Bayer and KODA's "Curious Classrooms in the Village" Project Wins Double International Award

Bayer and Village Schools Change Network (KODA) joint project "Curious Classrooms in Villages" received awards in two different categories at International CSR Excellence Awards 2026. The project gained international recognition for its approach supporting science literacy in village schools.

International recognition for science education in village schools
The "Curious Classrooms in Villages" project, implemented by Bayer and Village Schools Change Network (KODA) to support science literacy in village schools, won two awards under the International CSR Excellence Awards 2026 framework.

The project received a Gold Award in the "Community Commitment" category and a Silver Award in the "Initiatives" category. The awards, presented by The CSR Society, recognize projects that create lasting value for society in the fields of social responsibility, sustainability and ethical practices.

Offering the opportunity to learn science through experience
The "Curious Classrooms in Villages" project aims to support teachers working particularly in village schools and combined classes. Within the project framework, educational content is developed that enables children to learn science through experience, observation and discovery, while support mechanisms are created for teachers' classroom implementation practices.

"We believe in the transformative power of science"
Elif Ateş, Head of Corporate Communications Social Responsibility Projects at Bayer Turkey, noted that the international success achieved demonstrates once again the role of science in social transformation, stating:

"This success reflects our belief as Bayer in the transformative power of science and our firm commitment to creating social benefit. Thanks to our cooperation with KODA, we aimed to support teachers in village schools and enable children to build stronger connections with science. In the coming period, we aim to expand the project's impact and contribute to more children becoming acquainted with science at an early age."

"Curiosity knows no bounds"
Gözde Polatkal, R&D Coordinator at KODA, noted that with the project they aimed for children to encounter science regardless of the geography where they live, making the following assessment:

"A child's curiosity is not limited by the size of the place where they live. The 'Curious Classrooms in Villages' project aims to show that opportunities to nurture this curiosity can be accessible to everyone. This award we received together with Bayer motivates us even more on our journey to make science more accessible to children across Turkey."

Previously awarded as well
The "Curious Classrooms in Villages" project had previously been awarded in the "Equal Opportunity" category at Istanbul Marketing Awards 2025 and in the "Education" category at Dünya Newspaper Social Benefit Awards, thus proving its success in social impact at the national level.