Every person has a unique potential within them. One must engage in specific actions and services to bring this potential to light and discover what already exists within. During these acts of service, individuals gain valuable skills and experiences. It should not be forgotten that transformation in a person begins externally and gradually moves inward. As tasks are completed successfully, the individual starts by saying, "I did this," but eventually realizes that, left to themselves, they could not have accomplished so much. They understand they are not merely flesh and bone but a whole being with mind and soul. As the ego diminishes, they become more humble.

In our pedagogical approach, the concept of Matbah holds a vital place.

Matbah means kitchen and is the central space for educational service over 1001 days.

In the kitchen, students prepare meals for the community and guests, and it functions as a space where students are formed on their path to becoming wise, liberated individuals.

Students who come to the school fulfill assigned tasks, and while attending to the needs of others, they are also evolving on their journey toward becoming the complete person.

In Kofçaz pedagogy, the program is structured around a 1001-day journey, divided into three distinct phases, each aimed at fostering personal growth, practical skills, and moral development.

Our rigorous 1001-day training program covers the essential duties of a mature human being, ensuring that our graduates are well-rounded individuals capable of facing challenges with resilience and grace.

This transformative journey leads to self-discovery, personal growth, and the opportunity to serve humanity and beyond. 

The 1001-day Shepherding Program develops students' sensory awareness, empathy, and leadership through a multi-phase learning process inspired by traditional shepherd practices and nature-based education.

In the first phase of the 1001-day training, students focus on activating their nervous system and sensory perception. By engaging in practices like bird language, they learn how to connect deeply with nature, observing and sensing things that are often unseen. This phase encourages students to sharpen their ability to hear, track, and forage by relying on their sensory system, which stimulates significant neurological development.

The second phase teaches students how to care for living beings, drawing inspiration from the Shepherd Schools of Catalonia. Students learn shepherds' historical and cultural significance and develop leadership skills grounded in empathy and compassion. The pedagogy emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting all life forms, and students engage in systematic sheep breeding and the preservation of local breeds to ensure sustainability.

Finally, the curriculum covers the basics of agriculture and land stewardship. Students explore regenerative agricultural practices, including planting, foraging for medicinal foods, and understanding local ecosystems. They also gain practical skills like making tools, huts, and fire, which tie together their agricultural knowledge with hands-on survival skills, promoting a deep connection to the land and its resources.

This pedagogy fosters holistic development, combining sensory awareness, ethical leadership, and agricultural expertise to cultivate students who are grounded, compassionate, and capable stewards of nature.

1-AYAKÇI

‘Ayakçı’ is the first service performed, involving errands and tasks within the school. This service must be done without questioning or delay, as there is no room for procrastination. When asked, for example, to bring a glass of water, you cannot respond with "in a minute" because by doing so, you would be delaying and disregarding the other person. If you put others off, life will do the same to you. No matter who the person is, never ignore, dismiss, or delay them. It is important to remember that if you dismiss even the most minor thing, you are disregarding the whole. Just as you cannot look in the mirror and claim, "This eye is not mine," or deny a single star without denying the entire sky, you cannot ignore any part of what makes up the whole. ‘Ayakçı’ teaches the essential lesson of accepting and acting immediately, without hesitation, delay, or procrastination.

2-TAHMİSÇİ

‘Tahmisçi’ is responsible for roasting coffee and preparing it by grinding it into powder, making it ready to be brewed. Grinding coffee beans symbolizes how a person’s nature can harden over time, becoming bitter, stiff, and rigid, much like unground coffee beans. The ‘Tahmisçi’ reminds us of transforming our character while these hard beans become a pleasant drink. During this task, the student focuses on the question, "What are my stiffness traits?" They grind away their greed, anger, and aggression throughout this process, just as the coffee bean must be ground to produce a fragrant and flavorful drink.

To develop a good character, one must undergo specific transformative processes, just as coffee must be ground to release its aroma and flavor. The aspects of ourselves that were added later—those layers of ego we mistake for our true self—must be broken down. Once this hardness is removed, the person faces the fire, symbolizing the heat of love, and through this, they soften and transform into something pleasant and valuable, like well-prepared coffee, ready to be shared with others.

3-PAZARCI

Every morning, the ‘Pazarcı,’ the Purchasing Agent, goes to the market to purchase what is needed for the school, carefully completing the task without straying from the assigned duties or wasting time. A phrase often recalled during this duty is: "I went to the market and bought a shroud, then returned to the grave." This reflects the idea that life on Earth is like a marketplace—a temporary stop. The 'Pazarcı' is not distracted by things unrelated to their task, reminding us that their role is not to linger in the market but to fulfill their purpose and return. This teaches students that time is limited and that they should avoid being distracted by unnecessary things.

The marketplace is full of distractions, with both good and bad goods on display, gossip swirling, and traps laid. In many ways, the world is like this market. The 'Pazarcı' observes how the world functions as they navigate through it. Occasionally, merchants who work with the school will present students with spontaneous challenges, testing their awareness and readiness for life's unpredictable trials.

