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Turkey has developed an education strategy that supports the transition to a green economy, creates green employment opportunities and improves the skills of the workforce in environmentally sensitive sectors.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Trend, the Minister of Education of Turkey said this Yusuf Tekin during the COP29 roundtable on greening education and climate literacy – the 2nd annual meeting of the Greening Education Partnership.
“We in Turkey are making efforts to integrate the themes of this session into our education system. Last year, we made a number of changes to our educational programs based on international reports and indicators. Perhaps the most important of these changes was our desire to educate a generation which will be able to protect the environment, with a special emphasis on the issue of climate change. We have included ideas in the content of all our curriculum and activities that emphasize the need to protect the fundamental values and achievements of humanity in order to create awareness and sensitivity in children about these issues.” he said.
He said the changes Türkiye has made to curriculum are particularly important in terms of building climate resilience and sustainable development in the context of education and human development.
“In addition to this, we have added a mandatory course to our curriculum for all schoolchildren called Climate, Environment and Innovative Solutions. Through this course, children not only understand the importance of these issues, but also learn to develop innovative solutions to protect them. Course topics include environmental education, green technologies, environmental solutions and innovative approaches. Additionally, we have tried to develop formulas that include children and women in the learning process, as their active role in building climate resilience is essential to the success of this process. We have also developed an education strategy that supports the transition to a green economy, creating opportunities for green employment and upgrading the skills of the workforce in environmentally sensitive sectors. As part of digital education, we have also emphasized digital transformation and distance learning, which have become important. part of our model,” the minister added.
How does Turkey’s education strategy aim to prepare students for jobs in a green economy?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Yusuf Tekin, Minister of Education of Turkey
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Tekin. Turkey’s recent education strategy aimed at supporting the transition to a green economy is both timely and significant. Can you elaborate on the main goals of this strategy?
Yusuf Tekin: Thank you for having me. Our primary goal is to align our educational framework with the needs of a rapidly changing environmental landscape. We want to create a workforce equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an environmentally sensitive economy. This involves integrating themes of sustainability and climate literacy into all aspects of our education system.
Time.news Editor: That’s exciting! Can you give us some examples of how these themes are being incorporated into the curriculum?
Yusuf Tekin: Certainly! Last year, we undertook a comprehensive review of our educational programs, drawing on international reports and indicators. We introduced new modules that cover topics such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation. In addition, we are training our teachers to ensure they effectively communicate these concepts to students, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age.
Time.news Editor: How do you envision these changes affecting future employment opportunities for students?
Yusuf Tekin: By preparing students for green jobs, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also creating a pool of talent that can drive innovation in various sectors. We anticipate that as industries evolve towards sustainability, the demand for skilled workers in green technologies, conservation, and renewable energy will significantly increase. This education strategy is designed to meet that demand head-on.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great vision. How is Turkey collaborating with international partners in this endeavor?
Yusuf Tekin: Collaboration is crucial. During our participation in events like COP29, we engage with various countries and organizations to share best practices and learn from one another. Our goal is to develop a network of educational institutions that prioritize climate literacy and sustainability. We are also looking at partnerships that can provide resources and expertise to enhance our programs.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen a growing emphasis on climate education globally. What challenges do you anticipate in implementing this strategy effectively?
Yusuf Tekin: One of our main challenges is ensuring that all regions, including rural and underserved areas, have access to high-quality educational resources tailored to these new themes. Additionally, we need to navigate potential resistance from those who might be skeptical of rapid changes in the education system. To overcome these challenges, we need broad support from stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that while challenges exist, the opportunity for transformation is substantial. What advice would you give to educators looking to embrace this new focus on sustainability in the classroom?
Yusuf Tekin: I encourage educators to start small. Integrate sustainability into existing subjects rather than viewing it as a separate topic. Engage students in projects that promote sustainability, whether through school gardens, recycling programs, or community initiatives. The key is to inspire students to think critically about their environment and understand their role in protecting it.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Minister Tekin. Your insights are invaluable as Turkey embarks on this crucial journey toward a greener future through education.
Yusuf Tekin: Thank you! It’s an honor to share our vision, and I hope that more countries will join us in prioritizing green education for the benefit of our planet and future generations.