Students Learn Core Values Through Innovative School Canteen Program
At the Mustafa Canlı Science and Art Center in Gümüşhane, Türkiye, students are immersed in a unique program designed to teach them fundamental values such as trust and honesty.
Initiative to Foster Trust and Responsibility
Following students' expressed interest, the school established a canteen without an official operator, relying on a system where students can independently purchase items, leave payment in a designated box, and even take their own change if needed.
Principal's Perspective
Principal Osman Someren shared that the canteen now offers basic products like water, cakes, and biscuits, emphasizing the open-door policy and absence of a business operator. Students are trusted to select their items and handle payments, showcasing their integrity.
Supervision-Free Success
Someren proudly stated that despite the lack of supervision, there have been no discrepancies in weekly stock counts. In some instances, there were even surplus items, reflecting positively on the students' responsible behavior.
Encouraging Responsible Behavior
The initiative aims to demonstrate that students are capable of demonstrating virtuous conduct without constant oversight. The school administration's trust in the students' accountability has been reaffirmed through the successful implementation of the program.
Hands-On Learning of Values
Filiz Köksal, the assistant principal and social studies teacher, highlighted the significance of this hands-on approach in instilling values such as honesty and trust. By directly experiencing these values, students internalize the lessons more effectively, learning about responsibility, fairness, and trust.
Spreading Valuable Lessons Nationwide
Köksal suggested that similar programs implemented in other regions of Türkiye could contribute to the nationwide dissemination of these essential values, further enriching the educational experience for students across the country.
