Activities completed (22-26 September 2025)

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SCHOOL BACKGROUND
Mahmut Celaleddin Ökten AİHL in Trabzon, Türkiye Mahmut Celaleddin Ökten Anatolian Imam Hatip High School is an educational institution that combines strong academic programs with moral and spiritual values. Our school is named after Mahmut Celaleddin Ökten, a distinguished Turkish scholar and educator, who devoted his life to raising generations of young people with knowledge, character, and responsibility. Since its foundation, our school has aimed to provide students with both a high-quality education and a deep understanding of cultural and ethical values. We offer a rich curriculum that includes sciences, social studies, languages, and religious studies, preparing our students for success in higher education and future careers. Our modern school building includes well-equipped classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a library, and facilities for cultural and sports activities. With the guidance of our dedicated teachers, students have the opportunity to explore their talents, develop critical thinking skills, and grow into confident individuals who can contribute positively to society. At Mahmut Celaleddin Ökten AİHL, students also benefit from foreign language education, cultural exchange projects, and extracurricular programs that broaden their horizons and prepare them for a globalized world. We are proud to be an institution that not only focuses on academic success but also on raising well-rounded individuals who embody respect, responsibility, and compassion.

PROJECT COORDINATOR COMMENT

Pınar Öztürk

Mahmut Celaleddin Ökten AİHL, Türkiye

Hello, my name is Pınar Öztürk. I am a teacher at Mahmut Celaleddin Ökten AİHL, Türkiye. I am proud to be part of the Erasmus+ project H2Our Life, which focuses on water literacy, sustainability, and raising awareness about the importance of water in our daily lives. For me, this project is not only about learning scientific facts but also about changing our habits and attitudes towards water. It has shown me how small actions at home and at school can make a big difference in protecting this vital resource. I believe that through international cooperation, we can inspire young people to become more responsible, environmentally conscious, and active in finding solutions to global challenges such as water scarcity. Being a part of H2Our Life has been a valuable experience for my personal growth, cultural exchange, and awareness of environmental issues. I am grateful for the opportunity to share ideas, work with international partners, and contribute to building a sustainable future.

H2Our Life Erasmus+ Project

FOURTH MOBILITY: TÜRKİYE

Türkiye Activities (Trabzon, 22–28 September) The H2Our Life project activities in Trabzon were designed to enhance water literacy, sustainability awareness, and intercultural understanding through a combination of educational, practical, and cultural experiences.

Monday, 22 September

MCOMUN 2026 UN Water Conference The first day featured the Water Conference, also called the “Model of United Nations – Water Edition,” where students discussed water-related topics,

JOB SHADOWING : Students observed a geography lesson, and participated in presentations on water management and sustainability. Tuesday, 23 September

OPENING MEETING: The Opening Meeting of the project began with a warm welcome from the school principal, administration, and teachers. Participants from partner schools abroad were introduced to the team, and the school’s facilities were presented. Visitors were guided around the school area to explore the classrooms and other facilities.

CULTURE STATIONS: Students engaged in ten different cultural and water-related stations: Ebru (Marbling Art) – exploring water-based artistic techniques

Pottery – learning traditional skills using water in shaping clay

Rock Painting – creative art with water as a medium

Cultural Artifacts – understanding local heritage

Local Flavors – tasting regional foods

Traditional Games and Sports – linking culture and community

Minia Trabzon – miniature models of local tourist attractions

Wall Painting – School Gardens with Water

Green Bridges – Roots of Friendship – tree planting activity; each student planted a tree to symbolize sustainability and cooperation

Aquaphonic and Smart City Systems – demonstrating innovative water and urban technologies

These activities highlighted the role of water in culture, arts, and smart technologies, directly supporting the project’s goals of raising awareness and promoting responsible water use. Wednesday, 24 September

Students visited key institutions to learn about practical applications of water management: State Hydraulic Works (DSİ)

Central Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE)

Botanical Park

Aquarium

Vatan Tea Factory

Hazelnut Factory

These visits allowed participants to see real-world examples of water sustainability, fisheries, botany, and industrial water use.

