The Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education and the Interactive Drama Association signed a cooperation protocol that aims to increase social awareness for sustainable development goals. The protocol, which entered into force with the signatures of Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl and Interactive Drama Association President Ayşem Tomgüsehan, aims to organize and disseminate drama activities.

Within the scope of the cooperation, which will be valid for one year, it is aimed to organize drama workshops for children in the 9-11 age group and to provide training in line with 21st century life skills and sustainable development goals in these workshops.

In the events, which will especially include refugee and immigrant children in the relevant age group, sustainable lifestyles, gender equality, culture of peace, human rights, cultural diversity and world citizenship will be focused on. The workshops to be organized aim to develop children’s self-expression, effective communication, self-confidence and empathy skills. In this way, it is aimed for them to gain important skills such as coping with stress, social sensitivity and sense of responsibility. In addition, social values ​​such as overcoming shyness and embarrassment, respect for cultures and individuals, solidarity and sharing will be conveyed to children through drama methods. The protocol aims to raise awareness in the fields of organizational culture and communication with drama workshops to be organized for the academic staff of Near East University, as well as children.

Stating that academic and social solidarity will be strengthened with comprehensive cooperation, Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl said, “We are happy to bring together our strengths and introduce a series of trainings with new projects with a sense of social responsibility to our people.” Stating that they will be in close contact with immigrant and refugee children in particular, Prof. Dr. Akçıl said, “In terms of living on the island of Cyprus, we will have the opportunity to tell them about the island culture and living conditions on the island, traditions and customs. In addition, we aim to create opportunities for them to improve themselves.”

Interactive Drama Association President Ayşem Tomgüsehan emphasized that she was pleased with the collaboration and said that they will continue to focus on creating awareness in society through their collaboration with the Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education. Tomgüsehan said, “We plan to touch the lives of needy individuals in society through the interactive drama workshops to be organized by our association’s experts. I believe that we will make high-level contributions, especially to children aged 9-11, within the scope of the protocol.”