwi Mohamed A. Yasko

Halima Toyfane Faissal A. Hassan

Newton Owuor Aminata Sylla

Abdourahmane sylla Abdoulbagui A. Gombo

Sow Sekou Oumar Kiniena Mestin

Raichat M. Aboudou