AIOU Launches Turkish Summer Camp to Promote Cultural Learning Among Children

Islamabad (Mudassar Chaudhary) — Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has launched a two-week Turkish Summer Camp, designed to enrich children’s education, creativity, and physical development through cultural immersion. The camp was inaugurated with a vibrant ceremony attended by children, parents, and distinguished guests, highlighting the university’s commitment to holistic learning experiences.

Key attendees included Dr. Zahid Majeed, Director of AIOU’s International Office; Prof. Dr. Khalil Tokar, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute; Education Attaché of the Turkish Embassy, Dr. Mehmet Toyran; and Turkish language expert Prof. Dr. Samina Tokar.

In their remarks, the speakers praised the camp as a powerful educational tool and a meaningful expression of the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye. The camp will run until July 18, offering three interactive sessions each day.

• The first session focuses on basic Turkish language skills, including vocabulary, conversational phrases, and sentence structures.

• The second session introduces children to Islamic and Turkish calligraphy, encouraging artistic expression and cultural appreciation.

• The third session features traditional Turkish games like archery and Mangala, promoting physical activity and a hands-on connection to Turkish heritage.

Dr. Zahid Majeed noted that this marks AIOU’s third Turkish Summer Camp, highlighting its continued success in nurturing young talent, promoting cultural understanding, and building confidence in children. He also announced that the closing ceremony will be attended by AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood and the Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Khalil Tokar expressed optimism that the camp will further deepen the cultural ties between the two nations, while Turkish Education Attaché Mehmet Tuğrul Türker emphasized that the program offers children a holistic experience of Türkiye’s language, traditions, and modern achievements.

The initiative reflects AIOU’s growing commitment to international collaboration and youth cultural exchange, helping build bridges across borders and generations.