As the Education Teachers Unit of the Bülbülzade Vakfı, we once again came together this year with our esteemed educator friends and volunteers at our traditional discussion-based iftar programs.
Before the iftar, under the moderation of Abuzer Nas, we held an inspiring discussion 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 the civil sphere, which aims to complement the standardized structure of formal curricula with conscience education, the search for truth, and moral development. In his opening remarks, Abuzer Nas highlighted our responsibility as a foundation to undertake spiritual dimensions and the pursuit of truth, while also sharing the outcomes of our Concept, Children, and Youth workshops conducted within our organization.
EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO A SINGLE ORGANIZATION
During the discussion session, our esteemed educators who took the floor 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 “give their color” to 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 take on a pioneering role in producing solutions to the problems of both the state and humanity, that the core 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 guiding every segment of society—from tradespeople to homemakers.
WE ARE CARRYING THE WISDOM OF ANATOLIA TO ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD
In the closing speech of the program, Adem Er, Vice President of the Bülbülzade Vakfı, stated that as a foundation, they have been striving for youth and families for nearly 40 years. Noting that many programs such as workshops, book analyses, student meetings, and educational activities are carried out within the foundation, Er said: “Last year, as a foundation, we enabled the mobility of 620 young people. In other words, we are trying to ensure that the culture of foundations and the wisdom of Anatolia find resonance not only in Gaziantep but all around the world.”
