Between April 29 and May 3, 2024, the second mobility of our project took place in Istanbul, Turkey.
On the first day of the mobility, students and teachers were warmly welcomed at Liv College, with a traditional reception reflecting our country's culture. Traditional foods were offered to promote cultural exchange, marking the start of the mobility program. The school's principal and the department coordinator gave speeches to greet the students and teachers. Ice-breaking activities were conducted to help students adapt to the environment and foster connections. Later, students presented the cultural backgrounds of their respective countries through presentations they had prepared earlier. A poster-making activity followed, with small groups consisting of students from each country in equal numbers. Each group illustrated their vision of "A Happy Life in A Healthy Environment" on their posters. The best poster was chosen, and the group members received small prizes. Class observations started and throughout the entire week visiting teachers had the opportunity to participate at job-shadowing activities every day. Afterwards, everyone went to Göztepe Park, where they observed different plant species and gathered information about them. They took notes while walking by the seaside, discussing how fresh air positively affects health.
The second day included class observations and a visit to historic sites in Istanbul, emphasizing cultural heritage The cultural visit started with a stroll through Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet Square, where students and teachers explored iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. This immersion into the city's rich history emphasized the importance of cultural heritage in fostering a sense of identity and community. By understanding the past, we can appreciate the need to preserve these sites for future generations, linking back to our theme of "A Healthy World for a Happy Life." Next, everybody visited the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, a collection of three museums showcasing artifacts from various civilizations that have called this region home. While touring the exhibits, participants were reminded of humanity's shared history and the importance of preserving our cultural legacy. The students engaged in discussions about how maintaining historical sites contributes to a healthy environment by promoting education and sustainable tourism. The day concluded with a sunset walk along the Bosphorus, where participants were encouraged to reflect on the day's experiences and discuss how cultural heritage and environmental sustainability are intertwined. This walk provided a moment of serenity and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in a well-preserved environment. The students left with a greater appreciation for the role they can play in building a healthier, happier world.
Day three focused on classroom observations and discussions on environmental education. This was an opportunity for students and teachers to visit classrooms within the school, observing different teaching methods and discussing approaches to environmental education. In these sessions, they explored how schools can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and educating the next generation about the importance of a healthy planet. Activities highlighted sustainable practices, creativity with waste materials, and the role of schools in promoting a healthy planet. Throughout the day, the focus remained on the interconnectedness of a healthy world and a happy life. By encouraging creativity with waste materials and exploring innovative educational approaches, participants left with a deeper understanding of their role in building a more sustainable future. The day's activities served as a reminder that every action counts in the journey toward a healthier, more sustainable planet.
The fourth day of program was all about understanding innovative solutions to environmental challenges, reflecting our theme of "A Healthy World for a Happy Life." The day began with a visit to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Waste Power Plant, a state-of-the-art facility that converts waste into energy. The tour provided an eye-opening look at how waste management can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. During the plant tour, participants learned about the various stages of waste processing, from sorting to combustion, and how these processes generate electricity and reduce landfill waste. The guides explained the technology behind waste-to-energy conversion and its impact on reducing the carbon footprint. This experience underscored the importance of recycling and responsible waste management in creating a healthy environment. Students and teachers left with a greater appreciation for the innovative ways cities are addressing environmental issues. Following the power plant visit, participants headed to İstinye University for a workshop and panel discussion led by a university professor. The discussion centered around the key questions of our project theme: What does a happy environment look like? The professor encouraged participants to share their visions of a happy environment, highlighting the common themes of clean air, green spaces, biodiversity, and community well-being. The discussion emphasized that a happy environment is one where people and nature coexist harmoniously. How does a clean environment affect our lives? The panel explored the various ways in which a clean environment contributes to our physical and mental health. From reducing respiratory diseases to improving mood and fostering a sense of community, a clean environment has profound benefits for individuals and society. What kind of work can be done for a clean environment? Participants brainstormed practical steps that individuals and communities can take to promote a clean environment, such as reducing plastic use, participating in community clean-up events, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for environmental policies. The professor shared examples of successful environmental initiatives and encouraged participants to become environmental stewards in their own communities. The workshop provided a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration, reinforcing the notion that everyone has a role to play in creating a sustainable world. To close the day, a ceremony was held for the presentation of certificates, recognizing the contributions of students and teachers to the mobility program. Each participant received a certificate of completion, symbolizing their commitment to promoting a healthy and happy environment. The ceremony was a moment of celebration, reflecting the spirit of unity and cooperation that defined our program. It was a fitting end to a day focused on learning, innovation, and the shared goal of a healthier planet.
On the last day ,students watched a documentary on plastic recycling. The documentary explored the global impact of plastic waste and highlighted innovative recycling techniques that are making a positive difference. The film featured stories of communities and individuals dedicated to reducing plastic pollution, reinforcing the importance of collective action.Following the documentary, students were divided into small groups for a brainstorming session. Each group was tasked with discussing the key points from the documentary and generating ideas for promoting plastic recycling in their own communities.The brainstorming session addressed topics such as reducing single-use plastics, creating awareness campaigns, and encouraging local businesses to support recycling initiatives. Participants proposed creative solutions like art installations made from recycled plastics, school recycling programs, and community clean-up events. A cultural evening was also organized in which the students presented a selection of healthy sustainable recipes from each country. The mobility concluded with a certificate ceremony for participants.