CHILDREN IN MENTEŞE CONNECTED WITH THE SOIL

Yeni Bakış / May 20, 2025

To read the news: https://www.yenibakishaber.com.tr

A significant event was held in collaboration with Menteşe Municipality and EGET Foundation to raise awareness of nature and agriculture among future generations. Under the title "A Handful of Soil, A World of Hope," children aged 8-11 connected with the soil. They experienced a hands-on learning activity related to plant cultivation, agriculture, and ecological balance.

In the educational program jointly conducted by Menteşe Municipality and EGET Foundation, children not only came into contact with the soil but also had inquisitive and creative experiences about how nature works. Throughout the hands-on learning process based on agriculture and ecology, children learned about many topics, from the journey of seeds to worm compost, from bees' fight against climate change to the concept of clean food.

Increasing Children's Sensitivity Towards Nature

Commenting on the event, Menteşe Mayor Gonca Köksal Aras stated that children's close connection with the soil and nature is extremely valuable in laying the foundations of ecological awareness at an early age. Emphasizing the importance of local governments creating space for such awareness-raising activities, Mayor Aras shared her satisfaction that this gathering took place in Menteşe.

Strengthening Children's Connection with Nature

The event focused not only on agriculture but also on intellectual development. Through group work, children designed their own new continents; they reflected on the concepts of art, science, nature, and clean food. They developed solutions to the climate crisis through the role of bees in the ecosystem. Thus, they not only observed nature but also established an intellectual connection with it.

Both Promising and Very Valuable

EGET Foundation Board Chairman Özlem Uzman also stated that the bond a child forms with nature when touching the soil, planting seeds, and growing plants is stronger and more lasting. Uzman stated that they have observed the effects of this in the ecological education programs they have been conducting for years, and said that this program held in Menteşe is a promising collaboration.

Nature-Friendly Children's Certificate

At the end of the event, children were given the children's book "I Am Ayşen the Worm," written and illustrated by Safaî Özer, one of the founders of the EGET Foundation. The book introduces the unseen heroes of underground life and offers children the opportunity to strengthen their connection with the environment. In addition, all participants received a "Nature-Friendly Children's Certificate," encouraging them to apply what they learned in their daily lives.