They combined their imagination with their talents

50 children who left their beloved schools, friends and homes and came to Izmir with their families after the earthquake disaster, met at the ‘Children’s Day with Design’ event held at Izmir University of Economics (IUE). In the event, which was held in cooperation with IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Narlıdere District Governorate, Balçova District Governorate and district national education directorates, children who prepared costumes for rag dolls, made felt puppets, drew pictures, designed book covers and ornaments, had fun to their heart's content and experienced the enthusiasm of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day early.

After the earthquake disaster, the epicenter of which was Kahramanmaraş and which caused destruction in 11 cities, hundreds of families left the regions where they had lived for years and came to Izmir. An exemplary cooperation was carried out in Izmir, especially in order for the children of kindergarten and primary school age to overcome the difficult process as soon as possible and adapt to the city.

17 WORKSHOPS

50 children aged 6-12, who settled in Izmir with their families after the earthquake, visited the campus of Izmir University of Economics in the event, which was held with the theme of ‘Children's Day with Design’. The children, who toured the classrooms and got to know the campus with the student volunteers of IUE, participated in workshops appropriate for their age groups, using their creativity and imagination. In the event, 17 different workshops on puppets, painting, clay, ceramics, story creation, book painting and ornament making were held. The children, who participated in the workshops prepared by the academics of IUE Fine Arts and Design Faculty, had a pleasant day.

CHILDREN DESERVE THE BEST

Prof. Dr. Ender Yazgan Bulgun, Dean of IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, stated that they aimed to contribute to the personal development of children as well as having fun and they were successful in this. Prof. Dr. Bulgun said, “The ‘Children's Day with Design’ festival, which we planned as a faculty and student volunteers, was organized for the children aged 6-9 and 9-12. Taking the opinions of expert psychologists, we determined that spending time on the university campus is an important factor in the development of children in this age group. We designed this activity to have a good time with children and share good moments together. The children experienced the enjoyment and pleasure of producing, designing and doing something new with their own skills. We also had a great time with them. Children deserve the best with their energy, joy, smiling faces and hopes. It's the least we can do for them. We will continue to meet with children in similar events in the coming period.”