5th Day of Türkiye Mobility

The Erasmus+ KA210 project, "AI for Inclusion" has successfully completed its mobility week in Turgutlu, Manisa, Türkiye. Hosted by the Halil Kale Science High School, students and educators from Greece, Poland, Portugal, and Türkiye came together from April 20th to 24th, 2026, to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and STEM. This mobility was not just an academic exchange but a celebration of diversity, where technology served as a bridge to foster social equity and international friendship.

The Grand Finale – Robotics in Action and Final Reflections

The final day of our mobility in Türkiye was a vibrant culmination of all the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that defined this week. As we gathered at Halil Kale Science High School for the last time, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and a sense of accomplishment.

The highlight of the morning was the highly anticipated STEM Competition, held in the school's courtyard. International teams of students showcased the Remote Controlled (RC) cars they had meticulously built and programmed during the earlier workshops. This hands-on robotics challenge required teams to demonstrate the mechanical stability, electronic precision, and AI-supported coding of their creations. The school yard turned into a dynamic arena where students applied their problem-solving skills in real-time, testing their cars' performance against various obstacles. This activity perfectly embodied the "From Idea to Hardware" theme, proving that with teamwork and the right tools every student can excel in engineering.

Following the outdoor competition and a short coffee break, the focus shifted to the STEM Product Presentations. Each group presented their final projects, detailing their design process, the challenges they overcame, and how they utilized AI to enhance their learning. These presentations highlighted the participants' growth in self-confidence and technical expertise, particularly emphasizing the project's goal of empowering girls in STEM fields.

The week concluded on a high note with a formal Farewell Dinner and Certificate Ceremony. This emotional evening was a time for reflection and celebration. Each participant was awarded an official Erasmus+ certificate, recognizing their dedication and successful completion of the "AI for Inclusion" program. It was a moment to honor the new bonds formed between the partner schools and to thank our hosts for their exceptional hospitality.

Looking Toward the Future

As we prepare for our departure on April 25th, we carry with us more than just technical skills. This mobility has provided a profound understanding of how AI can be a tool for inclusion, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all. The memories of the robotics competition in the sunlit school yard and the shared laughter during our cultural journeys will stay with us forever. We return to our home countries inspired and ready to continue our mission of making the world of STEM a truly inclusive space for the next generation of scientists and innovators.

4th Day of Türkiye Mobility

The fourth day of our Erasmus+ KA210 mobility, "AI for Inclusion" was a breathtaking journey through some of the most iconic historical and natural landscapes of Türkiye. After focusing on cutting-edge technology and STEM innovation at Halil Kale Science High School, this excursion offered our international participants from Greece, Poland, and Portugal a chance to see how the wonders of the past and the beauty of nature can inspire the innovators of tomorrow. 

Our cultural odyssey began early at 08:00, as we departed from Turgutlu for an extensive full-day tour of the region's most celebrated sites. The itinerary was packed with awe-inspiring locations, starting with the Sardes Ancient City, the historic capital of the Lydian Empire. We then traveled to the stunning white travertines of Pamukkale, often called the "Cotton Castle", where students marveled at the unique thermal pools formed by calcium-rich waters.

The exploration continued through the sprawling ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, where we walked through centuries of history, exploring ancient theaters and necropolises. The highlight of the afternoon was the visit to the Cleopatra Ancient Pool, where history and nature merge in a unique thermal experience. Throughout the day, the group bonded over these shared discoveries, finding common ground in the appreciation of global heritage and the preservation of natural beauty.

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As we returned to Turgutlu, it was clear that Day 4 had succeeded in deepening the cultural ties between our partner schools and broadening our horizons beyond the digital world. This immersive experience served as a perfect bridge between the technical workshops of the previous days and the final presentations awaiting us on Friday. We move into the final day of our mobility with renewed inspiration, ready to showcase the "AI for Inclusion" products we have developed together, enriched by the memories of the incredible Turkish landscape.

3rd Day of Türkiye Mobility

The third day of our Erasmus+ KA210 mobility, "AI for Inclusion" took us away from the classroom and into the heart of Türkiye's magnificent heritage. Following two intensive days of technical workshops and STEM collaboration at Halil Kale Science High School, Wednesday was dedicated to a historical and cultural tour. This excursion provided our international teams from Türkiye, Portugal, Poland, and Greece with a unique opportunity to bond outside of a school setting while discovering the profound history that connects our diverse cultures. 

Exploring Ancient Wonders and Local Traditions

The day began early at 08:00 as we departed from the school for a full-day cultural immersion. Our itinerary was carefully planned to showcase both the natural beauty and the ancient history of the region:

• Nazar and Maket Villages: Our first stops introduced us to local crafts and miniature representations of traditional Turkish life.

• Ephesus Ancient City: The highlight for many was exploring the sprawling ruins of Ephesus, one of the most significant Greco-Roman cities in the world. Walking through its ancient streets allowed students to see the architectural and engineering marvels of the past.

• House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince Village: We concluded our historical tour with a peaceful visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, followed by a walk through the charming, historic streets of Şirince Village.

Throughout the day, the cultural tour served as a reminder that inclusion is not just a modern technological goal but a historical reality shaped by centuries of cross-cultural interaction.

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As we returned to Turgutlu, the shared experiences of the day further strengthened the friendships between our students and teachers. Witnessing these ancient sites together has given us a broader perspective on the world we are trying to build through the "AI for Inclusion" project. We look forward to tomorrow, where we will continue our cultural journey with visits to the Sardes Ancient City and the natural wonders of Pamukkale.

