Students who placed in the “Traces of the Past” and “Writings Written to the Sky” competitions, organized in cooperation between the Türkiye Gençlik ve Eğitime Hizmet Vakfı (TÜRGEV) and the Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı, delivered messages of support for Palestine at the “Call to Hope” Award Ceremony.
08 October 2025
As the Türkiye Gençlik ve Eğitime Hizmet Vakfı (TÜRGEV), we brought together our students who placed in the “Traces of the Past” short film competition and the “Writings Written to the Sky” fairy tale competition, which we implemented in cooperation with the Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı, at the “Call to Hope” Award Ceremony held at the Kadıköy Anadolu İmam Hatip Lisesi.
On this meaningful day, we collectively witnessed how our young people express their commitment to cultural heritage through artistic production and their sensitivity toward Palestine, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Interior Bülent Turan, Governor of Istanbul Mustafa Asım Alkan, and Provincial Director of National Education Murat Mücahit Yentürk.
The Language of Justice, Compassion, and Brotherhood: Art
Our ceremony received great appreciation with its Palestine themed stage design, the Palestine Exhibition prepared by students of the Güzel İşler Fabrikası (GİF), a concert featuring Palestinian melodies, award presentations, and a balloon release event. The short films and fairy tales prepared by the students offered audiences moments filled with emotion as well as hope.
Education Is a Journey for Us
In her speech at the ceremony, our Chair of the Board, Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz, emphasized that we view education not merely as an academic process but as a journey encompassing the holistic development of the individual:
“We value not only the academic achievements of our students but also their social, cultural, and artistic development. Our aim is to create a development ecosystem that brings together knowledge and values, talent and conscience. The ‘Traces of the Past’ and ‘Writings Written to the Sky’ competitions have become one of the finest examples of this approach.”
What Is Happening in Palestine Reminds Us of Forgotten Truths
Our Chair also drew attention to the significance of organizing the competitions around the theme of Palestine:
“Today, technology is advancing, but without justice, conscience, and compassion, no progress has real meaning. What we see in Palestine shows us that when technology is not in the service of humanity, it can turn into a brutal weapon. Our duty is not only to teach these values to our young people but also to ensure that they internalize them.”
Sharing the Same Spirit as the Maarif Model
Stating that the educational approach of TÜRGEV shares the same values as the Maarif Model developed by the Ministry of National Education, our Chair continued:
“True education is possible when students come to know themselves, their families, their society, and the world they live in. In this direction, we aim for our young people to gain aesthetics, sensitivity, and social awareness alongside knowledge. The cooperation we have established with our Ministry of National Education has created a strong ecosystem that nurtures these values.”
Hope from 38 High Schools
A total of 38 high schools participated in the competition process, which was carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education. As a result of the evaluations conducted by the juries, high school students who placed in the short film and fairy tale categories received their awards at the ceremony.
As TÜRGEV, we believe that young people will continue to be the voice of justice, compassion, and humanity through their conscience, their pen, and their camera.
