Erasmus+ MADD IN THE CLASSROOM

The kick-off meeting in Turkey, Ankara 24.-28.10.2017

Every participating country sent two teachers. Ingrid Geeraerts and Piia Katajamäki represented Kirkkomännikkö school. Here’s their diary from the trip.

Tuesday the 24th - travelling day

We flew through Istanbul to Ankara. It was already dark when we landed into the metropolis. On the way from the airport to the hotel we admired beautifully lit buildings.

Wednesday the 25th

In the morning there was a reception at Cizmeny Primary school. They had prepared a nice welcoming ceremony with speeches, dances, and performances. In addition, there was an exhibition which included items related to Turkish culture, history and crafts. Seyma, Nazire and their assistants had done a lot of work to organize an unforgettable experience for us.

In Turkey, pupils in many schools attend the lessons in two shifts, so half of the students and teachers begin their day at eight o’clock and go home at one, while the other half starts at one and finishes at six. We gave our presents to the headmaster and liaisons. We got to know the school building and a few classrooms, after which we were directed to some of the classrooms to observe lessons. We attended a 4th grade maths lesson. It was interesting to see teaching in real situations. We gave out postcards from our Finnish students and the Turkish pupils were really happy to receive them.

After the school visit we had lunch prepared by the parents at Ankara Orchard-house. There we also had the first official project meeting. We decided on the course of the project, schedules and upcoming assignments for every school. There was also the local TV broadcasting company keeping track of our day and making a news broadcast about it.

We also visited a museum which is located in the same courtyard. After the meeting we visited the idyllic art street of Hamamönu. There we got to observe traditional Turkish craftsmen at their work.













There was also a marbling workshop where we all marbled paper. In the evening we took a walk in the alleys of the old town and had dinner at the restaurant Halil Inalcik Kinacizade town house.

Thursday the 26th

In the early morning we left for Cappadocia. The ride on the mini bus took about 2,5 hours and on the way we also stopped to marvel at the largest salt lake in Turkey.



We visited the impressive underground city of Kaymakli and admired the fairytale-like landscape in the Guvercinlik valley.












The significance of Turkey as the meetingpoint of East and West became apparent for us. We also explored one of the many potteries in Turkey, where we monitored a local potter working with a potter’s wheel. Turkish pottery is extremely skillful and decorative, in comparison with for example Finnish pottery. In the evening we had a so-called Turkish night with dance and food. In Turkish life and culture, dancing holds a meaningful position.

Friday the 27th

Our wake-up was already before the sunrise, because there was an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight in the schedule. They are one of the specialities in Cappadocia. There were tens of balloons in the sky and the view as the sun rose was breathtaking.



After the flight we returned to Ankara and visited a local family. They wanted to offer lunch for us. The table was set with Turkish delicacy. We experienced sincere hospitality.





After the lunch we visited the bureau of education in Ankara, where we received the certificates of attendance and small souvenirs, beautiful small Turkish coffee cups.



In the afternoon we visited the enormous mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, and a mosque. There happened to be the last prayer of the day, which was very interesting to observe. Islam is the main religion in Turkey and the effect of it is seen mostly in the overall scene and city life, where mosque towers reach high up the sky. The dinner was at a restaurant by the lake, from where the view of the city was magnificent. The school’s staff also attended the dinner.

Saturday the 28th - travelling day

At the breakfast we said goodbye to our Erasmus+ friends and we all headed back to our home countries with new ideas and memories. We departed before noon and arrived in Finland when it was already Sunday. Thank you Seyma and Nazire!