Our foundation, in collaboration with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, launched a poster and painting competition themed "One World, Common Conscience" to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to contribute to the sensitivity of young people on this issue. The competition aimed for students to express their feelings, thoughts, and testimonies regarding the events in Gaza through art.

The attacks targeting civilians, especially children, in Gaza continue from time to time despite the ceasefire agreements achieved through international initiatives, causing deep moral wounds in the global public opinion. In the face of this situation, our country continues to stand by the Palestinian people due to its historical and humanitarian responsibility; we also see it as a primary responsibility to pass this sensitivity on to younger generations through our education and awareness efforts.

The conscience of young people became visible through art.

With the "One World, Common Conscience" competition, it was aimed to make the sensitivity of students regarding the events in Gaza visible through art. The competition aimed to keep the awareness of compassion, justice, and responsibility alive in the conscience of young people and to ensure that the sufferings experienced in oppressed regions are acknowledged.

The competition, announced by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education on November 1, was conducted through the joint efforts of the two institutions. Our foundation contributed as an active partner in the process with a sense of humanitarian and moral responsibility. A jury member appointed by our foundation also served on the three-member jury.

Pens and colors spoke for Gaza.

Our foundation continues to support its sensitivity towards the Palestinian issue through educational, cultural, and awareness projects that it has been carrying out for a long time. While aiming to keep the consciousness of trust alive with our project "5W1H Jerusalem," which aims to convey the historical, religious, and humanitarian significance of Jerusalem to younger generations; we also contribute to the understanding of the humanitarian tragedy experienced in Gaza through the axis of truth, knowledge, and conscience with our program "The Language of Testimony: Gaza and Literacy."

Emphasis on "common conscience" from our President Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz.

Speaking at the award ceremony, our Board Chair Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz stated that the competition is not just an art event; it carries a strong moral call against the events in Gaza.

Pointing out that the world is going through a severe test in terms of justice, compassion, and conscience, Yılmaz made the following evaluations:

"Thanks to this competition, it became possible to see how our youth interpret the developments occurring on a global scale and what values they establish a language through. All the works produced were very valuable; each touched our hearts. We once again witnessed how much hope our youth hold.

By saying 'One World, Common Conscience,' we remind ourselves to stand on the side of justice and compassion. The strongest carriers of this reminder are our youth. As long as they continue to carry the voice of truth, we believe that the oppressions experienced today will one day come to an end."

Emphasizing that the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza has not ended despite the ceasefire, Yılmaz underlined that conscience is a responsibility that requires continuity. She expressed that our foundation has adopted raising young people with a moral stance, awareness of justice, and responsibility alongside academic development as a fundamental approach.

Awards were presented on World Martyrs' Children Day.

The awards for the students who ranked in the competition were presented on Tuesday, December 23, at a ceremony held at Tenzile Erdoğan Girls' Anatolian Imam Hatip High School. At the ceremony, the first-place student received 3 grams of gold and a plaque, the second-place student received 2 grams of gold and a plaque, and the third-place student received 1 gram of gold and a plaque.

In the program held on World Martyrs' Children Day, the children who lost their lives in Gaza were commemorated with mercy. An exhibition consisting of the posters and paintings submitted to the competition was organized, while a music performance ensured the active participation of students in the program.