The project “New Dreams from Old Fabrics: Creative Toy Workshop,” carried out in collaboration between our university and Altındağ Municipality, was held on November 1, 2025, at the Altındağ Municipality Karacaören Youth Center.
The project was carried out under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Varol Ergen, a faculty member of our University's Faculty of Fine Arts, with Prof. Dr. Nadire Şule Atılgan and Assoc. Prof. Atila Işık serving as advisors. Melek Burçin Gedik, a graduate of our Graphic Design Department, participated in the project as a design developer.
The project, which aimed to raise awareness of recycling and sustainability among elementary and middle school students, gave children the opportunity to develop their creativity and manual skills. By reusing old clothes and fabric pieces and learning simple sewing techniques, the children produced their own soft toys.
During the workshop process, Hacettepe University students and high school students also had the opportunity to develop their social responsibility, leadership, and project management skills by mentoring the children. At the end of the event, all children were given participation certificates.
It was noted that the project strengthened Hacettepe University's mission of contributing to society and made significant contributions to spreading awareness of sustainability and creativity among younger generations. Officials announced that similar projects are planned to be continued in the coming periods with larger groups of students and stakeholders.