A Physical and Social Shield for School Areas in Bornova

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki inspected the road, sidewalk and intersection improvements carried out in the school district, which is also home to Bornova Anatolian High School, one of Türkiye’s most established educational institutions. Mayor Eşki stated that narrow sidewalks had been widened and protective barriers installed to improve the physical safety of schools, while also drawing attention to the recent rise in school violence. Announcing that they had launched a security mobilization together with the Bornova City Council, Eşki called on all parents and School-Parent Associations to join forces to protect children from potential dangers.

During the inspection of the road, widened sidewalk and intersection improvements carried out to ensure students’ safety and ease traffic flow in the area, Mayor Eşki was accompanied by Attorney Doğan Baran Mengüş, President of the Bornova City Council.

During the visit, recent school attacks in cities such as Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş, which have deeply saddened society, as well as the growing incidents of violence in education, were recalled. The importance of making schools fully secure both physically and socially was emphasized.

From Narrow Sidewalks to Protected Routes: Traffic Hazard Eliminated

Stating that they had quickly addressed requests from the school administration, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki described the extensive physical transformation around the school:

“When we previously came here to deliver food supplies to the children studying at the school, the school principal made a very justified request. They told us that students entering the traffic area were forced to come into direct contact with moving vehicles because of the narrow sidewalks and were practically forced onto the road. We took immediate action and widened all the sidewalks in the area. We also brought the protective railings previously used in central Bornova to this area, creating a safe barrier between our students and vehicle traffic. We have successfully fulfilled our promise to protect our children from traffic hazards.”

“Our Schools Face a Major Threat; We Cannot Remain Silent”

Emphasizing that physical measures alone are not enough and drawing attention to a broader cycle of social violence threatening students around schools, Mayor Eşki called for a comprehensive mobilization for school safety:

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a major wave of violence confronting our children on the streets and around schools. We believe that our schools and educational spaces, which should be the safest and most peaceful places, are facing a serious threat. We must put an end to this situation and take concrete steps for our children. For this reason, together with our Bornova City Council, we will make the School-Parent Association meetings we initiated last year much stronger, more determined and more organized this year.”

Call for Joint Action to Parents and School-Parent Associations

Stating that everyone must take responsibility to protect children, who are the guarantee of our future, Mayor Ömer Eşki concluded:

“We believe that every parent should act as a responsible guardian in this city and in these schools. Every School-Parent Association and City Council also has a vital role to play here. Together with our municipalities, we must come together much more frequently for the safety of our children and develop joint strategies. We call on all School-Parent Associations in Bornova to fully participate in this comprehensive initiative launched by our City Council. Together with our esteemed City Council President Doğan Baran Mengüş, we will contribute to this security and solidarity process with all our strength and resources.”