THINK,ACT, LIVE GREEN!

The five-day program aimed to foster a deeper understanding of sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the importance of renewable energy among students and their families. Through a series of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects, participants were provided with the knowledge and tools needed to engage in practical environmental stewardship. The program combined theoretical learning with real-world applications, emphasizing the significance of waste reduction, recycling, upcycling, and energy conservation in creating a sustainable future. By integrating these topics across various disciplines, the program not only enhanced students' environmental awareness but also encouraged creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. From composting and waste collection to renewable energy studies and creative workshops, each activity was designed to inspire participants to adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives while fostering a sense of community responsibility and global awareness. 

Day 1: Composting and Environmental Awareness
On the first day of the program, participants were introduced to the principles of compost manure production. A detailed theoretical session explained the process of composting, its environmental benefits, and its significance in sustainable waste management. Following the informational session, participants visited designated compost manure collection areas, where they observed the decomposition of organic waste and its transformation into nutrient-rich compost. This hands-on experience provided practical insights into the composting process, deepening participants' understanding of waste recycling and its role in environmental sustainability. Many expressed increased appreciation for the value of organic waste.

Day 2: Waste Collection and Community Engagement
The second day focused on a collaborative waste collection activity, involving both students and their parents. Participants gathered at a lakeside location, where they collected organic and inorganic waste materials. The exercise emphasized the importance of waste segregation and responsible disposal, while also fostering a sense of collective responsibility among participants. The active involvement of parents and students reinforced the role of intergenerational collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. The event led to the successful removal of a significant amount of waste from the lakeside area, and participants reported a heightened sense of environmental accountability.

Day 3: Creative Upcycling and Waste Reuse
On the third day, students applied their collected waste materials to create reusable items, focusing on creative upcycling. The activity encouraged participants to identify and transform waste materials into functional or artistic products, fostering innovation and critical thinking. Students produced a variety of items, including decorative objects, storage containers, and art pieces. This hands-on activity reinforced the principles of sustainability and resource conservation, demonstrating how waste materials can be repurposed into valuable resources. Participants expressed pride in their creations, and many gained a greater understanding of the potential for reusing waste.

Day 4: Organic Paper Making and Recycling
The fourth day featured an Organic Paper Making Workshop, where students recycled used paper to create new handmade paper. Participants brought old newspapers, which were re-pulped and transformed into colorful paper sheets. This activity not only provided technical knowledge about paper recycling but also highlighted the environmental benefits of reducing paper waste and conserving natural resources. By producing their own paper, students gained a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices and the concept of the circular economy. The workshop was met with enthusiasm, and students expressed interest in applying the technique at home or in their communities.

Day 5: The Garbage Festival and Creative Sustainability
The final day of the program culminated in the Garbage Festival, a celebration of environmental awareness through creative workshops. Two key workshops took place during the festival:

1. Instrument Design from Packaging Waste: Participants used discarded packaging materials to create musical instruments. This activity demonstrated the potential of waste materials to be transformed into functional and artistic objects, encouraging a shift in consumption patterns and fostering creativity.

2. Paper Pulp Sculpture Design: Students used the handmade paper produced the previous day to create sculptures, exploring both the artistic and practical applications of recycled materials.

The festival successfully highlighted the importance of reusing materials and drew attention to alternative consumption patterns. Through these interactive activities, participants learned that reusing waste can significantly contribute to environmental protection and resource conservation. The event reinforced the collective responsibility to adopt sustainable practices, and participants left with a renewed commitment to sustainability.

Integration of Renewable Energy Education
In alignment with another key goal, the program included an exploration of renewable energy and its integration with various academic subjects. Students examined the contributions of renewable energy resources to their country's economy and their positive environmental effects through research and presentations. They analyzed the impact of the transition to renewable energy on economic growth and discussed the energy policies in their respective countries, developing their own ideas on the subject.

In addition, renewable energy concepts were incorporated into several courses. In mathematics, students conducted calculations on energy consumption and savings rates. In science, they explored different types of renewable energy in detail, while in foreign language classes, they presented their findings, improving both their language skills and environmental awareness.

Posters, Banners, and Energy Awareness
The posters and banners created by students generated considerable attention throughout the school, helping raise awareness about energy saving and renewable energy. The visual representations and slogans effectively communicated the importance of these issues, leading to greater student engagement. Interactive activities also provided students with an opportunity to learn more about energy concepts, such as energy symbols, units, and transformations, by using concrete examples.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Students developed a greater understanding of energy efficiency and conservation, learning the law of conservation of energy and producing solutions for more sustainable energy use. By distinguishing between non-renewable and renewable energy sources, they recognized the environmental and economic significance of using renewable energy. These lessons reinforced the importance of adopting sustainable energy practices in daily life.

