Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Students in Ankara Discover Possibilities in New Technology Classroom

Stepping into the newly renovated technology classroom was a magical moment for students at the 30 Ağustos Secondary School in Ankara’s Mamak District. For a 10-year-old, the freshly painted white walls, gleaming computers, and brand-new educational tools seemed to open a world full of possibilities. A new 3D printer stood on a table, six computers were arranged on desks around the room, a modern projector and screen was waiting for the teacher. New educational tools, toys, and games, including a dozen 3D pens, were laid out in a storage closet that also had been newly painted.

“Our new technology classroom is wonderful,” said an eighth-grader student seeing the space for the first time. “We will be able to do so many incredible projects and activities, and will be able to learn so much more about technology and what we can do with it!”

Before the renovation, practical learning opportunities were limited, according to Technology and Design teacher, Ayşe Elif Tekay. “Previously, we could only teach computer-aided design theoretically,” she explained. “But now, we can offer a wide range of technology-themed projects with the tools and space to provide hands-on, practical experience, helping the students’ learning.”

The classroom transformation was made possible through a partnership between GE Aerospace and the Turkish non-profit Habitat Association. GE Aerospace provided the funds to equip the classroom, while employees and their families led a one-day project – alongside teachers, students and parents from the school – to refresh the room with a new paint job.

“As a technology company, we thought the best way to contribute would be to implement a technology classroom in a school lacking such resources, as it is in a disadvantaged area,” said co-organizer Özge Çırıka, GE Aerospace’s Director of Corporate Affairs for Türkiye and the CIS.

“Supporting young people’s introduction to technology and helping them explore their creative potential is a key priority for GE Aerospace,” she added. “Especially as we live in an age of technology, all kids deserve to have access to systems like computers and 3D printers. With these initiatives, we are not only investing in knowledge but also sparking hope in the students’ hearts, inspiring them to be future engineers and scientists.”

Kement Akdemir, GE Aerospace’s Director of Defense & Systems, Regional Strategy and Business Development, co-led the initiative. “At GE Aerospace, we understand how important it is to reach young people in these formative years. Providing access to technology empowers them to dream big and achieve big for themselves and their country,” said Akdemir, who, like Çırıka, is based in Ankara. 

“We hope that this technology classroom, developed in partnership with Habitat Association, will nurture their knowledge, curiosity, and capabilities in science and technology,” he said. 

Fatih Mehmet Güneş, Project Assistant with Habitat, said one of the organization’s priorities is connecting youth with science and technology. “Our goal is not only to offer them a workshop experience, but also to present them with a vision for an inspiring future. Witnessing the excitement in students’ eyes once again reminded us how valuable our work truly is.”

GE Aerospace and Habitat have a longstanding partnership, previously collaborating on impactful projects like the “Empowering Future Scientists” initiative to help raise awareness about sustainability and foster an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. The program was conducted for students across 70 cities and schools and reached over 8,200 students through dozens of online and in-person sessions, particularly in eastern Türkiye, the area impacted by the 2023 earthquake.

Akdemir said the 30 Ağustos Secondary School classroom renovation projects is his sixth, during his career with GE Aerospace and the legacy GE company. He is inspired to do this work because his mother was a teacher, and he saw the impact learning can have. “Education is the most fundamental thing to help make your country better. I always focus on primary or secondary school, because the younger you can impact kids, the easier it is to help shape their future.”

Çırıka also is drawn to volunteer work because she knows that every action, no matter how big or small, results in tangible benefits to those who are touched.

To emphasize her point, she recalls the day spent painting the classroom with the enthusiastic students, parents and teachers: “Seeing the students’ cheerful expressions, the sparkle in their eyes, and their celebration, with singing and dancing, of our work, it was one of the most fulfilling moments of my professional life.”