Coordinated by Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock, General Directorate of Agricultural Research & Policies and in collaboration with Ministry of National Education (MoNE), General Directorate of Basic Education and the Central Research Institute for Soil, Fertilizer and Water Resources, the publicity meeting for the social responsibility project: "I am Saving My Future" was held under the aegis of First Lady Emine Erdogan on October 21st, 2015 in Ankara.
Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Kutbettin Arzu, Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı, FAO Representative of Turkey Yuriko Shoji, distinguished authorities of General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies, General Directorate of Agricultural Reform, General Directorate of Basic Education and esteemed teachers, students and guests participated in the meeting which was launched following the opening remarks of First Lady Emine Erdogan.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Erdogan stressed the importance of imposing the awareness on the soil and water resources on children and also stated management of natural resources will be the most critical issue of near future. First Lady expressed her gratitude for the support and efforts of Ministries on the project and planted seeds with children at the garden of MoNE Council Hall. Minister Arzu in his speech stated that the MoFAL encompasses subjects of "soil and water" just like MoNE embraces children and next generations. Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı in his remarks, emphasized significance of the issue and the protocol on "I am Saving My Future" project and expressed his wishes that the project will be a beneficial one for the nation and humanity and contribute reminding everyone the long-forgotten facts about human and nature. Furthermore, FAO Representative of Turkey Yuriko Shoji emphasized that FAO is ready to support all partners and exchange information on matters related to sustainable, inclusive and improved use of natural resources.
Through this project, with an aim to raise awareness of next generation on sustainable use and conservation of natural resources, various training activities and events will be held, targeting pre-school, primary school students along with teachers and parents in 30 metropole schools affiliated with MoNE. In this regard, soil and water themed story books, puzzles, colouring books will be prepared for students while handbooks and brochures will be disseminated to teachers and parents. Furthermore, animated films will be prepared and showcased at schools along with the water and soil themed public service ads broadcasted on TVs.
The duration of the Project is determined as two years; where the first year of the Project will be targeting a single metropole in all seven regions and the next year activities and events will be held in all 30 metropoles.