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May 4, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations — GTU led a post-earthquake educational mobilization in Hatay through a project that equips students with digital competencies. — A total of 252 students were reached under the coordination of 22 volunteer instructors and academics. — A total of 16 hours of hands-on training were delivered in Algorithmics, Robotics, Generative Artificial Intelligence, and Graphic Design. — The project established a model of solidarity with the support of international and local institutions. — Students actively participated in technology production processes, enhancing their analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Gebze Technical University (GTU), in line with its social impact vision, leads post-earthquake educational mobilization in Hatay through the project titled “Stronger Tomorrows Through Technology: Hatay Digital Education Project”, equipping primary and middle school students with essential digital competencies.
Implemented under the leadership of the GTU Robotics and Automation Society (GROK) in collaboration with the GTU Social Impact Coordination Office, the project was successfully completed in Hatay with broad participation, reaching a total of 252 students.
Carried out by a team of 22 volunteer instructors, the project aimed to increase access to technology for primary and middle school students in the region following the earthquake, enhance their digital skills, and raise awareness of science and engineering fields. The project was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Fatma Karaoğlu-Ceyhan, while Asst. Prof. Deniz Ceyhan served as volunteer coordinator. The instructional content was developed and delivered by university students Yüksel Emre Karabulut and Alevnaz Bal. Psychosocial support was provided by Specialist Psychological Counselor Gülçin Birinci.
Under the project, students participated in hands-on learning activities in four main areas: • Fundamentals of Algorithms and Programming • Robotic Systems and Applications • Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools • Fundamentals and Applications of Graphic Design
The sessions, held between April 27–30, 2026, were conducted over an intensive four-day schedule. Students participated in two workshops concurrently. While Algorithm and Robotics workshops were delivered simultaneously to one group, other groups attended Generative AI and Graphic Design workshops. Each student completed a total of 16 hours of practical learning in the workshops they attended. The sessions were held daily between 08:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
As part of the program, 5th and 6th grade students at Serinyol Atatürk Secondary School attended sessions in the mornings, while in the afternoons, activities continued at the campus of Mustafa Kemal University with the participation of students from Şehit Nizam Akdeniz Secondary School, Zülüflühan Hikmet Çankaya Secondary School, and Serinyol Muhtar Yusuf Tatlı Secondary School.
Within the scope of international solidarity, donation initiatives led by the UK-based company Authentic Stone contributed to the educational activities. Additional support from various institutions and local businesses, including Tezpar and Kokoreç Office, enabled the organization process to be carried out more effectively and efficiently.
The Algorithm and Robotics workshops were led by Alevnaz Bal, with an instructor team consisting of İsmail Yazıcıoğlu, Ahmet Senih Demirel, Beyzanur Bilir, Ufuk Gümüşhan, Mustafa Demir, Özcan Talha Zengin, Muhammet Eren Pola, Oğuzhan Ağbaba, Ahmet Can Kabataş, and Hayrunnisa Parlakyıldız.
The Generative AI and Graphic Design workshops were led by Yüksel Emre Karabulut, with instructors including Sudenaz Uçar, Melike Uslu, Melike Sülüç, Uygar Efe Özyiğit, Emine Türkmen, Nida Ayşin Çakıroğlu, Enis Özdemir, and Burcu Doğan.
Designed with a strong emphasis on practical application, the program aimed to enhance students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving, digital production, and technological literacy skills. Students reinforced their theoretical knowledge through hands-on activities and actively engaged in technology development processes.
Realized through the voluntary contributions of university students, the project provided a meaningful social responsibility and experiential learning environment for both participants and instructors. The “Stronger Tomorrows Through Technology” project has made a significant contribution to educational activities in the region by connecting young individuals with technology. |
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