ANKARA, April 10 – Third-grade students from Türkiye Noterler Birliği Primary School have published a book titled ‘My Story My Signature,’ with all proceeds dedicated to establishing libraries in schools within earthquake-stricken regions. The book was unveiled at the 23rd Ankara Book Fair, where a signing event was held at ATO Congresium.
Students Write Their Own Stories for a Cause
Under the guidance of their teacher, Yavuz Yalçın, the students penned their own stories, transforming their creative efforts into a published work. The book launch and signing event provided an opportunity for the young authors to meet readers and sign their books. The event also highlighted the children’s journey into authorship, the book’s creation story, and the educational background of the project.
Teacher’s Experience Inspires Solidarity Project
Yavuz Yalçın, the 3-A class teacher and editor of the book, shared his personal connection to the project, revealing that he experienced the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes three years ago in Adıyaman before being reassigned to Ankara. For two years, he taught his students to write about their memories and emotions, which culminated in this book. “We decided with our students to provide modular libraries and book support to earthquake-affected areas. I hope we can touch the lives of other students in the earthquake region in this way. We plan to write a more comprehensive book in the fourth grade, and its proceeds will likely also go to children in the earthquake region,” Yalçın stated.
He emphasized the spirit of solidarity behind the project: “After experiencing the earthquake, the help people provided us was invaluable. Now, with our students, we haven’t just written a book. We want to bring sharing and the spirit of solidarity to the forefront with this issue. It’s a wonderful feeling; all our parents are here, supporting us. We will also hold signing events and talks in the area where our school is located.”
Young Authors Share Their Experiences
Eslem Çelik (9), one of the book’s authors, described the writing process as challenging but ultimately rewarding. “Finding words was a bit difficult, but in the end, it turned into something very beautiful. I felt excited, happy, and confident. Helping others is a wonderful thing,” she said.
Damla Soygüt (9) found the process both enjoyable and educational. “Sometimes it was hard to find the words, but it was a very beautiful process. After the book was finished, I felt courageous. Helping the earthquake region is truly amazing,” she commented.
Ali Utku Doruk Yüceer (9) expressed his joy at seeing his story become a book. “Thanks to our teacher and our families, we turned these stories into a book. It turned out to be a very beautiful book,” he added.
Yaman Mutlu (9) also shared his experience: “First, my dad and I took notes, then we wrote. With the help of my teacher and family, we published the book. I am happy and excited.”
The project not only fostered literary skills among the students but also instilled a strong sense of social responsibility and empathy, demonstrating how young minds can contribute meaningfully to their community in times of need.
