“I Forgot About My Illness Here”

Bornova Municipality’s Hobby and Skills Development Courses, which welcome thousands of residents every year, have become the setting for one woman’s inspiring journey of resilience and recovery. Diagnosed with cancer approximately three months ago, Yeliz Evrensel found the strength to overcome the emotional burden and challenges of her illness through the municipality’s handicrafts course.

Through its Hobby and Skills Development Courses, offered in 27 different fields during both the summer and winter terms, Bornova Municipality continues to enrich the lives of people of all ages. Beyond providing vocational and artistic skills, these courses also serve as spaces of rehabilitation, motivation, and emotional support for individuals facing difficult times. Yeliz Evrensel, a Bornova resident who was recently diagnosed with cancer, is one of the participants whose life changed after joining the municipality’s handicrafts program.

A Healing Journey from Public Service to the Art Workshop

Working as an assistant director at a public institution, Yeliz Evrensel’s life changed dramatically after receiving a cancer diagnosis three months ago. Rather than isolating herself during treatment, she began searching for a new hobby that would help her stay positive. While researching online, she discovered Bornova Municipality’s wide range of courses and enrolled in the handicrafts program. There, she learned rattan basket weaving, which not only helped her take her mind off her illness but also allowed her to remain active and engaged with life.

Describing the remarkable transformation she experienced through the course, Yeliz Evrensel said:

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew I was entering a very difficult period. I wanted to find a hobby, and that’s when I discovered the opportunities offered by Bornova Municipality. I started learning rattan basket weaving here, and I was so happy that while sitting in this workshop, I completely forgot about my illness. Every day I returned home feeling stronger, happier, and more hopeful. I made wonderful friends here. Thanks to our instructor, I realized that I could still accomplish things, create something with my own hands, and feel useful. I sincerely thank Bornova Municipality and our Mayor for providing us with these wonderful opportunities. I hope all homemakers discover these amazing courses.”

A Two-Hour Miracle, Twice a Week

Handicrafts Instructor Nevruz Çalışkan emphasized that the courses offered by Bornova Municipality are much more than opportunities to learn manual skills—they also create a therapeutic social environment. Held twice a week for two-hour sessions, the courses include training in sewing machine techniques, bag making, punch needle embroidery, felt crafting, patchwork quilting, and picot edging, among many other skills. Participants also learn how to repurpose household materials, enabling them to contribute to their family budgets through creative production.

Speaking about Yeliz Evrensel’s transformation, Çalışkan said:

“Our handicrafts course is a versatile workshop where many different techniques come together. Here, participants learn, create, and even earn extra income by selling what they produce. Yeliz joined us recently because of her health condition. The difference between the emotional state she had on her first day and the energy she has today is incredible. She has become a true source of inspiration. Our classes are lively, productive, and full of creativity. We are constantly developing new projects. Today, for example, she wanted to learn punch needle embroidery and came with great excitement, bringing all her materials. We are very happy and peaceful here. We are grateful that Bornova Municipality makes all of this possible.”

A Powerful Example of Social Municipalism

Through its extensive network of hobby and skills development courses, Bornova Municipality not only strengthens community engagement but also provides psychological and social support to residents facing difficult health challenges, as demonstrated by Yeliz Evrensel’s story. By improving the quality of life for its citizens, these programs stand as a powerful example of solidarity, inclusion, and people-centered local government.