Team Beyond Belonging: Unity Crafters — “A New Beginning”

In the heart of Etimesgut Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Anatolian High School in Ankara, Türkiye, a group of creative young storytellers are showing the world how belonging can begin with a single act of kindness.

Team Beyond Belonging: Unity Crafters — composed of Muhammed Yazan, Rana Pekince, Emir Faruk Baysal, Miraç Serra İmir, Gül Yağmur Akdeniz, and Beril Nil Topaç — created a powerful short film titled “A New Beginning.”

The film follows Eren, a new student navigating the uncertainty of his first day in a new school. Through gestures of kindness and acceptance, Eren slowly discovers the true meaning of belonging — that it’s not about fitting in perfectly, but about being welcomed as you are.

The project reminds viewers that inclusion is built every day, through simple acts of friendship, empathy, and encouragement. Teachers and staff also took part in the film, modeling how communities can unite to make every student feel seen and valued.

Activity Highlights

• Format: Short scripted film

• Objective: To highlight the power of kindness, empathy, and inclusion in helping new students feel at home.

• Target Group: Middle and high school students (Grades 9–12)

• Theme Connection: “Beyond Inclusion: Building Everyday Belonging” — because every new beginning deserves a welcoming story.

Prepared by:Muhammed Yazan, Rana Pekince, Emir Faruk Baysal, Miraç Serra İmir, Gül Yağmur Akdeniz & Beril Nil Topaç📍 School: Etimesgut Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Anatolian High School – Ankara, Türkiye

👩‍🏫 Coordinator: Meltem Aydın

📲 Follow their school and team journey:

Instagram: @sehitomerhalisdemiraletimesgut

School Website: sehitomerhalisdemiranadolulisesi.meb.k12.tr

Through film, this team proves that storytelling isn’t just art — it’s action. By telling stories of inclusion, they’re helping students everywhere write their own new beginnings.