Rumeysa Çevlik

Rumeysa Çevlik’s journey as an educator is one of remarkable perseverance, innovation, and impact. Emerging from a childhood marked by immense challenges, including the tragic loss of her mother to femicide, she turned her adversity into a source of strength and purpose. Her journey into teaching began against societal odds, as she pursued her dream of becoming an educator while raising a child and overcoming resistance from wider family members. Graduating as an honour student, Rumeysa vowed to make a transformative difference in education – a promise she has kept in extraordinary ways. 

Rumeysa currently teaches in a remote, disadvantaged village school in Turkey, located in a mountainous region where girls and women often face significant societal barriers. She took the lead in addressing the lack of interest in preschool education by engaging families, organising transportation, and securing funding to build a state-of-the-art kindergarten from scratch. She mobilised NGOs and sponsors to create a model school that transformed the lives of students and families. Her efforts increased preschool enrolment to 99% among eligible children, defying the norms of the region. 

At the heart of Rumeysa’s work is her "Classroom in Nature" project, an innovative ecological learning environment that reflects her belief in experiential, nature-based education. By designing unique workshops like the Space Science Workshop, Maths Workshop with games, Art-Sports-Music Workshop and Tree House Outdoor Library she offers students opportunities to explore their interests and talents. Her ecological-constructivist teaching approach emphasises play, critical thinking, and sustainability, helping children become mindful global citizens. The success of her initiatives has earned her national recognition, including Turkey’s Changemakers Award and the inclusion of her model in the national curriculum. 

Beyond the classroom, Rumeysa has been a tireless advocate for social responsibility. As the regional representative of the Human International Aid Association, she has secured scholarships and essential supplies for over 1,000 children annually. Many poor children found opportunity to continue education.  She invited singers and organised special concerts for children. After the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey, she collaborated with humanitarian organisations to establish and teach in container classrooms for displaced children. Her commitment extends to mentoring other educators through guidebooks, seminars, and social media platforms, inspiring innovation across the teaching profession. 

Rumeysa’s efforts to integrate global citizenship and climate education into her work have further distinguished her as a leader. Through international partnerships like Erasmus and eTwinning projects, she connects her students with peers worldwide, fostering cultural understanding and cooperation. Her classroom operates as a plastic-free, sustainable environment where students learn about biodiversity, recycling, and ecological systems. These practices have significantly reduced waste in her village and influenced nearly 200 schools to adopt her outdoor classroom model. 

Rumeysa Çevlik’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and vision in education. From overcoming personal and societal obstacles to revolutionising teaching in her community, she exemplifies the transformative potential of a dedicated educator.