Skills Development and Program Goals
Throughout the program, students gained essential critical skills, including information literacy, scientific literacy, mathematical analysis, teamwork, data interpretation, and the ability to generalize and evaluate results. The program successfully encouraged students to think holistically about energy, understand energy transformations, and consider sustainability in their daily actions. By learning to distinguish different energy sources and develop sustainable living habits, students were equipped with the tools needed to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Additional Activities: Quizzes, Fashion Parade, and Creativity Workshops
To further reinforce environmental knowledge, a quiz was held, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable resources. Additionally, the ECO fashion parade provided students with the opportunity to explore sustainability in the fashion industry, demonstrating how waste materials can be reused in creative ways. A workshop titled "Creativity with Reuse and Recycling" encouraged students to think creatively about reusing materials and reducing waste, enhancing their problem-solving and innovation skills in the context of environmental sustainability.

Conclusion
The five-day program was highly successful in providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable waste management and renewable energy practices. Through a combination of theoretical lessons, hands-on activities, and creative workshops, students and their families were empowered to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors. The program emphasized the principles of recycling, upcycling, and resource conservation, contributing to the development of a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Students left with a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions on the environment and a renewed commitment to protecting natural resources. The initiative demonstrated the transformative power of education and community engagement in shaping a more sustainable future.

THE MOBILITY TO TURKIYE

The event titled "What Do You Know About Konya?" offered participants a unique opportunity to learn about the city's cultural and environmental dynamics through a quiz that tested their knowledge of Konya's history and contemporary developments. Additionally, a student-led presentation titled "Live Green" provided crucial information on sustainable living practices, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness.

A cultural tour of the old city center allowed participants to explore Konya's rich heritage. The tour included visits to significant historical sites such as the Mevlana Museum, ancient mosques, and traditional bazaars, offering firsthand insight into the city's historical context. These experiences are invaluable in linking the city's past with its present, fostering an appreciation for its cultural legacy.

In the realm of artistic activities, a workshop on marbling art, a traditional Turkish craft, was conducted. Participants had the chance to learn the techniques of marbling and apply them to create their own designs, such as bookmarks, encouraging creativity and a deeper connection to traditional art forms.

To further raise environmental consciousness, an exhibition of musical instruments made from recycled materials was organized. This showcased how waste materials can be creatively transformed into functional art. In addition, presentations on topics such as "Change the World with Renewable Energy" and "Saving, Recycling, Green Economy, Sustainability," organized by the Selçuk University Erasmus Office and the Youth Support Association Environment Club, provided valuable insights into sustainable practices and renewable energy solutions.

Workshops on environmental sustainability were also conducted, including a presentation on "Bokashi Composting," followed by a practical session on composting organic waste. A soap-making workshop using organic waste allowed participants to create soaps, which were later gifted to students and teachers, further reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in daily life.

The events in Konya contributed to the participants' understanding of environmental and cultural issues, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. By visiting historical sites, engaging in artistic activities, and participating in workshops focused on sustainability, participants were able to deepen their cultural awareness while learning how to contribute to a more sustainable future.

The project also included a series of activities aimed at further promoting environmental education. On Day 1, students wrote letters to nature, imagining its future, and participated in the "Journey of Plastic" activity, where they explored the life cycle of a plastic product. On Day 2, students engaged in a rainwater harvesting activity, designing simple gutters and tanks to collect rainwater for use at school or home. Day 3 featured the creation of a permaculture farm model, where students designed and presented sustainable farming practices. On Day 4, the "Voice of Art" activity encouraged students to create individual artistic designs using waste materials, highlighting the intersection of art and nature. On the final day, the "Time Tunnel" exhibition was held, showcasing the history of waste, plastic use, and energy resources, with a focus on the environmental impact of plastic over time.

The project culminated in a closing ceremony, where the activities and outcomes were presented, and awards for the interactive poster competition were given. Artistic performances by students, with the participation of parents and stakeholders, further celebrated the achievements of the project, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and environmental consciousness.

In conclusion, these events significantly contributed to enhancing cultural, artistic, and environmental awareness among participants. By blending education with hands-on experiences, the project fostered a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the value of preserving both cultural heritage and the environment.