Pedagogy of ÇARŞI

  • The absence of financial education in schools is due to the education model, which is designed to train bureaucrats and government officials.

    There was a long-held belief that the allure of earning money at an early age could distract students from their studies, relegating financial matters to external guilds and families.

    However, we see things differently.

    That is why we developed Çarşı Pedagogy inspired by Traditional Turkish business ethos.

  • We reimagine education as an inclusive community beyond school walls.

    Everything in the real outside world is interesting, and we trust students to be instinctual learners and partners in their educational journey.

    Business Mentors and Students work together through meaningful engagement, exploring topics while developing various skills.

    The "Usta-Çırak" (Master-Apprentice) approach promotes a deep understanding and connection.

    Each student is recognized and supported by collaborators(Usta) who challenge and create alongside them.

    We prioritize real-world experiences and open-ended inquiry over standardized testing.

    Through collaborative group work and meaningful projects, students explore their interests and talents, gaining essential skills for lifelong learning.

  • Our school is a meeting point for teachers, parents, businesses, and students, a community where everyone can learn and act on financial literacy.

    This integrated approach ensures that students understand the value of money and learn to manage it responsibly, preparing them for the real world.

    We are redefining education by making financial literacy a foundational part of learning.

    Every community member grows together in understanding and applying these essential skills.

HOW MONEY WORKS?

  • We emphasize that money is a construct agreed upon by society, empowering individuals to understand and engage with the financial system rather than ignore its workings.

    We are equipping students with the knowledge to master money's spirituality and laws.

    Students learn strategic approaches to financial management, distinguishing between being financially predatory and preyed upon.

    We teach the importance of making money work for oneself rather than being enslaved to it.

    Money is a tool to achieve goals rather than an end. lt is essential to understand wealth and its role in personal and societal well-being.

    Additionally, our curriculum explores economics in depth, covering production, consumption, and exchange while critically analyzing the ethical dimensions of economic activities and the evolution of economic thought from traditional to modern perspectives.

  • We recognize the flaws in the mainstream education system, which often prioritizes conformity over critical thinking and financial education.

    We empower our students to challenge these norms by equipping them with the tools to overcome societal programming about money.

    By understanding how beliefs around money are shaped by upbringing and media narratives, we encourage a reevaluation of these influences to build a mindset geared toward financial success.

    Our curriculum addresses the impacts of unchecked capitalism, emphasizing the need to break free from blind consumerism and debt reliance.

    Our students learn to pilot and challenge the rigged systems that perpetuate economic inequality.

    By understanding the principles of money management, we empower students to make money work for them, breaking the poverty cycle and achieving true financial independence.

  • We are teaching students the invaluable lesson of not trading time for money.

    We encourage students to challenge conventional norms and seize opportunities to create value.

    A mindset that values time as a precious resource in achieving personal and financial fulfillment.

    We provide a real-time financial survival handbook by empowering students to see themselves not as pawns but as active participants in their financial futures.

  • We believe in democratizing money through practical market experiments, mirroring the innovative principles behind systems like the Chiemgauer.

    These interest-free, local, complementary, and community currency systems enrich our understanding of economic theory and promote stable, sustainable, and fair financial practices.

    By studying and practicing these concepts, students gain theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills that prepare them to contribute to diverse economic environments.

  • We challenge the illusion that passing exams equates to intellectual enlightenment and financial freedom.

    Our curriculum covers essential skills for financial independence, including how to sell, understand taxes, and start a business.

How Money Works for You? 

  • We teach the ethics of consumption and tackle the deep-rooted issues of consumerism and overspending through the insights of various studies.

    We address questions such as "Why do we want what we do not need?" We study the societal impacts of consumerism and explore ways have more responsible consumption habits.

    Additionally, we provide students practical knowledge and tools to navigate the market wisely.

    This comprehensive approach equips our students with a critical understanding of consumption ethics, empowering them to make informed and ethical choices in their everyday lives.

  • We promote and practice the principles of simple living and minimalism as a way of life.

    We teach practical tips and strategies for adopting the concept of "less is more," encouraging students to embrace a lifestyle that values simplicity over material excess.

    Integrating these concepts into our curriculum aims to instill a mindset prioritizing sustainability, well-being, and intentional living.

  • We focus on educating students to resist exploitation, reject the culture of "overwork" and "burnout," and glorify utilitarian production models.

