Niyazi Selçuk is an artist and teacher specializing in designing training programs. His approach combines art with ecological training, empowering him to offer creative and lasting solutions for environmental issues. Meanwhile, he continues his career as an art teacher in nursery schools, alongside his roles as a consultant and trainer for non-governmental organizations in their efforts to create content for children’s education.

With a keen eye on the profession of wastepaper collectors in the streets of his town and the waste collected without any separation, Niyazi began to see the issue not only as an environmental problem but also one closely tied to social inequalities. He noticed that the most effective way to find a solution was by raising awareness among children, as he observed that they are very adept at persuading adults. He founded the Transformation Association in 2014, deciding to popularize his work after observing in a pilot project at his nursery school that children successfully pressured their families to separate household waste.

He published the book Green Ants as part of his work with the Transformation Association, creating a character that teaches children about waste recycling. This was followed by workshops where children had the chance to play the Green Ants board game and learn more about recycling. Arguing that each child learns in a different way, Niyazi develops his educational materials based on the theory of multiple intelligences, allowing children to consolidate their knowledge through the Green Ants theatrical play in addition to books and board games. Niyazi’s goal is to contribute to inter-generational climate justice by using these educational materials.

The Green Ants School initiative, which Niyazi has shared with teachers on various platforms, has reached over 20,000 children and adults to date through hands-on workshops based on experiential learning that teachers have implemented with their students in their own schools. Also, the Green Ants book was translated into English and Arabic to meet the needs arising from workshops organized in areas with a high population of refugees. Niyazi continues to work not only with individuals but also with institutions, municipalities, and local administrations.

With the Green Ants School initiative, which focuses on children, one of the groups most vulnerable to the climate crisis caused by increased over-consumption and non-recyclable waste, Niyazi Selçuk continues to make a difference by changing adults’ consumption habits with the help of children, supported by the slogan “You are never too small to create a difference”