Invitation from Houston to students in the earthquake zone

Created: October 25, 2025 12:00

Founded under the leadership of Kerim R. Koç and Emir Elyakim, students at the Koç School, the Koç Unity movement, with contributions from Berk Fidancıoğlu, Ramazan Çelikkol, and Naz Arı, combined the power of solidarity and science to create an exemplary social responsibility project. At the outset of the project, the students visited institutions one by one, explaining their dreams and requesting support for their robotics coding workshops. A 10 million TL fund, secured with support from Aygen Logistics, Akkök Holding, Safiport, Martı TAG, Setur, Eti, the Vehbi Koç Foundation, Divan, Acun Medya, and Versatie Gayrimenkul, was used in collaboration with the Science Heroes Association to connect children in the earthquake zone with science and technology. Following the February 6 earthquakes, after-school robotics coding activities were launched in container workshops at Hope Cities in Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya, established in collaboration with AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) with contributions from Koç Holding and other community companies. During months of activities under the guidance of expert instructors, children developed robotics projects, learned to form teams, and participated in tournaments held in Türkiye. Last season, four separate teams, formed in container workshops in Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya, competed in the Turkish finals of the World Robot Olympiad held in Izmir in May after months of preparation. The children successfully presented their projects, gained valuable experience, and were proud to perform on a national stage for the first time.

The Koç School high school students who brought the project to life not only provided funding from afar, but also volunteered to stay in containers in Adıyaman, working with the children as volunteers, organizing activities, and guiding their projects. These efforts resonated not only in Turkey but also internationally. The FIRST LEGO League, organized by FIRST and LEGO Education, recognized the determination of the Adıyaman Umut Kent team and the exemplary solidarity of the Koç Unity Movement . The team received a special invitation to the FIRST Championship tournament to be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, USA, from April 29 to May 2, 2026. If they are able to participate, the earthquake-stricken children of Adıyaman, along with their "big brothers" and "big sisters" who believe in them, will represent Turkey on this grand international stage. The entire journey will be financed with the support of the Koç Unity Movement and sponsoring companies. Ten middle school students living in containers in Adıyaman Umut Kent are currently preparing with great excitement for the FIRST LEGO League Turkey rounds. The team will participate in the local tournament in Mersin and the national tournament in Izmir, gain experience, and then embark on the journey to Houston.

This project isn't just a scientific event; it's a story of hope and solidarity being passed from hand to hand. In a region shaken by earthquakes, this bridge built by young people demonstrates how science and solidarity can unite people. This journey, stretching from Adıyaman to Houston, is the most striking proof of how far the light ignited by young people who believe in Türkiye's future can reach.