Emotion, solidarity, and hope in the Bornova Children’s Assembly:
“When a child speaks, the world begins to change”

The Bornova Children’s Assembly convened ahead of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, setting an example for adults. Young assembly members delivered powerful messages through theatrical performances and the slogan: “When a child speaks, the world begins to change.” Their demands—such as more libraries and social spaces—were unanimously approved. Attending the event, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that children’s happiness and safety are their top priorities and that their demands serve as a guiding light.

The Bornova Municipality Council Hall hosted the 2nd Bornova Children’s Assembly under the slogan “The floor belongs to children.” Decorated with Turkish flags and red-and-white balloons, the event began with a moment of silence for students and teachers who lost their lives in the attacks in Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, followed by the National Anthem.

Bornova projects through children’s eyes received great applause
The program continued with a film showcasing activities from 2025. The film featured Children’s Assembly President Ela Önder and members visiting and reviewing projects such as the Toy Library, Pumptrack Park, asphalt works, Abide-i Hürriyet Square, Waste Bank, Urban Gardens, Golden Bracelet Employment Center, City Restaurants, and City Kitchens. The screening received great applause from the audience.

Leadership handover and meaningful messages to politicians
Following the film, a symbolic leadership handover took place. Zeynep Dirik assumed the presidency from Ela Önder.

In a theatrical performance prepared by drama instructor Fatih Ay, debates within the assembly were staged, delivering striking messages to politicians. Children voiced their demands for opening new libraries, increasing children’s activity centers, and diversifying hobby courses—proposals that were unanimously accepted.

“When a child speaks, the world begins to change”
At the end of the assembly, children collectively declared: “When a child speaks, the world begins to change,” delivering a powerful message. The event concluded joyfully with the songs “Oynaya Oynaya Gelin Çocuklar” and “Bugün 23 Nisan.”

The program saw strong participation from children and their families from schools and special education institutions across Bornova. Mayor Ömer Eşki, his wife Beste Eşki, council members, and municipal officials were also in attendance.

Mayor Ömer Eşki: “Our greatest duty is children’s happiness”
In his speech, Mayor Eşki emphasized the importance of children:

“Being surrounded by such beauty is a great joy. Children are the most valuable beings in the world. Any harm that comes to them deeply affects us. We want to see our children always smiling and happy—that’s what they deserve.

Our greatest duty is to carry our children into a happier and safer future. Ensuring their safety and happiness, and giving them the keys to tomorrow, is our most important responsibility. I thank all our children who prepared this wonderful organization. We have so much to learn from you.

Let’s not do this once a year, but more often. Every request you make is an order for us. Being together with you has made us all happy. In these difficult times, your smiles have given us hope. I thank everyone who contributed. Let’s take children as our example.”