"WE ARE WORKING TO MAKE OUR CHILDREN SMILE IN ESKİŞEHİR"

The Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality reached thousands of children throughout the summer with the Neighborhood Children's Festivals, organized under the leadership of the Children's Rights Unit. The events, held in July and August, aimed to help children learn and develop their social skills while having fun. Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce stated that the neighborhood festivals reached thousands of children, saying, "The best part of the festivals was seeing the big smiles on our children's faces. Here in Eskişehir, we are working to bring smiles to our children."

 The festivities, held in the Şirintepe, Orhangazi, Gültepe, Çamlıca, Emek, and 75th Yıl neighborhoods, attracted considerable interest. Thousands of children participated in various games and workshops at the events held in neighborhood parks.

At the festival, children had fun with board games, creative workshops, and traditional street games, while also engaging in activities that contributed to their social, emotional, and cognitive development. They also had the opportunity to form new friendships, engage in teamwork, and play freely.

The Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality's Youth and Sports Department, ESMEK, and the City Theaters of the Department of Culture and Social Affairs also participated in the events. Supported by a variety of units, the festivities featured special shows and activities for children in the neighborhoods.

Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce, who attended the neighborhood festivals, took a close interest in the children and joined them in their games. Mayor Ünlüce emphasized the importance of such activities for children, saying, "Over the summer, we transformed our neighborhood parks into playgrounds, learning spaces, and sharing areas. From board games and creative workshops to traditional street games and theater performances, we brought together a variety of activities to support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of our children. Best of all, we all saw the big smiles on our children's faces. Here in Eskişehir, we work to bring smiles to our children. At these festivals, our children didn't just play; they learned about sharing, cooperation, and friendship. They made new friends and experienced the value of working together. The happier they are, the more motivated we are to work. Dear children, remember that your growth as healthy, happy, and free individuals is our top priority. As Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, we are always with you. I wish you all a wonderful academic year and hope your playful days never end. We are so glad you exist." she said.