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TRAINING COURSE IN UTOPYA, ANTALYA, TURKEY

4th - 8th
NOVEMBER, 2024

1. DAY

After starting the day with breakfast, at 10:00 A.M. the project participants were introduced to the structure, facilities, and core principles of Ütopya by Ahmet Öncel. To foster group cohesion and share expectations, a welcoming circle was organized. Following this, team-building activities such as "Magic Carpet" and "Flying Circle" were conducted to strengthen group dynamics.

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After lunch, with insights shared by Cansu Üzümcü Ünüvar, a lesson practice for individuals with disabilities who came to Ütopya was conducted with the participants in the forest path and forest classroom. Afterward, a meeting was held to gather participants' experiences and feedback to enrich the lesson content. At the end of the day, a brainstorming session was organized as the first step in gathering ideas for the brochure to be prepared within the project scope. The day concluded with dinner.

2. DAY

After breakfast, "energizing activities" were carried out to encourage participants to start the day with energy. In the first session of the day, Sevde Sümeyye Sevgili presented comprehensive information on sensory integration in a detailed presentation.

After lunch, the Ütopya Occupational Therapy Center was visited. Participants were introduced to materials used in occupational therapy and experienced them hands-on under the guidance of therapists working at the center. The therapists also provided information about therapy sessions and different approaches within occupational therapy. The day ended with dinner.

3. DAY

Following breakfast, the day began with breathing exercises and warm-up activities. In the forest classroom, Katya Hueso shared her insights and experiences on playing in nature and adaptations for individuals with special needs. Participants had the opportunity to invent games using just a rope and played sensory-enhancing games using materials they collected from nature.

 

After lunch, Gaye Almus shared her knowledge and experiences regarding nature-based play in the forest classroom. Participants were divided into groups and designed new games using simple materials such as rope and twine, with each group creating at least two new games. The day was completed with dinner.

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4. DAY

After breakfast, a forest walk was conducted, followed by a discussion on the design stages of the “Egg of Sun” workshop by Ahmet Öncel. In the afternoon, the program continued with a visit from individuals with disabilities and their families, with Cansu Üzümcü Ünüvar leading the group. First, a welcome circle was organized, and participants engaged in an activity of guessing and tasting orange scents. During the forest activities, participants were briefed on the necessary rules and potential risks in the forest. Each participant was paired with an individual with a disability for the activities. Natural obstacles that required overcoming physical challenges were navigated on the forest path, and a "Treasure Hunt" event was held. Meanwhile, participants used sticks they found in nature for a rhythm exercise, creating a musical activity in harmony with nature as they sang together. After a “Land Art” activity using materials collected on the forest path, a closing circle was held in the shared area of Ütopya, during which participants shared their feelings about the activity. The day concluded with farewells to individuals with disabilities and their families, followed by dinner.

5. DAY

After breakfast, participants formed a "hello circle" and had the opportunity to meet the renowned English teacher, Mehmet Can Ünüvar (also known as “LearnWithCurly”). A review of the activities conducted so far was done, and tasks were distributed to complete the written part of the project report. A gift exchange event was organized among the participants, and each participant was presented with a participation certificate.

At the end of the event, the expectation papers written by the participants on the first day were returned to them, and a conversation took place about the extent to which their expectations were met and the new knowledge they had gained. After lunch, the project closed with a traditional dessert, künefe.

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