Innovative Educational Initiatives by Allianz Turkey and TEGV
In a pioneering collaboration with the Educational Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TEGV), Allianz Turkey has launched an inspiring initiative named “Conscious Steps to Safe Tomorrows,” aimed at instilling disaster awareness in children through a specially designed educational board game. The game is crafted to enhance children’s risk awareness by employing gamification strategies, providing crucial insights on what actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake.
Empowering the Next Generation with Allianz Teknik
Allianz Teknik, the first and only accredited earthquake laboratory in Turkey, was established by Allianz Turkey with a mission to raise social awareness about risks associated with earthquakes and fires. This initiative forms part of Allianz’s broader commitment to fostering a safer society. With the “Conscious Steps to Safe Tomorrows” program, Allianz Teknik aims to prepare children aged 7-14 for potential disasters through interactive and engaging awareness training sessions.
The board game, a key element of the third phase of the program, was unveiled to parents at a special event hosted by Gymy Kids in Istanbul. Dr. Ceyhun Eren, the Risk Engineering and Allianz Technical Director, shared insights into the training provided through the program and highlighted the board game’s role in reinforcing these educational efforts. Additionally, Expert Psychologist Ayben Ertem emphasized the significance of games in children’s learning processes.
A Unique Educational Experience at Allianz Teknik
Dr. Eren underscored the importance of cultivating disaster awareness from a young age, especially given Turkey’s geographic vulnerability to earthquakes. He stated, “Through the ‘Conscious Steps to Safe Tomorrows’ program, developed in partnership with TEGV, we aim to nurture disaster awareness in children. We regularly welcome children to Allianz Teknik, where they can experience our earthquake simulator and participate in a specially designed training program. This program, compulsory at all TEGV locations, uses activities, videos, drills, and games to teach children about natural disasters and the crucial ‘collapse-trap-hold’ technique.”
He further explained, “The board game, available at all TEGV locations, is designed to solidify the earthquake education imparted to children. It helps children over the age of 8 learn systematically how to prepare for disasters, reinforcing their knowledge and enabling them to share these insights with others through play.”
The Role of Experiential Learning in Child Development
Highlighting the educational power of play, Expert Psychologist Ayben Ertem remarked, “For children, play is not merely a pastime; it is a critical learning tool that underpins emotional, social, and cognitive development. Today, ‘serious games’ — those designed for learning rather than just entertainment — hold a vital place in child development. Research indicates these games are 20% more effective than traditional learning methods, with experiential games, particularly those simulating crises like earthquakes, enhancing children’s awareness by up to 30%.”
She further advised parents to engage actively while playing the earthquake awareness game with their children, suggesting questions that encourage children to articulate their thoughts and feelings. “This approach not only reinforces learning but also imparts crucial skills like emotion management and problem-solving,” she added.
Aiming for Broader Impact
The “Conscious Steps to Safe Tomorrows” program, structured as a three-tier education initiative, initially rolled out compulsory training modules for children aged 7-14 at TEGV locations. The second phase focused on enhancing children’s disaster awareness through visits to Allianz Teknik, either in person or virtually. The third phase’s board game is designed to extend the program’s reach, aiming to educate more children and spread accurate information. As the program progresses, it is set to reach 135,000 children across 34 provinces within three years, fostering a well-informed and prepared future generation.
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