The project titled “Teaching the Use of Mathematics in Sign Language to Prospective Mathematics and Elementary Mathematics Teachers and Their Views on the Process,” conducted at the Faculty of Education at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) and supported by the TÜBİTAK 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program, has concluded with a closing and certificate ceremony.

Broad Participation

The ceremony took place at the Faculty of Education Conference Hall and was attended by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Hamza Çalışıcı, academic staff, sign language instructors, project volunteers, and teacher candidates.

“Sign Language Is a Language of Empathy and Humanity”

Project coordinator and third-year Elementary Mathematics Education student Sudenaz Demir delivered the opening speech, highlighting that sign language is not merely a technical skill but also a language of empathy and humanity. Demir emphasized the strong interest shown in the training process and called for greater institutional support and opportunities related to sign language within the university.

Students Emphasize Social Responsibility

The project’s academic advisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülnur Şaffak Atalay, drew attention to the teacher candidates’ sense of social awareness, noting that such projects contribute to spreading empathy-based education within faculties of education.

Sign language instructor Saliha Çelebi Pilge provided insights into the training process, expressed her satisfaction with the dedication of the volunteer students, and congratulated those who successfully completed the program.

Art and Awareness Intertwined

The ceremony featured a slideshow presentation about the project process, a theater performance in sign language, and a musical recital accompanied by guitar, all of which were met with great appreciation from the audience. A particularly moving moment occurred when participants performed the song “Hayat Bayram Olsa” in sign language.

Certificates and Plaques Presented

At the conclusion of the event, certificates were awarded to the students who successfully completed the sign language training, while plaques of appreciation were presented to the project coordinator, academic advisor, and sign language instructor.

Steadfast Steps Toward an “Accessible University”

In the closing remarks, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten and Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr. Hamza Çalışıcı praised the project for its inclusivity and social sensitivity, emphasizing that such initiatives are helping OMU advance with determination toward its goal of becoming an “Accessible University.”