Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi (OMU) International Relations Department has opened its “Multiculturalism and Handicrafts Workshop”, which will be used by international students and refugees of different countries living in Samsun, with a ceremony held at Turkish Application and Research Centre.
Products crafted at the workshop will be offered for sale by Samsun Trade and Culture Centre, and the generated income will make a contribution for the education of refugee children.
Director of Atakum Public Education Centre Mr. Hasan Tanrısever, Supervisor of European Voluntary Service Office Ms. Nazan Şimşek, Representative of Refugees and Asylum Seekers Association’s Bahariye Branch Mr. Kaan Aydıngül, Atakum Public Education Centre’s Handicrafts Instructor Ms. Emine Görür, international students, and refugee women have participated in the opening of the workshop which is set up with the cooperation of 5 offices.
Speaking at the opening, Director of Atakum Public Education Centre Mr. Hasan Tanrısever told that they have organized many education programmes for the immigrants and refugees, and that they have other projects for the future. He also underlined the fact that everyone should work together for a peaceful community. Mr. Tanrısever also gifted a painting in order to make a contribution to the workshop.
Supervisor of European Voluntary Service Office Ms. Nazan Şimşek gave information on the workshop and said the following: “The purpose of setting up this workshop is to bring the refugees we have been living with, our students, staff members, and the people of Samsun together. We would like to accustom our people to live together with other cultures by telling them the beauty of multiculturalism. We will continue our efforts with many other projects.”
Şimşek, noting that students from Afghanistan, Benin, Iran, Iraq, Japan, and Syria has been taking 2 hour long courses on handicrafts each week since June 19, informed that 16 refugee women will also join the workshop. Drawing attention to the fact that topics such as multiculturalism and the period of adaptation into society are also discussed in addition to handicrafts education, Şimşek emphasized that more education programmes are needed for the refugees who are a reality of the society. Ms. Şimşek also informed the audience that they would like to turn this education programme into an European Union project.
LISTEN