A joint effort for ‘children’

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and Güzelbahçe Municipality have signed an exemplary cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating the education and development processes of preschool-aged children. As part of the protocol, IUE will support activities and educational efforts for children, teachers, and parents at the kindergarten located within the Onur Günay Education Campus, which is affiliated with the Güzelbahçe Municipality. Special projects will be carried out by experts from IUE to positively impact the social, emotional, cognitive, and psychological development of the children. IUE will also provide support to the study center on the education campus.

The protocol, launched with the aim of ensuring the best possible preschool education for children living in Güzelbahçe, was signed by Mahmut Özgener, Chairman of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce and President of IUE Board of Trustees, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, and Güzelbahçe Mayor Mustafa Günay.

“INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Özgener emphasized that investing in education is a valuable step toward the future. Acting with this belief, he stated that they had established an important partnership with Güzelbahçe Municipality and thanked everyone who contributed to the effort. Reminding also that construction of IUE’s new campus in Güzelbahçe is progressing rapidly, Özgener said, “We aim to complete the first 62 thousand square-meter phase of the construction by relocating two of our faculties to the new campus in July 2026. I thank Güzelbahçe Mayor Mustafa Günay for his strong support throughout this process. I believe we will establish new collaborations with Güzelbahçe Municipality in the near future. Güzelbahçe is a valuable district that can lead in both education and business. We can achieve this together.”

“WORKING IN HARMONY”

Expressing that everyone worked with goodwill and in harmony to bring the cooperation to life, Güzelbahçe Mayor Mustafa Günay said, “We have taken a very meaningful and valuable step for the children of Güzelbahçe. I believe that this cooperation with IUE will yield very positive results for children and educators in a short time. I would also like to thank Mahmut Özgener, Chairman of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce and President of IUE Board of Trustees, for his support. IUE is about to realize a long-standing dream by coming to Güzelbahçe, and we are very excited. I’m pleased with our strong communication with IUE and believe it will continue to grow.”

“UNIVERSITIES SHOULD BE A DRIVING FORCE”

Sharing details about the protocol, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “Through IUE Children’s University Research and Application Center and IUE Vocational School of Health Services’ Child Development Program, we will intensify our efforts to enhance teacher qualifications through hands-on training and to support families in raising healthy individuals. Additionally, students in the Child Development Program will have opportunities for internships and practical training at the municipality’s kindergartens. Any project that touches children, brings them joy, and illuminates their educational path is our priority. Universities should serve as role models for society and act as a driving force. Our cooperation with Güzelbahçe Municipality is a beautiful result of this vision and perspective we hold as a University.”