Written by Elif Selçuk, Global Schools Advocate, Turkey
“Building a sustainable future is not the effort of an individual alone but the result of a community's shared vision.” - Elif Selçuk
As an advocate for the Global Schools Program, I firmly believe in the power of walking this path together and growing collectively.
In Turkey, I took action to unite GSP advocates, fostering a spirit of solidarity and collaboration to amplify the impact of our projects and create a more significant influence on future generations. I opened my doors to newly joined advocates, shared my experiences, and embraced the responsibility of supporting their journeys. True transformation begins with individual efforts but is realized through collective strength that reshapes the world.
To enhance collaborative efforts among advocates and strengthen education initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Turkey, I invited fellow Advocate Büşra Dursun to an SDG-focused training for students.
This session sparked the emergence of new ideas among our students. They actively engaged in addressing real-world challenges, with one group planning an awareness campaign against climate change and another organizing a panel to mobilize their communities.
This journey has been inspirational not only for the students but also for us, the advocates. Seeing the eagerness in students’ eyes to learn and create impact reaffirmed the power of SDGs as transformative tools. By the end of the training, with Büşra’s contributions and the students’ innovative ideas, we collectively witnessed how such initiatives can significantly contribute to achieving SDG goals.
Like every advocate, my dream is to see workshops and similar programs spread nationwide. This year, I took the first step by encouraging Advocate Seda Erten to organize a workshop. The Climate Change Children's Workshop, co-hosted by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of National Education and Ölüdeniz Secondary School, aimed to raise environmental awareness among children and offer new perspectives on combating climate change.
The workshop provided not only an opportunity to gain knowledge but also a platform for active participation in brainstorming solutions.
In the first session, I presented the Global Schools Program and shared my inspiring journey with the attendees. Following opening remarks from Muğla Deputy Director of National Education Mr. Ferman Akbulut, the workshop continued with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Füsun Özerdem.
The "What Can We Do Together?" panel captivated participants with topics such as the effects of climate change on children, childrens’ rights, climate justice, eco-friendly living habits, STEM and climate change, and the potential of artificial intelligence in combating climate change. Panelists included my fellow advocates Burcu Önder Gürpınar, Büşra Dursun, and Sümeyye Kübra Dağlı, alongside UNESCO member Çelebi Kalkan and child rights activist Çiğdem Al Özbakır. Each shared valuable insights from their expertise, highlighting effective strategies to address climate challenges.
The workshop was not just an awareness-raising event but also a platform offering actionable solutions through hands-on activities in its second session. The proliferation of these workshops in various cities will contribute to fostering climate-conscious individuals among both children and adults. Collaboration among advocates is crucial, and I am aware of my role as a bridge in this transformative journey.
I end my blog with exciting news: I was honored in the GIRL UP special category at the 2024 UK SheInspires Foundation awards. Recognized as an "exceptional woman who supports girls and women in achieving their goals while exemplifying kindness," this award earned me a place on the prestigious World Inspirational Women list. I received this honor from the founder of the SheInspires Foundation, Ms. Gulnaz Brennan. The Global Schools Program has significantly contributed to my career growth.
Very interesting 👌