    We challenge the conventional notion of labor, especially for anonymous companies with vague goals and aims, if there are any at all.

    Instead of dreaming about jobs and making money, we encourage students to think about their true purpose and what they want to accomplish.

    We teach why we no longer buy into the system we were told we had to be a part of.

    Our discussions cover capitalism, mental health, and how to live without succumbing to fear-driven productivity.

    By exploring these themes, we help students understand how to work out of purpose rather than fear and redefine what it means to have a "dream job."

  • We explore innovative approaches to neo-syndicalism and cooperatives, applying these principles in our teachers' and student union.

    By embracing these innovative methods, we aim to encourage a collaborative environment where educators and learners can actively shape a fair and supportive community.

    Our commitment to these practices ensures that everyone has a voice and contributes to our educational institution's collective well-being and success.

END OF SAFETISM

  • We recognize the challenges posed by safetyism, a phenomenon characterized by an excessive aversion to risk and discomfort.

    This mindset often manifests in overprotection, where even minor risks are avoided to shield individuals from potential harm or discomfort.

    Moreover, safetyism emphasizes stringent safety measures and regulations, sometimes leading to bureaucratic constraints and a loss of personal liberty. This approach may limit intellectual and emotional growth in educational settings by censoring or avoiding challenging ideas.

    However, we aim to cultivate an environment where students can grapple with difficult concepts, experience setbacks, and ultimately grow academically and personally.

  • In exploring the concept of "manual competence" and the philosophy of "soulcraft," we offer a compelling alternative of conventional education.

    We advocate for a return to hands-on, tactile work to grow personal fulfillment and societal resilience.

    We challenge the prevailing trend of safetyism and overprotection in contemporary careers, highlighting the disconnect between abstract, desk-bound roles and the concrete achievements of skilled labor.

    We believe in the intellectual rigor and moral development inherent in mastering practical skills.

  • Instead of relying on ineffective simulated lab experiments, we utilize external labs and factories for hands-on learning in everyday experiments.

    Our focus is training innovators who excel in designing elegant solutions, even in challenging times.

    Students contribute to real-world projects as volunteers, each expected to engage in community service.

    Students identify local issues through initiatives and collaborate on developing solutions in goal-oriented, project-based assessments.

    We evaluate students based on their practical projects in the real world, ensuring that their learning translates into meaningful real-life applications.

  • We study the psyche of failure, rejection, losing deals, and heartbreak.

    How can the experience of failure be transformed into a powerful tool for success?

    We challenge the negative connotations of failure by presenting real-life examples of how setbacks can ultimately lead to triumph.

    We emphasize that the journey to success is often paved with failures, and it is crucial to learn to embrace these setbacks.

    Our approach encourages students to view failure not as a deterrent but as a valuable coach in their journey.

    We provide strategies for overcoming the fear of failure, dealing with setbacks, and handling heartbreak, ensuring students understand that failure is essential to learning and growth.

    By redefining failure as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle, we equip students with the resilience and mindset needed to succeed.

EARN TO SHARE

  • We teach students about the critical issues surrounding the conventional monetary system, particularly the impact of interest.

    We explore the detrimental effects of interest on the economy, society, and the environment.

    Key points include how interest causes wealth inequality, economic instability, environmental degradation, short-term thinking, and unsustainable debt.

    By promoting interest-free money, complementary currencies, and broader monetary reforms, we offer viable alternatives for creating fairer and more sustainable financial systems.

    We incorporate these principles into our curriculum to equip students with a critical understanding of monetary systems, empowering them to make informed decisions for a better personal life and a more equitable society.

  • Cash Waqfs (CWs) are unique economic and social institutions.

    Waqfs were charitable foundations established to provide essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure without resorting to interest-based lending.

    Introduced in the 15th century, CWs facilitated the circulation of funds for societal needs, demonstrating an alternative financial model to modern capitalist systems driven by profit.

    Our curriculum explores these historical practices, aiming to understand and replicate our society's Waqf culture.

  • We encourage an abundance mindset among students and teachers.

    We explore the differences between scarcity and abundance mindsets, using interactive lessons and real-life examples to illustrate their impact on various aspects of life, such as workplace dynamics and personal finance.

    We promote a culture of resource-sharing and collective problem-solving through team projects and gratitude practices.

A UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM

  • We take the concept of real-world engagement a step further by hosting a dedicated co-working space on campus where specially selected companies can operate.

    This innovative environment allows students to directly interact with professionals, blending academic learning with practical experience.

    Integrating a co-working space within our school creates a unique ecosystem where students can observe and participate in business operations, gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience.

    This setup enhances students understanding of financial literacy, build collaborations and encourage mutual learning between students and industry professionals.

    Our approach ensures that education is not isolated from the realities of the business world. Rather, it becomes a dynamic intersection where knowledge, skills, and values are developed in unison.

LOCAL TREASURES

  • We emphasize innovation and development through strategic partnerships with artisan businesses.

    We integrate school students into workshops, creating a natural network for collaboration and mutual growth.

    This synergy benefits craftsmen by bringing contemporary solutions to traditional practices and enriches our students educational experiences.

    Through these collaborations, students gain hands-on experience, learn the intricacies of various trades, and contribute to advancing local businesses.

  • We prioritize collaboration with the outside world to enrich our students' educational experience.

    Starting at seven, our students engage in a two-month internship every year, gaining valuable real-world experience from a young age.

    Students visit and learn each week from local businesses, such as pharmacies, bookstores, and jewelry shops.

    We also organize visits to various establishments, including libraries, factories, newspapers, and laboratories.

    Through these experiences, we aim to instill a culture of conscious apprenticeship, teaching students the importance of hands-on learning and practical skills.

    This is a learning environment where students grow through real-world interactions, developing a deep understanding of various professions and industries from an early age.

  • We are committed to encouraging the advancement of businesses and elevating their status and recognition within society.

    A prime example of this positive change is seen in the culinary profession.

    Over the past 30 years, chefs have experienced a significant rise in their societal standing, thanks to events like MAD and various community-beneficial projects.

    We aim to replicate this success across other trades through our students.

    By involving them in practical experiences and community engagement, we hope to foster a similar positive transformation for other professions.

    Our students are vital in promoting the value and importance of trades, ensuring they are respected and appreciated for their contributions to society.

    Our mission is to uplift various trades, empowering our students to be ambassadors of change and champions of craftsmanship.

  • We believe in exploring and harnessing the potential of local resources in our region.

    For example, the versatility of pistachios allows for creating over 300 distinct products.

    This example inspires us to discuss and uncover the potential of local products specific to our surroundings.

    By focusing on the unique resources available, we encourage students to explore innovative uses and entrepreneurial opportunities.

REALITIES OF THE ÇARŞI

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

  • We believe in preparing students for real-life challenges through unique subjects like the psychology of Bribery & Fraud.

    This course focuses critical topics such as understanding the psychological factors leading to bribery, defining corruption, and exploring strategies to prevent corrupt behavior.

    Students engage in thought-provoking discussions on the implications of nearing the point of accepting bribes and learn practical steps to avoid such situations.

    By addressing these issues head-on, we aim to instill ethical awareness and integrity in our students, equipping them with the knowledge and mindset to handle ethical dilemmas with integrity and responsibility in their personal and professional lives.

  • We explore profound topics such as understanding what corruption entails and, crucially, how to avoid and expose corrupt practices.

    These eye-opening courses educate students and empower them with the knowledge to make ethical decisions in their lives.

    We emphasize the importance of integrity and accountability, preparing our students to be conscientious members of society who actively combat corruption.

    These are often neglected vital issues that shape our understanding of ethical behavior and societal responsibility.

  • We offer a unique perspective on the realities of prison through our Prison Philosophy Program.

    Students engage deeply with the subject, visiting prisons and participating in service activities.

    They gain firsthand insights through interviews with inmates, reflecting deeply on their experiences.

    This immersive approach increase empathy, understanding, and critical thinking among our students.

    By studying prison philosophy, we aim to broaden their perspectives on justice, rehabilitation, and societal impact.

HOW TO FUND YOURSELF?

  • We are dedicated to equipping students and teachers with the knowledge and skills to secure funding through legitimate channels such as business, campaigns, projects, finding sponsors.

    Our curriculum includes practical workshops on utilizing platforms and crowdfunding websites to launch initiatives and raise funds for various educational endeavors.

    Whether through innovative projects or community-driven campaigns, we encourage creative approaches.

    By empowering our school community with these tools, we aim to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit among our students and teachers.