IGU Opens a Gateway to the Sky for Village Children: An Aviation Experience with the “From the Steppe to the Sky” Project

The project was carried out under the leadership of Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatih Kılıç, a faculty member of the Department of Aviation Management. Fourth-year Aviation Management student Beyza İleri and third-year Aviation Management student Melek İba also took an active role in the project, contributing to introducing children to the field of aviation.

Held between September 22–24, 2026, at Kurancılı Şehit Ayhan Keleş Secondary School in the Kaman district of Kırşehir, the project brought children together with various hands-on aviation activities over three days. Through 11 workshops covering different themes, children explored a wide range of topics, including the principles of flight, aircraft wing structures, aviation professions and different types of aircraft, through activities designed according to their age group.

Learning aviation through experience

Throughout the workshops, particular attention was paid to supporting theoretical knowledge with practical activities while answering the children's questions about aviation. Questions such as “How does an airplane fly?” and “How do we breathe on an airplane?” shaped the interaction during the workshops and encouraged the children to develop their curiosity about aviation and technology.

One of the highlights of the project was the hot-air balloon brought by the Turkish Aeronautical Association. The children had the opportunity to closely examine an aircraft they were accustomed to seeing in the sky and learn about its operating principles. On the final day of the project, they were also introduced to various aircraft and aviation technologies through practical demonstrations.

Model aircraft provided by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) were presented to the children as gifts and attracted considerable interest. The activity allowed the students to reinforce what they had learned during the workshops through their own model aircraft.

Our students took an active role in the field

Aviation Management students Beyza İleri and Melek İba actively participated in the activities throughout the project. They communicated directly with the children, supported the implementation of the workshops and helped answer their questions about aviation.

Reflecting on their experiences, our students emphasized that one of the most valuable aspects of the project was witnessing the children's initial curiosity and excitement gradually turn into active participation. They also stated that the three days spent with the children were not merely an opportunity to share their own knowledge, but also a valuable learning experience for themselves.

A lasting learning environment for children

As part of the project, a library was established at Kurancılı Şehit Ayhan Keleş Secondary School to create a lasting outcome beyond the three-day activities. The library is intended to provide children with an environment where they can continue learning, exploring new subjects and pursuing their curiosity after the completion of the project.

The “From the Steppe to the Sky” project provided village children with an opportunity to experience aviation and technology through hands-on activities while also enabling Aviation Management students to gain valuable field experience by participating in a socially impactful project during their university education.

As the Department of Aviation Management at Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, we congratulate Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatih Kılıç, who led the project, and our students Beyza İleri and Melek İba for their valuable contributions.