TÜBİTAK 4008-supported inclusive science project launched for special students in Alaşehir
A five-day TÜBİTAK 4008 project has been launched in the Alaşehir district of Manisa, bringing students with special needs together with science and art.
In the Alaşehir district of Manisa, an inclusive community project supported under TÜBİTAK 4008 and lasting for five days has officially begun. Through the project, students with special needs gain hands-on experiences in the fields of science, technology, art, and life skills.
Objectives and Scope of the Project
Hosted by the Alaşehir Science and Art Center, the project stands out as a first in the district and aims to provide students with special needs barrier-free access to scientific activities.
Throughout the five-day program, students' skills in observation, problem-solving, questioning, and working together are supported, offering a wide range of activities from mathematics to biology.
Opening Ceremony and Participants
The opening program was attended by Alaşehir District Governor Ercan Öter, Deputy Mayor Erol Kaçar, District Director of National Education Fikri Çetinkaya, and Sarıgöl District Director of National Education Yıldıray Demirtaş.
Protocol members, teachers, parents, and students who gathered at the event area examined the project and received detailed information from authorities about the workshops.
Evaluation by the Project Coordinator
In her opening speech, project coordinator Dr. Cennet Yıldırım explained that the core question of the work is to focus not on what a child cannot do, but on what they can do.
Stating that an inclusive society is possible only when everyone is valued with their own differences, Yıldırım said they aim to help students discover their strengths.
Concerts and Meet-and-Greet Activities
Following the speeches, a mini concert was performed by Buca Science and Art Center Music Teacher Ferhat Devecioğlu and Alaşehir Science High School Music Teacher Eray Arı.
Protocol members and participants accompanied the ice-breaking games in the school yard, posing for commemorative photos with the students and sharing pleasant moments.
Statements from the Protocol
Alaşehir Science and Art Center Director Cüneyt Akkuş drew attention to the importance of equal participation of individuals with special needs in scientific activities and thanked those who contributed to the project.
District Governor Ercan Öter, on the other hand, emphasized that such studies play a critical role in increasing children's interest in science in the age of information and technology.