NATURE-BASED PRACTICAL EDUCATION FROM MENTEŞE MUNICIPALITY AND EGET FOUNDATION
EGET
HAMLE NEWSPAPER
May 18, 2025
The “A Handful of Soil, A World of Hope” event, organized in collaboration with Menteşe Municipality and EGET Foundation, brought children aged 8-11 together with nature.
The event, organized in collaboration with Menteşe Municipality and EGET Foundation, brought children aged 8-11 together with nature. Within the scope of the program, children explored nature and agriculture while receiving practical training on plant cultivation, ecological balance, and environmental awareness. In the event, which took place with the guidance of experts, children not only gained knowledge but also had the opportunity to think, ask questions, and apply what they learned.
They Established a Deep Connection with Nature
Throughout the event, children's ecological awareness was strengthened; their perspectives on nature became more questioning and conscious. The training sessions were given by Class Teacher Aylin Bal, Faculty Member Dr. Taylan Doğaroğlu, and Agricultural Engineer Necla Dal. Menteşe Deputy Mayor Mehmet Tahça and EGET Foundation Board Chair Özlem Uzman also participated.
“Local Governments Have a Great Responsibility”
In his post-event evaluation, Menteşe Deputy Mayor Mehmet Tahça emphasized the importance of children's contact with nature and their understanding of the soil. Tahça stated, “It is very meaningful for us that this education took place in Menteşe. We believe that local governments should create nature-based learning spaces for children, and we see this event as a reflection of this understanding.”
During the event, children learned about the development process of a seed, were introduced to worm compost, and created their own small gardens. Developing solutions to issues such as bees' struggle against climate change, the children discussed concepts such as art, science, and clean food in philosophy-based workshops, designing the “new continents” they imagined. This creative process strengthened their connection with nature, leaving unforgettable impressions on their minds.
EGET Foundation President: “Contact with the Soil Creates an Emotional Connection”
EGET Foundation Board President Özlem Uzman also drew attention to the meaning of the event, saying: “A child planting a seed with their own hands, getting to know bees and worms, allows them to connect with nature. These contacts increase children's sensitivity towards nature. Implementing such a valuable project with Menteşe Municipality was both promising and very precious for us.”
Special Book and Certificate for Children
At the end of the event, children were given a children's book titled "I Am Ayşen the Worm," written and illustrated by Safaî Özer, one of the founders of the EGET Foundation. The book, which tells about life underground, offered children the opportunity to reinforce their ecological awareness. In addition, each child who participated in the event was presented with a "Nature-Friendly Child Certificate," encouraging them to reflect what they learned in their lives.