Under the international partnership of the EcosySTEM Project, the E-STEM Education Center, established in Kadıköy’s Rasimpaşa Neighborhood under the leadership of the IDEA Universal Association, successfully completed its pilot training program with its first group of students as of July 2025. The center aims to instill environmental awareness in children while presenting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines through a nature-based approach.

The program, conducted with a pilot group of 15 students, provided children with a comprehensive learning experience supported by theoretical knowledge and hands-on activities across six environmentally focused modules. The educational modules, which garnered great interest, included Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environment and Soil, Waste Management, Water, Air, and Renewable Energy.

As part of the program, a field trip was organized last month to the Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden in Ataşehir, where children engaged in hands-on activities such as soil analysis, air quality measurement, water filtration system design, and solar-powered vehicle production. At the end of the training, participating students received a “Certificate of Participation.”

Strategic Partnership with Kadıköy Municipality
The support provided by Kadıköy Municipality played a key role in the realization of the project. The municipality contributed local infrastructure, promotional, and guidance support for the education center, enhancing its visibility and accessibility at the neighborhood level. Kadıköy Municipality’s environmental sensitivity and commitment to children’s rights laid the groundwork for the E-STEM model to take strong root in the community.

Children’s Participation in Decision-Making: Kadıköy Children’s Council
The Kadıköy Municipality Children’s Council played a significant role in forming the pilot group. Referring council members to the E-STEM Education Center encouraged children to not only benefit from the training but also actively participate in and shape the process. This approach stands out as an exemplary model for child participation.

In June, the project was introduced at the Kadıköy Environmental Festival, reaching children and families through virtual reality applications, interactive games, and brochures. Promotional efforts carried out with local mukhtars (neighborhood representatives) also supported community-based awareness-raising.

What’s Next?
In August, the pilot program will continue with new student groups, and a broader promotional campaign will be launched in September in collaboration with the Kadıköy District National Education Directorate. By establishing direct contact with schools, the training schedule will be expanded, and the E-STEM Education Center will operate at full capacity.

EcosySTEM Project Led by IDEA Universal
The establishment of this center was led by the International Association for Development and Environment (IDEA Universal), which has international expertise in the fields of environment and education. The EcosySTEM Project is carried out through an EU-supported international partnership and is implemented in collaboration with partner organizations in Greece, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, as well as Turkey. The project aims to promote environment-based STEM education locally, enhance children’s ecological literacy, and contribute to sustainable development goals.