The project, which started at the end of the 2021-22 Spring Semester with the initiative of eight third year students of the Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture and proceeded with the support of the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and the Head of the Architecture Department, was carried out between 25 July-6 August.

With the contributions of Istanbul Kültür University and project sponsors, the needs of Çobanisa Village Primary School were determined with great care.  Before going  into the project site, the students of the Department of Architecture prepared various designs and projects under the direction of the faculty members. While the project was carried out in the village, the playground area of ​​the school was renovated, new plants and trees were planted.

Play areas were built off of the students' own designs, a route was carved out to allow easy pedestrian access around the area, the facades of kindergarten and primary school buildings were improved upon and were painted, interior floors and walls were improved upon, and some new items, books and gifts collected for the children of the village were delivered.

On 6 August in Village of Çobanisa, Researchers and students from Istanbul Kültür University Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, students of the school and the parents in the village had a pleasant meeting and the project was brought to a close.

“OUR CHILDREN ARE ON THE SAME FOOTING WITH THE CITY CHILDREN”

Mahmut Çelik, the chief of Çobanisa Village, said, “The students helped us a great deal. For example, they completely renovated the landscaping.  They built a new playground for our children.  They completely renovated our kindergarten.  They completely painted the interior and exterior of our school.  They did landscaping work.  Do believe me when I say that, our children are now on the same footing with the children of the city.  People of the village  also helped the students.  The pure joy of the children seeing their new school was an indescribable feeling. It was the first time our children had seen something like this because they have lived in the village their whole lives. Therefore, they cried with tears of joy.  Children now you can run to school.  I think such projects will prove to be helpful and I do wish that we see more of them. Thank you very much to the university,” he said.

“NEXT YEAR WE WILL CONTINUE WITH SIMILAR PROJECTS”

Istanbul Kültür University Faculty of Architecture Dean Prof.  Dr.  Neslihan Dostoğlu said, “Education in Architecture should not only encompass what is learned at school.  Such social projects contribute greatly to students' education.  Many companies sponsored us in this project.  In fact, even the grandmother of one of our students became one of the sponsors by opening her house in the Sütçüler District of Çobanisa Village to our students during the project.  Such initiatives will continue in the coming years.  We have also started our endeavours in this with the faculty of and the students in the Department of Architecture and the Department of Interior Architecture. The next steps will be taken even further,”.

“THE CHILDREN WERE GOING TO SCHOOL COVERED IN MUD”

Stating that before the renovation project at the school, village children used to go to school covered in mud because of the unpaved roads, Prof.  Dr.  Dostoğlu said, “Here, our students built roads that are easy to walk on.  At each point, points were provided for students to stand and the playground was completely renovated.  The interior and exterior of the school was painted.  Various cabinets were brought for the building.  The chief has also been very supportive of us.  We are proud of this project.”