Children who are members of the Izmir Children's Assembly Information and Technology Commission had an unforgettable experience at FabrikaLab Izmir, which operates under the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. Future entrepreneurs laid the foundations of their creative ideas using advanced technology tools such as 3D printers, laser cutting devices, CNC machines and electronic prototyping equipment.
Being the first fabrication laboratory established by a metropolitan municipality in Turkey, FabrikaLab Izmir hosted children from the Izmir Children's Assembly Information and Technology Commission. Future entrepreneurs gained new knowledge and had the opportunity to experience modern technologies by using advanced technology tools such as 3D printers, laser cutting devices, CNC machines and electronic prototyping equipment.
“They can implement their ideas here”
Melis Başkonuş Demirci, Senior Metallurgical and Materials Engineer and FabrikaLab İzmir Manager, explained to the children what fabrication laboratories mean and how they work. The children saw a project being printed on a 3D printer and watched the medals prepared for them being made on a laser cutter. Başkonuş Demirci, who stated that mostly high school and university students and entrepreneurs come to FabrikaLab İzmir, said, “We want people to learn about this place from childhood. Because we provide a completely free service here. We provide the materials, we do the operatorship and mentoring. We want the children to learn about this place and know that when they have different ideas, they can implement these ideas here.”
“Children are very interested in technology”
Deniz Kesimler Çakal, Child Rights Unit Manager of the Child Studies and Education Supports Branch Directorate, also said that the Izmir Children's Assembly committees carry out visits according to their areas of interest. Deniz Kesimler Çakal said, “We attach great importance to children taking part in application areas. Since they are at an age where they learn by trying, it is important for them to be able to observe the work that combines information and technology from such centers of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. Children are very curious about technology. They have many questions waiting for answers and they received answers to these questions from the experts here.”
“I thought my ideas would not come true until I saw this place”
Mehmet Efe Özgü, a 10-year-old commission member who visited FabrikaLab İzmir, expressed that he was very excited when he saw the center and said, “Here, we learned about 3D printers and laser cutting devices, and chatted with experts in the field. I had a project notebook and when I had a project idea, I would write it in that notebook. I thought that these would not come true until I came here. I was very happy that such a place existed. It is a very good place for young people or children our age. An infrastructure has been officially created to develop projects and make prototypes. I can choose a few of my projects and come here in the future. I have a glove project that gives signals and is equipped with LED lights for cyclists and motorcyclists. In this way, for example, when the driver raises his right hand, he will show that he is going to turn right.”
“I want to do things that are beneficial to people”
11-year-old Arda Tosyalı, who attended the visit, stated that he learned information about technology and creativity at FabrikaLab İzmir. Stating that they could produce new projects with 3D printers, Tosyalı continued his words as follows: “I learned how much technology has developed, that prosthetic legs can be created with 3D printers, what FabrikaLab İzmir is useful for, and how many fabrication laboratories there are today. I am good with technology, but I had not done any research on fabrication laboratories. I would like to create a new project and do useful work for people.”
“I can use this place to develop projects”
Kayra Kabakdelen, 11, also said that she learned detailed information about how 3D printers and laser cutting devices work and that she also has some ideas. Kabakdelen, who said that she has projects such as rainwater irrigation and smart homes, said, “I would like to use this place in the future to carry out my projects. I am glad and happy that there is such a place.”
