Details of the 'Science Corridor Workshops' Project Shared with the Public

Türkiye İş Bankası and Petrol Ofisi Group Launch 'Science Generation Workshops' Project Details Shared with Public Türkiye İş Bankası and Petrol Ofisi Group launched the 'Science Generation Workshops' project, with details shared with the public at a press conference held. The project, which aims to 'create a spark effect in enabling children and young people who will shape Türkiye's future to lead in science and technology' and 'contribute to Türkiye's social, communal and scientific progress,' was initially implemented for children in regions affected by the major earthquake disaster on 6 February 2023. The project, which aims to enable children to conduct experiments and become familiar with fundamental scientific concepts, increase their interest in and curiosity about science and technology, is being carried out with the participation of children aged 8-13 under the supervision of science educators and volunteers. Science kits sent to schools that children can easily use and that enrich their imagination and perspective are being used to introduce children to engaging science content under the guidance of volunteer teachers. The project also aims to have a positive impact on students' academic and social achievement.

Reach 750,000 children by end of 2025

The project covers state schools at primary and secondary education levels in the earthquake region and disadvantaged state schools at primary and secondary education levels in other provinces. Between 6 May and 27 December 2023, a total of 52 workshops were held. 1,402 children were reached and science kits were sent to 154 schools. Role model teachers working at schools that received science kits underwent a 2-month training program. During this program, teachers completed training in science curriculum including artificial intelligence, coding and robotics. Through workshops held at schools, 85,902 children were reached gradually. Thus, a total of 87,304 children were reached within the project scope in 2023. The first Science Generation Workshops of 2024 were held in Adana and Hatay on 13-14 January. Workshops will continue in Adıyaman, İskenderun and other designated cities. The project aims to reach a total of 750,000 children aged 8-13 by the end of 2025.

'Together, with reason and conscience, let us act in the light of science'

İş Bankası General Manager Hakan Aran stated that he has viewed sustainable development as the highest priority from day one, noting that the project was developed to heal the wounds left by the 6 February earthquake disaster, encourage children in the earthquake region to dream, transform them into individuals who look to the future with confidence and hope, and increase employment in the region. Aran stated that through the project they implemented together with Petrol Ofisi Group, which shares the same awareness and approach, they wish to fill the void created in children's educational lives following the trauma they experienced after the earthquake. Pointing to the importance of companies' cooperation in the area of social responsibility, Aran said, 'Together, with reason and conscience, let us act in the light of science. Only when joint action is taken to meet an existing need will some things change at a macro level and a snowball effect be created. 'We will see the impact of the Science Generation Workshops project in the future, in the successful work that our children will do when they grow up. With this hope, we have actually planted a seed; this is why we set out.' he explained.

'Children who meet science's fun side will pioneer historic innovations'

Petrol Ofisi Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mehmet Abbasoğlu said they believe the Science Generation Workshops will play an important role in unlocking the real potential of children, who make up more than 25 percent of society. Abbasoğlu stated, 'Our goal is to bring children together with science and questioning skills, contributing to them becoming healthy and happy individuals who produce with reason and conscience. We are eager to hear the ideas of children who meet science's warm and fun side, who express themselves with confidence and happiness, as we are certain they will pioneer historic innovations.' he expressed.

Abbasoğlu, explaining that thanks to their ability to be prepared for all conditions they were able to provide uninterrupted energy supply to the disaster area during the earthquake disaster, concluded his remarks as follows:

'The disaster we experienced proved once again how vital it is to always be prepared, to base ourselves on science, technology and shared reason, and to engage in sustainable and conscientious production. We will make every effort to ensure this understanding takes root in the new generation. Starting from the earthquake region and spreading throughout the country, we aim to reach 750,000 children by the end of 2025 with this project, which is just the beginning. We are pleased to proceed alongside Türkiye İş Bankası, which shares our enthusiasm for making meaningful contributions to our future.' Source