TURMEPA merges environmental education with technology, launching the 'Coding Blue in Göcek' project for students at Göcek Marine Clean Middle School.
DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA continues to combine environmental education with technology in line with its vision for a sustainable future. Within the scope of the “Coding Blue in Göcek” educational project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education's General Directorate of Primary Education, students at Göcek Marine Clean Middle School met with the Vedia Nil Apak robotic coding and production skills class. In this new educational area, which is the association's fifth coding class, students will be introduced to robotic coding, three-dimensional design, and artificial intelligence applications, while also having the opportunity to develop projects aimed at the protection of the seas.
The project aims to reach 2,500 students and 200 teachers across 36 schools in Fethiye and Dalaman within one year. The project has already reached 12 teachers from 9 schools through face-to-face training, with plans for 120 students to participate directly in hands-on workshops.
DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA has taken a step forward with the opening of its fifth coding class in Fethiye Göcek, which combines education on the environment and technology for 32 years. The “Coding Blue in Göcek” Project was launched at Göcek Marine Clean Middle School, which has received the title of “Blue School” under the protocol on Marine and Water Resources conducted with the Ministry of National Education's General Directorate of Primary Education. The project was brought to life with the support of Arçelik, Pratt & Whitney, Deutsche Bank, and Mehmet Apak, General Manager of Temel Ticaret ve Yatırım A.Ş. and Accounting Director of Koç Holding. The opening of the “Vedia Nil Apak Robotic Coding and Production Skills Class” was held on April 7 in Göcek.
The opening ceremony was attended by Fethiye District Governor Fatih Akkaya, Muğla Provincial Deputy Director of National Education İdris Kömürcü, Fethiye District National Education Director Faruk Kaya, Dalaman District National Education Director Ersal Esin Avcı, Ersin Kaya, Head of the Environmental Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in Fethiye, Faik Şahin, Deputy Port Manager of Göcek, TURMEPA Board Chairman Şadan Kaptanoğlu, İMEAK DTO Fethiye Branch Assembly Chairman Onur Ugan, and project supporters including Mehmet Apak, General Manager of Temel Ticaret ve Yatırım A.Ş. and Accounting Director of Koç Holding, Fezan Yenici, Human Resources Team Leader at Pratt & Whitney, school principal İbrahim Tutal, teachers, and students.
In his opening speech, Fethiye District Governor Fatih Akkaya stated, “In a region like Göcek, which is intertwined with the sea, developing projects to protect our seas becomes even more important. It is your valuable children who have great responsibilities in protecting this special sea and region. As the world rapidly digitalizes, we also need to adapt to this innovation. We hope that the “Coding Blue in Göcek” project, brought to our school and region thanks to TURMEPA and its valuable supporters, will serve this purpose. We wish success to our region, our school, and our children.”
TURMEPA Board Chairman Şadan Kaptanoğlu said in his speech: “As TURMEPA, we believe that raising awareness for the protection of our seas and environment, thinking solution-oriented, supporting technological developments, and increasing social participation is best achieved through education. Through our educational activities over the past 32 years, we have reached over 9 million people. The Vedia Nil Apak Robotic Coding and Production Skills Class, which we opened today, is not just an educational space, but also a development environment where individuals who think, produce, and take responsibility will grow. Our students will be introduced to robotic coding, three-dimensional design, and artificial intelligence-based applications here, enhancing their analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills. With this class, our aim is not only to equip our children with technical skills but also to raise generations with high awareness of the sea and environment, who respect nature.”
Muğla Provincial Deputy Director of National Education İdris Kömürcü, in his speech, stated, “It is very valuable for our children to access technological equipment in order to adapt to a digitalized world. In this context, the “Coding Blue in Göcek” Project initiated in our region will be a great opportunity for our students. Here, both our teachers and students will have the chance to develop projects that will protect the seas and nature. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to and supported the project.”
Ibrahim Tutal, Principal of Göcek Marine Clean Primary and Secondary School, expressed, “We are very happy that the robotic coding and production skills workshop has come to life in our school. Equipping our students with 21st-century skills and raising them as active and respectful individuals in the world of the future is among our school's priorities. This project will provide us with significant opportunities to achieve this goal. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our students receiving this education.”
The program continued with colorful performances by students, and the song “Zero Waste Blue,” which they prepared and voiced specifically for the project, received great acclaim. During the ceremony, TURMEPA Board Chairman Şadan Kaptanoğlu presented thank-you plaques to the participants and stakeholders who supported the project.
Marine education is merging with technology.
Within the scope of the project, 12 teachers from 9 schools in Fethiye and Dalaman participated in practical training lasting 5 days. At the end of the training, certificates were awarded to the teachers by an expert from the Ministry of National Education's General Directorate of Primary Education. Within one year, it is planned to reach 2,500 students and 200 teachers through online training in 36 schools in Fethiye and Dalaman, and 120 students through workshops. Additionally, a “Blue Library” has been created in the classroom, containing Ministry of National Education-approved books on marine ecosystems, zero waste, and climate change. This library aims to provide resources for the projects developed by teachers and students.
There are 15 Blue Schools across Turkey.
Under the protocol on Marine and Water Resources signed by TURMEPA with the Ministry of National Education's General Directorate of Primary Education, 15 schools across Turkey have received the title of “Blue School.” So far, 5 schools in Istanbul, 3 in Edirne, 2 in Hatay, 2 in Muğla, 1 in Van, 1 in Bitlis, and 1 in Samsun have completed Blue School training. Through the project, 7,841 students and 751 teachers have been reached through face-to-face and online training. TURMEPA aims to continue to expand Blue School training.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