2nd Day of Türkiye Mobility

The second day of our Erasmus+ KA210 mobility, "AI for Inclusion", continued with high energy at the Halil Kale Science High School in Turgutlu. Building on the inclusive foundations laid during our first day, Tuesday was dedicated to witnessing local innovation and diving deep into the practical world of Robotics and Engineering. Our goal was to transform theoretical knowledge into tangible hardware while proving that STEM fields are a space where every student, regardless of gender, can excel.

Inspiration at the TÜBİTAK Science Fair

Our morning began at 09:30 as all international teams gathered at the school. The highlight of the morning was the visit to the TÜBİTAK 4006-B Science Fair. This exhibition allowed our students to witness a variety of scientific projects developed by their Turkish peers, sparking cross-cultural dialogue about innovation and local STEM initiatives. It was a fantastic opportunity for our participants to see "science in action" before heading into their own technical workshops.

STEM Workshop: From Idea to Hardware

The afternoon was dedicated to an intensive, 240-minute STEM Workshop titled "Girls in STEM: RC Car Hands-on Mechanical and Electronic". Students were divided into international teams with specific roles, such as Mechanical Leader, Electronics Specialist, and AI/Coding Specialist.

The workshop was divided into several key phases:

• Mechanical Assembly: Groups worked independently to build car chassis using 3D printed parts, install motors, and attach wheels.

• Electronic Integration: Participants learned how to bridge the gap between software and hardware by connecting Arduino boards, L298N motor drivers, and HC-05 Bluetooth modules.

• AI-Supported Coding: In a session titled "First Interaction with AI," students used tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to generate and improve code prompts, proving that AI can empower anyone to build a robot even without advanced prior coding knowledge.

Throughout the session, the emphasis remained on building self-confidence, especially for girls in the fields of mechanical and electronic systems.

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As we wrapped up the day, the sight of custom-built RC cars moving across the floor was a testament to the students' teamwork and problem-solving skills. Day 2 successfully bridged the gap between a simple idea and a working engineering system. With our technical foundations now firmly in place, we are ready to shift gears tomorrow and explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, starting with our trip to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.

1st Day of Türkiye Mobility

The first day of our Erasmus+ KA210 mobility in Turgutlu, Manisa, has officially begun, marking an inspiring start to our project, "AI for Inclusion". Hosted by the prestigious Halil Kale Science High School, students and teachers from Türkiye, Portugal, Poland, and Greece have gathered to explore the intersection of technology and social equity. This week is not just about learning technical skills; it is about building a diverse community where every voice is heard and every student feels empowered to shape the future of STEM.

A Warm Welcome and Cultural Exchange

The morning kicked off at 09:30 with a warm School Welcome and Tour, where our hosts introduced us to the facilities of Halil Kale Science High School. To break the ice, each participating school delivered a brief introductory presentation, allowing the international teams to get to know one another. Students participated in icebreaker prompts, sharing their individual STEM goals and defining what AI and ICT mean to them in today’s world. This initial session successfully set a collaborative tone, ensuring that all participants felt comfortable and engaged from the very start.

Highlighting Female Role Models in STEM

Following a brief coffee break, the focus shifted to the "Presentation of Female Role Models in AI and STEM". This session was dedicated to addressing the importance of diversity in technology and highlighting the contributions of women to global innovation. Working in small international groups, students researched specific female figures, completing biographical profiles that detailed their achievements and the challenges they overcame. Using tools like Canva, participants created visual posters to showcase these inspiring stories, fostering a deep reflection on how representation matters in scientific fields.

AI for Inclusion and Career Planning

In the afternoon, the group delved into the "Inclusion Workshop on AI". This hands-on session encouraged students to use AI tools to plan their own career pathways. By analyzing skills needed for various STEM careers, students moved beyond stereotypes and began self-directed learning plans. The day concluded with a creative reflection task where students wrote messages to "future female scientists," reinforcing the day's theme of empowerment and mentorship.

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As the sun sets on our first day in Türkiye, we look forward to the rest of the week with great anticipation. This experience is already proving to be a powerful catalyst for change, bridging the gap between advanced technology and social inclusion while forging lasting international friendships. We are eager to see how the insights gained today will inspire our STEM education activities and cultural visits in the days to come.

Türkiye Mobility Program

We are excited to announce the next phase of our Erasmus+ project. Teachers and female students from every partner school will be traveling to Turgutlu, Manisa, Türkiye, where they will be hosted by the Halil Kale Fen Lisesi from April 20 to April 24, 2026.

The first day features a school tour, introductory presentations, a seminar on female role models in AI and STEM, and a workshop focused on inclusion. On Tuesday, participants will attend the TÜBİTAK 4006-B Science Fair and engage in STEM education activities. The middle of the week is dedicated to extensive cultural and historical exploration, including visits to the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, Şirince Village, the ancient city of Sardes, and the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. The mobility concludes on Friday, April 24, with final STEM product presentations and a formal certificate ceremony during a farewell dinner. Partners are scheduled to depart from Turgutlu on April 25, 2026, marking the end of this collaborative international experience. 

Through this experience, we expect to bridge the gap between advanced technology and social inclusion, while fostering lasting international friendships and gaining a deeper understanding of how AI can empower every student within a diverse educational landscape.