On 5–6 July 2026, IDEA Universal hosted the Lead Partner Study Visit at the EcosySTEM E-STEM Training Centre in Kadıköy, Istanbul, bringing together project representatives from Türkiye, Ukraine, Greece, and Bulgaria. A total of 17 participants attended the event, including project managers, trainers, and technical experts from all partner organisations.
Unlike regular coordination meetings, the Study Visit was designed as a hands-on learning experience. Throughout the programme, partners observed how the six E-STEM modules are delivered in practice, explored the organisation of the training centre, and followed accelerated demonstrations based on the educational activities implemented during the Turkish pilot phase. The sessions focused on classroom methodology, educational flow, learning materials, and practical approaches used while working with children.
The morning sessions, led by Yasemin Şengil, introduced the Ecosystems & Biodiversity, Soil, and Environment & Waste Management modules, while the afternoon sessions, delivered by Cevahir Şenol, focused on Water, Air, and Renewable Energy. Rather than discussing the modules theoretically, the trainers shared their practical implementation experience, explaining how activities are adapted to different age groups, how classroom dynamics are managed, and how educational materials support experiential learning.
The technical discussions that followed each session created an opportunity for partners to exchange questions about classroom implementation, educational tools, and training methods. Particular interest was shown in the erosion simulation model, the En-ROADS Climate Simulator, and the Lead Partner's outdoor learning facilities, including the aquaponics system, rainwater harvesting system, and three different composting systems integrated into the E-STEM Training Centre.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Study Visit was the composition of the training team. Around 90% of the trainers delivering the programme were women, demonstrating the project's commitment to equal opportunities and highlighting the active role of women in STEM and environmental education. Throughout the demonstrations, female trainers led technical sessions, facilitated discussions, and shared their experience from the pilot implementation, providing a strong example of women's leadership within science education.
The Study Visit provided partners with a common understanding of the Lead Partner's implementation model before the remaining project activities. Beyond observing the educational programme, participants discussed practical aspects of training delivery and exchanged ideas that will support future Study Visits and the final implementation phase of the ecosySTEM project.
The Lead Partner Study Visit marks another important milestone in the ecosySTEM project as partners continue working together to promote innovative environmental education and strengthen children's environmental awareness across the Black Sea Basin region.
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