As the Education Teachers Unit of Bülbülzade Foundation, we once again came together this year with our esteemed educator friends and volunteers at our deliberative iftar programs, which we have made a tradition.
Before iftar, under the moderation of Abuzer Nas and Cumali Kaplan, we held an insightful deliberation centered on the question: “How can the balance between individual inner transformation and collective social responsibility be established in building the future?” During the session, we emphasized the need for the free breath of civil society to complement the standardized structure of formal curricula with conscience education, the pursuit of truth, and moral development. In his opening remarks, Abuzer Nas drew attention to our responsibility as a foundation to uphold spiritual dimensions and the pursuit of truth, while Cumali Kaplan shared the outcomes of our Concept, Children, and Youth workshops conducted within our organization.
EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO A SINGLE ORGANIZATION
During the deliberation session, our esteemed educators offered insightful evaluations regarding the multidimensional role of civil society in education. They stated that non-governmental organizations represent the values of the people and therefore should “leave their mark” on education. Participants expressed that the exam- and academic success-oriented structure of formal education creates gaps in vital areas such as character and values education, and that these gaps can only be filled through the non-formal education and guidance efforts of civil society. It was also among the key discussion points that civil society should assume a pioneering role in producing solutions to the problems of both the state and humanity, that the fundamental mission of this process is to build character and personality in individuals, and that the scope of education should extend beyond school walls, with civil society providing guidance to all segments of society, from tradespeople to homemakers.
WE CARRY THE WISDOM OF ANATOLIA TO ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD
In his closing speech, Adem Er, Vice President of Bülbülzade Foundation, stated that as a foundation, we have been striving for nearly 40 years for youth and families. Noting that many programs such as workshops, book analyses, student gatherings, and educational activities are carried out within the foundation, Er said: “Last year, as a foundation, we facilitated the mobility of 620 young people. In other words, we strive to ensure that foundation culture and the wisdom of Anatolia find resonance not only in Gaziantep but in all corners of the world.”
