Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) handed the microphone to children this time at its “Science Café” event organized as part of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. Little BEUN students expressed the meaning and importance of the national holiday in their own words, they left their mark on the program with messages of love, peace, and brotherhood.
Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University continues to support its social awareness initiatives with projects that include people of all ages. In this context, a meaningful event dedicated to April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day was held within the scope of the “Science Café” gatherings. The program titled “Little BEUN Students Talk About April 23,” organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office, was carried out with the participation of students from Hacı Mevlüt and Hacı Sabahat Hamzaoğlu Kindergarten.
The event, organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office—established in line with the encouragement of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and through the initiatives of BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer—was held at the BEUN kindergarten located on the İbni Sina Campus. The program was attended by BEUN Science Communication Coordinator Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, Kindergarten Director Yasemin Cengiz Demir, teachers, and young students.
A Delightful Conversation on April 23 with Little BEUN Students
During the program, Ahmet, a 5-year-old student, took on the role of moderator, while Mina participated as a guest. In the question-and-answer session conducted by the two young students, a sincere conversation took place on the meaning of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day within the context of its historical and national values. Responding to Ahmet’s questions, Mina emphasized that April 23 is a special holiday gifted to all children by Atatürk, and added a cheerful touch to the program with her messages of love, happiness, and brotherhood.
In the later part of the program, other students also joined the activity. While the young students shared what April 23 means to them, they sincerely expressed their dreams, hopes, and thoughts about the future. Their heartfelt expressions about friendship, play, sharing, love, and world peace brought both joy and meaning to the program.
Speaking at the event, Kindergarten Director Lecturer Yasemin Cengiz Demir expressed her great pleasure in hosting such a meaningful program, emphasizing that it is extremely valuable for April 23 to be expressed in children’s own words. Demir also extended her gratitude to BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his support in the realization of the event and thanked the BEUN Science Communication Office for its contributions to the organization of the program.
Rector Özölçer: “Our Young Students Delivered Hopeful Messages for the Future”
Evaluating the program organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office specifically for the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated:
“Today, our children took the place of our academicians—who share knowledge with the public through our Science Communication Office—and delivered a highly meaningful program that conveyed hope for the future. Through this event, our young students had the opportunity to experience roles they may take on in the future, such as teachers, academicians, reporters, and directors.
It is extremely important for awareness of April 23 to be instilled in our children from an early age. Getting to know Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, loving our glorious flag, and embracing our national values and holidays at an early age are the strongest guarantees of our future. I wish our children great success in all their educational journeys following their kindergarten years and hope they lead lives filled with health, peace, and happiness. Just as we stand by our university students, we will continue to support the youngest members of the BEUN family—our kindergarten students—and contribute to their future.
I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the esteemed Council of Higher Education for their support in the realization of this meaningful program and for their leadership in the establishment of our Science Communication Office. I also sincerely thank the management of the Science Communication Office of the Council of Higher Education, who have always supported us in our Science Café events, as well as our own Science Communication Office for their efforts in organizing this event.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our young students who brought joy and meaning to our program, to their families who raise them with great dedication, to our kindergarten administration, our valuable teachers, and all staff members.”
