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Sphere on Spiral Stairs

Growing Wise Seeds

Summary

The “Growing Wise Seeds” project is an educational and awareness-raising initiative aimed at reconnecting primary and secondary school students in Bursa and surrounding rural areas with nature, focusing on seeds and soil. The project aims to help children understand seeds, recognize soil, actively participate in the cultivation process, and strengthen their connection to nature. Through a learning cycle from seed to harvest, students experience the natural cycle of production, gaining both responsibility and a sense of sustainable living.

 

The project directly serves the Seed Foundation's goal of "implementing modern and organic farming practices and providing training." Preserving heirloom seeds, passing on agricultural knowledge from generation to generation, and supporting rural development are among the core priorities. Instilling a love of the land in children, enabling them to connect with nature, and simultaneously raising them as individuals who will take ownership of the future of agriculture are the main motivations behind this project.

 

“The Wise Seed is Growing” is designed as a small but powerful step in repairing the ecological crisis. It aims to reverse the disconnect created by migration from rural areas to cities, to position children as part of nature, and to raise social awareness for a sustainable future. Every seed planted contributes not only to the sprouting of a plant, but also to the growth of a generation sensitive to nature.

Aims of the Project

  • Organizing artistic events that are appropriate to the purpose.

  • Organizing cultural events that are appropriate for the purpose.

  • To carry out activities aimed at rural development and social entrepreneurship.

  • Providing vocational training and on-the-job education.

  • To support the establishment of cooperatives and economic enterprises.

  • To conduct agricultural practices and training.

  • To construct buildings suitable for their purpose, such as schools, cultural centers, dormitories, nursing homes, parks, etc.

  • Developing and implementing projects in collaboration with official and private institutions and organizations, and NGOs.

  • Organizing trips for educational, cultural, artistic, and tourism purposes.

  • To identify, protect, and register cultural assets.

  • To conduct research studies in collaboration with universities.

  • To publish digital publications or printed magazines, brochures, books, etc., suitable for the purpose.

  • Social assistance involves providing aid in kind and in cash.

  • To conduct health screenings and training sessions.

Target group

Bursa/Mudanya/Bademli and Hasköy/Bademli Necla Orhan School and Hasköy Secondary School

1. Target audience (definition and numbers):

a. Child (age group),

b. Female - Male,

c. Occupational group/field of activity,

d. Education level,

e. Public employees, politicians, NGOs, cooperatives, students, disadvantaged groups, etc.

f. Other

 

  • Primary school students aged 8–11 (approximately 75 students)

  • 10 school teachers and administrators

  • Indirect beneficiaries include family members (approximately 250-300 people)

 

 

2. Characteristics and numbers of volunteer guests or participants, beneficiaries.

 

Seed Foundation volunteers, local producers, academics

 

3. Detailed information about the rural area being studied, such as the target region or sub-region.

 

Mudanya district has two rural areas, Hasköy and Bademli, that are highly diverse in agriculture but under pressure from urbanization. Both schools have open spaces suitable for the installation of soil tanks. Soil tanks have been installed, and the first plantings have been done.

Activities

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Expected Outcomes

  • Cultural work (Theatre, concert, exhibition, etc.)

  • Digital or print publication (film, book, etc.)

  • Subject-specific excursions for the beneficiary group

  • Products (commercial products, agricultural products, etc.)

  • Strategy and policy reports (sociological research, advocacy reports, etc.)

Executors and Stakeholders

Seed Foundation Bursa Provincial Representative Office

 

Aslıhan Kornoşor – Project Coordinator (Engineering and Business Administration Master's Degree)

Zeliha Şenermen – Field Application (Biology Teacher-Plant Grower)

Şerife Ünal - Field Application (Retired Finance Manager-Plant Grower)

Volunteer Teachers and School Administration

 

Stakeholders

  • Uludağ University Faculty of Agriculture – Education and content support

  • Mudanya District National Education Directorate – School permit and coordination support

  • Hasköy and Bademli Necla Orhan Primary Schools – Host institutions

  • Nilüfer Municipality – Seed Exchange Festival

  • Potential sponsors – Notebook printing, materials support, transportation

  • Agricultural Production Factories – Aroma

  • Greenhouse Plant Companies

  • Women's Cooperatives

Closing Event

The project aims to help children understand seeds, get to know the soil, actively participate in the cultivation process, and strengthen their connection to nature. Through a learning cycle extending from seed to harvest, students gain both responsibility and a sense of sustainable living by experiencing the natural cycle of production.

 

 

  • Agricultural application areas and the installation of soil tanks.

  • "Heirloom Seed Cycle" trainings for children.

  • Printing and distribution of the Wise Seed Journal (artisan notebook)

  • Greenhouse and production facility tours, Agricultural School Tour

  • Family-participated "Seed Exchange Festival"

  • Classroom reading activities – Children's Agricultural Books

  • "The Forgetful Squirrel Book Show" and similar books

  • Visual recording and short documentary content

  • Seed Ball Activity

Impact & Outcomes

The “Growing Wise Seeds” project is based on a circular learning model: planting – growth – harvesting – sharing.

Learning continuity is ensured by re-culturing the soil and seeds in the same schools every year. Different schools are added each year, making the same model sustainable.

Project:

  • It develops children's awareness of nature and production,

  • It also involves families in the process through seed exchange and sharing,

  • By collaborating with local producers, it indirectly supports rural development.

  • The "Wise Seed Journal" notebook strengthens the habit of recording and observing.

  • It has a replicable structure that could serve as a model for other villages.

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