Sixth Grade Students' Perceptions of Civil Society Organizations

The purpose of this research; to reveal the perceptions of sixth grade students about Civil Society Organizations. In the study, interview method was used from qualitative research methods. The semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used in the study. The descriptive analysis approach was adopted in the analysis of the data. This work; In the first term of 2018-2019 academic year, it was prepared as a result of interviews with 14 sixth grade students from different public schools in Etimesgut district of Ankara. Of the participants, 7 were female and 7 were male. According to the findings of the study; sixth grade students explain Civil Society Organization with volunteering and aid values. Civil Society Organizations known to the students are Red Crescent, Yesilay, TEMA, L？SEV, TEV, MEV, Mehmet？ik Foundation, Akut, TEGV, A？EV. It was determined that the participants did not know the non-governmental organizations in the international arena. It was revealed that the Civil Society Organization, where the students were most interested in founding, was for disabled people. According to the participants, it was seen that the Civil Society Organization which is the most important work was the Red Crescent. It was determined that all 14 students did not participate in the activities of the NGO but wanted to participate. The students explained the need to establish a non-governmental organization on the theme of “helping people”. It has been revealed that students have a positive perception of membership in Civil Society Organizations. It is determined that students are aware of the contribution of civil society organizations to social life. However, it was revealed that Civil Society Organizations were not aware that they could have the power to direct the state. Civil Society Organizations should be taught in all aspects of the Social Studies course, whose main objective is to educate active citizens who know their rights and responsibilities. Schools should cooperate with some non-governmental organizations to ensure that students' positive perceptions of Civil Society Organizations are reinforced by concrete experience. In a globalized world where interaction is at the top of the international arena, individuals are educated in different countries and begin their work life. For this reason, students should also be aware of international Civil Society Organizations. In addition to human-centered Civil Society Organizations, Civil Society Organizations established for the environment and animals should be given more importance in