Thursday, 25 September – Water Conference and Certificate Ceremony

The day included a formal Water Conference with the presentations by Prof. Dr. Zafer Yücesan on water and wetlands from Karadeniz Technical University and Ahmet Faruk Yeşilsu on Blue Food – Safe and Sustainable Nutrition. Participants gained insights on water statistics, the Green Deal, and sustainable resource management. Later, students explored the Cazılar River, integrating cultural and environmental education on-site. A certificate ceremony concluded the day’s activities. Friday, 26 September

Cultural Visits

As part of the cultural program, students visited the historic Sümela Monastery and Kanuni’s House, Fatih Mosque connecting heritage learning with the environmental and water education they received throughout the week. Overall, the Turkey activities successfully combined scientific knowledge, practical experience, and cultural education, fostering water literacy, environmental responsibility, and international cooperation among participants.

INSTITUTIONAL VISITS

State Water Affairs (DSİ) During our activities in Trabzon, the cooperation with the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) provided valuable insight into water management and sustainability. Their expertise helped students understand the importance of protecting water resources, which directly supports the project’s goal of raising water literacy and awareness. Central Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE) The collaboration with the Central Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE) highlighted the connection between water quality and marine life. By learning about sustainable fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, participants gained a deeper understanding of how protecting water resources is essential for both human health and biodiversity.

Vatan Tea Factory

Our visit to Vatan Tea Factory demonstrated the role of water in the food and beverage industry. Students observed how clean and sufficient water is crucial for tea production, linking daily consumption to broader water sustainability issues. This experience made the project’s objectives more practical and relatable.

Hazelnut Factory

The cooperation with the Hazelnut Factory showed how agriculture and industry depend on responsible water use. Students learned about irrigation, processing, and the economic value of water in local production. This contributed to the project’s aim of promoting responsible attitudes towards water in both professional and everyday life. Expert Invitations from Karadeniz Technical University As part of the project activities in Trabzon, our team attended the AQUA 2025 – Rethinking Water Future conference at which Prof. Dr. Zafer Yücesan from Karadeniz Technical University delivered an inspiring keynote speech on the future of water resources and sustainability. In the same event, Ahmet Faruk Yeşilsu from the Central Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE) presented his lecture on Blue Food, highlighting the vital role of aquatic resources in ensuring food security and sustainable development. Both contributions greatly enriched the participants’ understanding of water-related challenges and supported the educational goals of the project.

CONCLUSION

During the project activities in Turkey, participating students were engaged in keeping weekly water journals. This activity aimed to enhance their understanding of water management, efficient water use, and sustainable practices, while also developing relevant skills and competencies. The objective was achieved, as students actively monitored and reflected on their daily water consumption. In addition, students volunteered to participate in a short film based on a scenario depicting limited water use, highlighting the potential challenges of severe droughts by 2050. This creative activity raised awareness of future water scarcity in an interactive and educational manner.

The H2Our Life project activities in Türkiye were closely aligned with the school curriculum, integrating science, geography, arts, and social studies with practical water-related education. Through activities such as laboratory experiments, institutional visits, cultural stations, and creative projects, students developed water literacy, socio-ecological skills, and a sense of civic responsibility. The project directly supported its main objectives: enhancing water literacy among at least 60% of students, fostering sustainable attitudes and practices, implementing new strategies for water management, and promoting a 10% reduction in per capita water consumption over five years. School campaigns and activities—including Water Week Festival in Culture Stations activities, school gardens with water, smart city demonstrations, art exhibitions, and interactive workshops—served as practical applications of these objectives. By participating in debates, presentations, and creative initiatives such as water journals and short films, students actively applied theoretical knowledge, reflected on water use, and explored solutions to real-world challenges such as drought and sustainable consumption. Curriculum integration ensured that teachers incorporated project activities into regular lessons, enabling cross-curricular learning and reinforcing environmental responsibility as part of students’ everyday education. The project also promoted teacher-student-parent engagement, raising awareness and encouraging broader community action. Through these combined efforts, participating schools demonstrated measurable outcomes in enhancing water literacy, developing socio-ecological competencies, and implementing sustainable water management practices, contributing to the overarching goal of fostering responsible, environmentally conscious citizens. Overall, the Turkey activities concluded successfully, with all planned tasks executed smoothly and without any issues, fully meeting the project’s educational and awareness objectives