AURORA LTTA in Turkey

Outdoor Learning and Sustainability in Cappadocia

From 23–29 April 2025, the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, Türkiye, set the stage for the second Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) of the AURORA project--Advancing Understanding and Respect of Outdoor and Rural Areas. Hosted by Worldwise, this mobility gathered youth and group leaders from Ireland, Finland, Iceland, and Türkiye for a week of immersive outdoor education and intercultural exchange.

The programme unfolded across UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient underground cities, and surreal rock formations, turning Cappadocia into an open-air classroom. Activities included hands-on outdoor workshops, sustainability sessions, and augmented reality (AR) storytelling, all designed to foster environmental awareness, digital competence, and peer collaboration.

Participants engaged with themes such as conservation, eco-friendly practices, and behavioural change. Highlights included exploring Derinkuyu Underground City, hiking through Ihlara Valley, and visiting Zelve Monastery and Monks Valley. These excursions were not only experiential but also contributed to the development of the AURORA AR platform, capturing footage that will be used to educate other young people across Europe.

Cultural evenings hosted by each partner country deepened intercultural understanding and solidarity, while reflection sessions and the certificate ceremony provided recognition of the personal and professional growth achieved during the mobility.

The LTTA in Turkey exemplified the spirit of the AURORA project—where outdoor learning meets digital innovation, empowering youth to connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways.