Lifelong Learning Enthusiasm in Bodrum

A colorful program was organized in Bodrum district of Muğla within the scope of Lifelong Learning Week from June 1-7.

The event prepared by Bodrum District Governorate and Bodrum Public Education Center Directorate started with a parade walk from the Bodrum Public Education Center building to İskele Square.

The Parade Reached İskele Square

After the parade, a celebration program was held at İskele Square. Hundreds of citizens attended the program together with Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı and his wife Nuray Sırmalı, District Director of National Education Özcan Kuşcu.

The program held at the square began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem.

Folk Dances and Fashion Show Attracted Attention

A folk dance performance belonging to the Kırklareli region was staged in the celebration program. Afterwards, a fashion show featuring special design products prepared by trainees studying at Bodrum Public Education Center was held.

The designs crafted by the trainees were followed with interest by the citizens attending the program.

Bendir and Darbuka Sounds Echoed in the Square

The program, highlighting traditional rhythms, also featured a bendir and darbuka performance. Music and rhythm shows added a special touch to the event.

Additionally, certificates of achievement and participation were presented to trainees who successfully completed literacy courses.

The Program Ended with Bodrum Region Folk Dances

The celebration program at İskele Square concluded with a folk dance performance from the Bodrum region.

The stands featuring handcrafted products of the trainees attracted great interest from the citizens at the festival area. Works prepared in ceramics, sculpture, design, and various fields reflected the spirit of production and sharing of Lifelong Learning Week.

"Even the Creation of a Small Product Can Take a Month"

Yeliz Ertınaz, who has been taking ceramics education at the Public Education Center for about a year, stated that the work done in the courses requires great effort.

Ertınaz said, "It's so enjoyable. The works are done with great effort, I must say that once. It is done with great labor. Even the creation of a small product may take a month. Today, we are all here to exhibit these efforts. We are very happy. In the classes, we made vases, plates, very large objects, reliefs, amulets, serving pieces, sculptures. All of them require effort, we have surpassed making plates now. Under the leadership of our teacher Fidel Aktepe, we made very beautiful panels. It was very enjoyable," she said.

"Our Trainees Are Fast and Talented"

Sculpture teacher Ezgi Günay also stated that they made sculptures using different materials.

Günay said, "The making of these sculptures started first with clay. Then we continued with plaster, various casting materials, sometimes ceramic techniques. They are all students' works, they made them. I just supported. The making process varies from sculpture to sculpture, but generally shaping from clay takes 3 weeks to 1 month. Then we proceed to casting as the final material. This year, we held two terms, and in two terms one trainee reached up to approximately 6 sculptures. That's a very good number of course, a high number. Our trainees are fast, talented, so we are very pleased," she expressed.

"We Socialize and Produce Beautiful Things"

Gülay Mertuğ, a ceramics student in Yalıkavak center, said that she has been attending courses for 9 years.

Mertuğ said, "I have been attending courses for 9 years. I am the oldest in this group. In the courses, we both socialize and produce beautiful things. Our teacher Çimen Akat is very patient with us. We have a wonderful teacher," she said.

The Contribution of Lifelong Learning to Production Was Seen

The event held in Bodrum once again demonstrated that public education courses not only provide vocational skills but also contribute to the socialization of citizens, their participation in production, and their personal development.

The exhibition of products prepared by trainees throughout the year made the effort and learning process visible.