Turkey Mobility

First Erasmus Mobility to Tarsus, Turkey Highlights the Importance of Reducing Solid Waste

The first mobility of the Erasmus+ project on Solid Waste took place recently in Tarsus, Turkey, bringing together students and teachers from three European schools: Convitto Nazionale D. Cotugno (Italy), Institut Miquel Martí i Pol (Spain) and the host school Tarsus Borsa İstanbul Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi. This initiative is part of the Erasmus+ program, aiming to raise awareness among young people about the need to recycle, reduce and reuse in order to tackle the pressing issue of solid waste.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

Located in a modest neighbourhood of Tarsus’ industrial district, the Turkish school warmly welcomed the participants. The program started with presentations of the three schools, followed by icebreaker activities and a guided tour of the host institution, where participants observed various recycling points set up throughout the building.

Students then worked in international groups to explore the topic of solid waste. One of the most significant moments was a round table discussion attended by local education authorities, the city’s councillor for education and local media. The debate highlighted different approaches to waste management in Italy, Spain and Turkey, underlining the crucial role of education in fostering environmental awareness.

The week also offered a chance to experience local traditions. A craftsman taught the group how to weave baskets — a perfect example of using natural, sustainable materials. Participants visited a local market where most products are sold without plastic packaging, a practice that reduces waste significantly.

A cultural trip to Cappadocia allowed the group to reflect on the environmental impact of tourism, especially concerning plastic bottle use and waste management. A photography contest encouraged students to observe and document these issues. The group also visited a pottery factory, connecting craftsmanship with sustainable practices.

Another key activity was a visit to Mersin University, where they met Dr. Deniz Ayas, a researcher and environmental activist studying the impact of plastics on Mersin’s coastline. Later, in collaboration with the association Third Eye, students took part in a beach clean-up to protect the nesting grounds of the endangered Caretta caretta turtle. Seeing the enormous amount of plastic waste that washes up daily made a deep impression on everyone.

Throughout their stay, participants explored Tarsus’ rich cultural heritage, observed local traditions and continued the photography contest to document their observations on tourism and the environment.

The exchange concluded with a heartfelt farewell, filled with shared experiences and new friendships, looking ahead to the next mobility in L’Aquila, Italy. Meanwhile, the project continues with eTwinning activities, sharing all the valuable insights and lessons learned from this unforgettable experience.