29/06/2026
The Discover Yourself Project was carried out at Erzurum Sabancı Primary School between 21-25 June 2026 with the support of the Sabancı Foundation and the participation of 10 volunteer students from Sabancı University.
As part of the project, a series of workshops were organized for fourth-grade students at Erzurum Sabancı Primary School on the themes of children’s rights, cultural interaction, cultural heritage, urban awareness, access to accurate information, and conflict, reconciliation, and peace. Through games, group activities, and creative practices, the workshops aimed to strengthen children's critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and active participation skills.
In addition to the workshops, artistic and cultural activities provided children with learning environments where they could freely express themselves, develop their creativity, and experience the joy of creating together. Another important objective of the project was to encourage university student volunteers to serve as older brother and sister role models, inspiring children and supporting their motivation toward higher education.
The Sabancı University student volunteers shared their experiences as follows:
"This project reminded me how, as we grow up, we gradually lose the excitement we once felt for the little things. Seeing the children's curiosity and enthusiasm for even the smallest moments deeply moved me. Learning, creating, and exploring different topics together with them was an unforgettable experience. Sharing it with such an amazing team made it even more special." (Merve Kelebek)
"Thanks to the Discover Yourself Project, I learned to see the world through a child's eyes once again. Throughout the intensive yet incredibly enjoyable week, it was wonderful to take on the role of an older brother while also embracing my own inner child. Feeling that we were able to raise children's awareness about important issues was simply indescribable." (Doğu Can Batı)
"My time in Erzurum through the Discover Yourself Project became an experience far beyond my expectations. As I realized that the children were paying close attention to everything we did and even taking us as role models, my sense of responsibility grew stronger. The more tangible that responsibility became, the more meaningful our work felt. We worked together as an incredible team, and I feel truly fortunate to have been part of this experience." (Rüveyda Otu)
“Discover Yourself was much more than a week of volunteering for me—it was an experience that genuinely made me stop and reflect. Being both a teacher and a learner at the same time teaches you far more than you expect. We spent an enjoyable and productive week with the children in Erzurum, and I'm grateful to have been part of this project." (Ege Tarık Sağıroğlu)
"We spent an unforgettable week with children whose imaginations were as colorful as the region they live in. It was an interactive journey where we shared, learned, and taught one another so much. The experience broadened my perspective, while the children's energy and curiosity left lasting memories." (Tülin Çevik)
"The Discover Yourself experience was unlike anything else I have ever experienced. The emotions I felt were unique to this project and incredibly meaningful. Working with children, contributing to their development, and learning from them in return was deeply fulfilling. Throughout the process, many of my preconceptions disappeared. Sometimes we learned to approach situations from completely different perspectives, and other times we worked together with the children to find different yet equally valuable solutions to the challenges we encountered." (Nil İkbal Direkli)
"Through Discover Yourself, I had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others while learning so much myself. The children's excitement, curiosity, and smiles made this project truly meaningful for me. I had fun, grew as a person, and got to know myself better throughout the journey. I'm so glad I was part of it." (İbrahim Halil Aydın)
On the final day of the project, Niyazi Selçuk, founder of Green Ants School (Yeşil Karıncalar Okulu) and one of the 16th Season Changemakers recognized by the Sabancı Foundation, led a workshop on recycling and sustainability. Through hands-on activities, the workshop aimed to raise children's awareness of environmental responsibility and recycling while encouraging them to adopt sustainable habits they can apply in their daily lives.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Sabancı Foundation for its generous support and valuable contributions, which made this project possible.
