Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) has launched the Village University Project aimed at increasing access to education and information in rural areas, and it has graduated its first students. Residents of the village who completed their education within the project that started in March 2025 experienced the excitement of graduation by wearing gowns at the university's graduation ceremony.
Meaningful images emerged at MAKÜ's 2025-2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony. Village University students, accompanied by Tazelenme University students, participated in a procession with university graduates. Participants, who took their places in the ceremony area with their gowns, celebrated this special day by throwing their caps together with other graduates.
What was done at the Village University
Within the scope of the project aimed at supporting lifelong learning in rural areas, education and field studies have been conducted in 25 villages to date. A total of 2,871 people participated in the educational programs, and 13 events and 43 different educational activities were organized during the project. 26 academics involved in the studies directly met with citizens in the villages to share knowledge in various fields.
The Village University model aims not only to deliver the knowledge produced at the university to the rural areas but also to combine local experience and accumulation with academic studies. Thanks to the project conducted with a participatory approach, it is aimed to strengthen social learning environments in villages and contribute to sustainable development.
The project that has graduated its first students stands out as one of the exemplary practices that strengthen the bond between the university and society.
