IN MENTEŞE, MUĞLA, A HANDFUL OF SOIL TOUCHED BY CHILDREN BECAME A SOURCE OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Antalya Gulf / May 17, 2025

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

Muğla Menteşe Municipality and the Education, Geriatrics, Ecological Agriculture-Tourism Foundation (EGET) have undertaken a meaningful project to increase awareness of nature and agriculture in future generations. In the event, titled "A Handful of Soil, A World of Hope," children aged 8-11 experienced a hands-on learning experience about plant cultivation, agricultural techniques, and ecological balance through direct contact with the soil. Meeting with experts, the children had the opportunity to ask questions and apply what they learned. Thanks to the event, the children's ecological awareness developed, and their relationship with nature gained a deeper and more inquisitive dimension.

CLOSENESS TO THE SOIL AND ECOLOGICAL THINKING

Menteşe Mayor Gonca Köksal Aras, in her statement regarding the event, said, "Children's closeness to the soil and the living things within it is very valuable in terms of developing ecological thinking at an early age. It is meaningful for us that this education took place in Menteşe." Aras emphasized that she believes the widespread adoption of such approaches throughout the country will increase children's sensitivity towards nature and that local governments should create opportunities for educational and awareness-raising activities.

LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESS

During the program, children learned in detail about the journey of a seed. They became acquainted with vermicompost and created their own miniature gardens. Developing solutions through the lens of bees' struggle against climate change, the children created their own "new continents" by discussing concepts such as art, science, and clean food in philosophy-based group work. This thought-provoking and production-oriented process strengthened the children's connection with nature and left lasting impressions on their minds about the value of nature.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH NATURE

Özlem Uzman, Chairperson of the EGET Foundation Board of Directors, stated that children's ability to touch the soil, get to know seeds, bees, and worms up close, and witness the growth of plants they have grown themselves strengthens their bond with nature. Uzman said, "We have observed firsthand in our ecology-based education programs, which we have been conducting for years, how important this kind of direct contact is in developing sensitivity towards nature. Coming together with Menteşe Municipality for such a meaningful project was both promising and very valuable for us."

At the end of the event, children were given a copy of the children's book "I Am Ayşen the Worm," written and illustrated by Safaî Özer, one of the founders of the EGET Foundation. They were also given a "Nature-Friendly Child Certificate" to remind them of their connection with nature and encourage them to apply what they learned to their daily lives.