77-year-old Rahime Öztunç, who lives in the Keçiborlu district of Isparta, has joined a welding course to be able to handle repairs needed in her home and garden on her own. Receiving training at the course opened by the Keçiborlu Public Education Center, Öztunç described the place of working and learning in her life with the words, “There is no age for learning. I have turned 77. I am still learning.”
Stating that she does as much of her garden work, poultry keeping, and household chores as possible herself, Öztunç noted that she does not want to be dependent on others for tasks that require welding. Expressing that she quickly moved past the thought of “can I do it or not” when starting the course, Öztunç said, “I want to take care of my own work in the garden. I want to learn as much as I can.”
Explaining that she had previously attended courses for rug weaving, carpet making, and painting, Öztunç said her desire to learn is not limited to welding. Expressing her wish for courses to be opened in fields like tiling and masonry as well, Öztunç used the expressions, “I love courses. Learning is very important. I mean, one actually needs to know everything.”
LIFELONG LEARNING FROM 7 TO 77
Keçiborlu Public Education Center Director İsmail Ayhan Doğan stated that the welding course was opened in cooperation with the Isparta Organized Industrial Zone. Noting that Öztunç's participation in the course was remarkable for them as well, Doğan said, “We have a motto, our motto is lifelong learning from 7 to 70. We have expanded this a bit here; it has become from 7 to 77.”
Doğan emphasized that Rahime Öztunç is an example with her energy and desire to learn. He expressed that such training is important, especially for women to stand on their own two feet.
Metal technologies teacher Uğur Ceylan, who is Öztunç's welding instructor, also said that the trainee has made progress in a short time. Ceylan said, “Ms. Rahime has made good progress compared to the first week. Even if it is not at the desired level, she currently has the experience to do it herself when a job comes up one day.”
Stating that watching welding from afar is not enough, Ceylan pointed to the importance of practical training. Öztunç, on the other hand, stated that retirement does not mean stepping aside, saying, “Never sit back and say I am retired. That is a wrong thing.”
News Source : 12punto
