On the afternoon of October 23, 2024 the Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University (METU) organized a Chinese Culture Open Day at Şehit Seçkin Çil Kindergarten. The event aimed to further promote cultural exchanges between China and Türkiye while enhancing the young children's awareness of multiculturalism. The activities were led by Ms. Wang Kangting, a Chinese teacher dispatched by the Confucius Institute, and Mr. Song Zhengyang, a Chinese student volunteer. The event garnered enthusiastic participation from all kindergarten students, teachers, and school administrators. Additionally, Ms. Yasemin Çimen, a National Education Expert Turkish and Foreign Language Education R&D CenterBoard of Education Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Education, attended the event as a guest.

The event commenced with a vivid presentation by Ms. Wang, who introduced the children to China's geographical features, historical background, and cultural highlights through an engaging combination of a PowerPoint presentation and videos. These efforts provided the young audience with an introductory understanding of China's rich history and vibrant culture. During an interactive Q&A session, the children actively engaged by eagerly answering questions. To further motivate their participation, small gifts prepared by the Confucius Institute were awarded to those who answered correctly, sparking great enthusiasm and curiosity among the children.

Following the presentation, the children gathered on the kindergarten playground to participate in joyful group performances of the "Hello Song" and"Clap Song."These musical activities not only allowed the children to experience the melodic charm of Chinese songs but also fostered a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Next, Mr. Song introduced simple Taiji movements, which the children earnestly imitated, providing them with an opportunity to explore the unique appeal of traditional Chinese martial arts. The atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

To enrich the kindergarten's Chinese teaching resources and deepen the children's understanding of China and its culture, Ms. Wang presented Chinese picture books and wall charts as gifts on behalf of the Confucius Institute at METU. In her closing remarks, kindergarten principal Ms. Emine Öztürk expressed her sincere appreciation to the Confucius Institute for their support. She noted that the "Chinese Culture Open Day" not only broadened the children's cultural horizons but also served as an excellent platform for dialogue and interaction among students and educators. She expressed hope that similar cultural activities would be held more frequently in the future, enabling children to learn and grow in a diverse and inclusive environment. This event was a meaningful step in strengthening ties between China and Türkiye, providing a bridge for young learners to explore and appreciate the richness of Chinese culture.