Empowering the Next Generation: How AHMET BALDÖKTÜ İLKOKULU in Turkey Inspires Environmental Awareness and Creativity Through Recycling
In this project, our school provided many important gains to its students. These are gains that aim to create both individual and social awareness:
1. It Gained Environmental Awareness They become conscious about the protection of nature and the sustainable use of resources. They learned about the importance of waste separation and recycling.
2. It Developed Responsibility Awareness They learn to be environmentally sensitive individuals. They take responsibility by taking an active role in the recycling process. 3. It Encourages Scientific and Analytical Thinking They develop creative thinking by learning how recycled materials are transformed into new products. They developed the skills to produce solutions to environmental problems.
4. It Provided Economic Awareness They understood the importance of economic savings by preventing waste and using natural resources efficiently.
5. It Developed Social and Communication Skills They learned team spirit by collaborating in group work and projects. They took on social responsibility by participating in awareness-raising activities at school and in the environment.
6. Supports Creativity and Artistic Talent They demonstrate their creativity by producing various projects and works of art from recycled materials.
7. They Receive Sustainability Education at a Young Age They acquire environmental sustainability habits at an early age, which allows them to be environmentally friendly individuals throughout their lives. Such projects contribute to both the individual development of students and create social benefits. At the same time, they provide a permanent awareness of protecting the environment. The project included activities in which teachers, students, parents and the community participated:
– Students designed and exhibited new products from waste materials “Ramazan Gürel”;
– In order to increase environmental awareness in our students, our school corridors and ceilings were painted in the form of sky and clouds “Murat Bayhan”
– Waste in the schoolyard was collected by teachers and students “Ebru Uzar”
– A poster competition was organized to reduce energy and natural resource consumption “Kamil Uzar”
– “Recycling Workshops”Waste Separation Game: Students are given different types of waste (paper, plastic, metal, organic) and asked to separate them into the correct boxes. “Adem Sarıkoç”
– “Waste Collection Competition:” Students are divided into groups and the group that collects the most recycling materials in a certain period of time is awarded. “Kamil Uzar”
– “Best Recycling Project:” Students develop creative projects related to recycling and present them to the jury. “Ramazan Gürel”
– “Environment Day Activities”
Nature Walk and Garbage Collection: A nature walk is organized with the students and waste in the area is collected. Recycling Drama Show: A short theater play with the theme of environmental protection and recycling is prepared. “Ebru Uzar”
– “I recycle my books” All our students and the people of the neighborhood participated in our waste paper recycling campaign around Kayseri. We collected a total of 4 tons of waste paper and sent it to the municipality’s recycling facility. “Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality”
Encouraging recycling in schools is an important step for increasing environmental awareness and a sustainable future. Students contribute to the conservation of resources by learning the benefits of recycling to nature and society. Works such as placing waste separation bins, organizing recycling themed events and instilling environmentally friendly habits support raising environmentally conscious individuals at a young age. Let’s not forget, a small step can create a big change; every waste we recycle is a glimmer of hope for our future.