Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk met with students all over the country in a digital meeting on the occasion of the end of the first semester of 2020-2021 education year. Chatting with students through video conference participated by one primary, one secondary and one high school students from each city of the country, Minister Selçuk made comments about the first semester.

 

Noting that many things in life like education, business life and shopping are transferred to digital environment due to pandemic, Teacher Ziya asked students to "Please, stay away from the television sets and the computers during this holiday. We have prepared an activity book and we hope you would like it. It includes fun activities for each day of the holiday."

 

Minister Selçuk stressed that students learned the details, hardships and positive sides of the distance education.

 

Noting that efforts of teachers, parents and students during the pandemic are very valuable, Minister Selçuk said, "of course, we did not have the opportunity to carry out perfect distance education but be sure that we have established a world standard distance education environment for you."

 

Minister Selçuk also made comments about the second semester and stated that, "As soon as pandemic conditions allow us, we will go back to schools. We want to see you at schools on February 15. We are making arrangements according to the course of the pandemic. We want to greet spring together at schools."

Selçuk reminded that the semester holiday will be a 23 day long winter holiday and made suggestions for students: "Please, play games whenever you have the opportunity; listen to music with your soul and body, read a lot, be sure to make visits and take notes. Paint pictures; find nice ways to make your soul, body and mind rest. Take a careful look around your home and realize what is happening. Please, do your own job and don't ask others to do your choirs. If you want to be a strong person, you have to solve your own problems and do your own work."

 

Noting that he is aware that students are bored of staying home, Minister Selçuk stated, "We are all tired and bored but there are always nice things and activities we can do. You have to be determined and persistent. You can paint, you can cook and you can write a story. It is important to produce; it will help you to relax and to grow up. Due to this reason, we have prepared a series of special activities under the title of "23 days together. This activity book will give you the opportunity to learn while having fun."

 

Selçuk stressed that students can also reach these activities through website and added: "I want you to start every day with a hopeful point of view about yourself and your country; never lose faith...We are at your side, we are ready to give all kinds of support, don't worry. We are in constant contact with your teachers. It is very important for you to improve yourself and continue to learn."

 

"23 Days Together" has a section entitled, "Painting-Alphabet" including different concepts such as alphabet, letters, colors and digits. The who is who section aims at introducing prominent figures of Turkish and World science and the art scene. It also has activities such as puzzles, Sudoku, experiment of the day and complete the story section.

 

Activity schedule of "23 Days Together" can be seen at http://birlikte23gun.meb.gov.tr/