4- KALAYCI

The ‘Kalaycı’, oversees the kitchen containers, ensuring they are well-maintained, tinned, and clean. In essence, this role symbolizes polishing the heart’s container. A heart that has lost its shine or become sealed with rust and darkness can poison the soul. Through this task, the student becomes a mirror of themselves. Like the story of two painters—one who created a beautiful painting over a month and the other who polished the wall opposite—when the curtain was lifted, the polished surface reflected the painting with even more brilliance, making it appear more beautiful.

Polishing the heart’s mirror is an essential task, as it restores clarity and inner beauty. The student responsible for cleaning and organizing the kitchen learns this deeper lesson. In a metaphysical sense, entering the school is about polishing the dust-covered, tarnished heart’s mirror, allowing them to see their beauty more clearly. Ultimately, the purpose of all service is this: to cleanse and polish the heart, clearing it of rust and dust so it shines with its true brilliance.

5-RUNNER & BUSSER

They are responsible for setting and clearing the table and sweeping the area after meals. In this duty, numerous rules and roles must be followed. One important role is that of the busser, who clears tables promptly between courses or at the end of the meal. Their responsibilities include clearing dishes, pouring water for guests, and ensuring a smooth dining experience while being observant, unobtrusive, and a team player. Another key role is the runner, who delivers food and drinks from the kitchen to the table, follows instructions carefully, and is friendly and cooperative with the team.

At the heart of these services is the concept of Lokma, which represents the sharing of halal earnings within the community. It symbolizes producing and sharing, where everyone earns a living through labor, ensuring no exploitation and fostering a spirit of collective responsibility.

6-SÜPÜRGECİ

The ‘Süpürgeci’ is responsible for cleaning the garden, the surroundings, and the kitchen. However, the true essence of this duty goes beyond physical cleaning—it involves cleansing the mind as well. Sweeping is not just about cleaning the school; it is about purifying our thoughts. The ‘Süpürcegi’ also arranges the seating and straightens the mats before lessons, preparing both the physical and mental space for learning.

A person must first sweep away the dirt in their mind and heart, removing doubt and negativity. Only when one's heart is clean and the mind free of harmful thoughts can actual cleaning be achieved. Actual cleaning is spiritual cleaning, which extends to keeping not just our place and environment clean but also maintaining the ecological balance. Spiritually, we must also clean our families, societies, countries, and the world. If we think positively about our family and instill them with moral values, if we clean our environment and our world with ethical cleanliness, and if we live without pollution, both physically and morally, then we become true sweepers in the deepest sense.

7- HOUSEKEEPER

The Housekeeper is responsible for making, organizing, and storing the beds of resident students and guests. This duty includes ensuring the cleanliness and order of the dormitory, where all beds and quilts are made from natural wool. Wool is a significant material, and students working with it reflect on its versatility: wool becomes a bed to sleep on, a hat to wear, a sweater for warmth, or a prayer mat for prostrating to Allah. While arranging the beds, they contemplate the Earth's expanse, and when gathering them, they reflect on the world's end. Additionally, during important meetings, the Housekeeper is responsible for arranging the space ensuring order in the gathering area.

9-LAUNDRY ATTENDANTS

The Laundry Attendant is responsible for washing the students' clothes, reminding us that every hardship we face is part of our purification process. Wool, for instance, gets dirty, and traditionally, laundry workers would place the soiled wool on a stone by the river, striking it with a mallet while singing. The wool would become whiter and fluffier with each strike, preparing it for a bride and groom's wedding bed. This joyful process symbolizes that every difficulty we experience, every blow life delivers, is meant to cleanse us, not out of cruelty, but out of divine mercy, preparing us for the ultimate reunion with the Creator.

Furthermore, each stain requires a specific method for removal, with different substances and temperatures used accordingly. This fact reminds us that every challenge and hardship in life has its own unique solution.

10- WAITSTAFF / MEYDANCI

The Waitstaff/Meydancı role involves preparing and serving coffee to students, mentors, and guests, which is key to ensuring a positive experience. Waitstaff is responsible for welcoming guests, taking orders, making recommendations, and ensuring satisfaction, all while managing complaints and communicating with the kitchen or management. They must be friendly, polite, able to work well under pressure, and knowledgeable about coffee.

Additionally, this role includes being a Barista, where students learn about different types of coffee and how to use espresso machines. They are responsible for maintaining a clean coffee station and mastering various hot beverages. This position teaches students the importance of healthy communication with others, even in stressful situations.

11-ŞERBETÇİ

The ‘Şerbetçi’ is responsible for manually preparing and serving refreshments such as water, milk, and traditional şerbets to mentors and guests visiting the Matbah. This specialized role involves preparing containers, jugs, and glasses before large gatherings, ensuring the area is always well-stocked and running smoothly. In some instances, the Juicer also serves milk, symbolizing love. At the same time, water represents knowledge, reminding us to be as pure and life-giving as water, sharing our wisdom with humanity.

One of the most important drinks is the Sirkencebin Şerbeti, a detox mixture made of honey and vinegar. Honey represents joys and sweet moments, while vinegar signifies sorrows, fears, and anxieties. Together, they create a balanced beverage, just as the harmony of highs and lows keeps us alive. If life were only sweet, it would become overwhelming; if only bitter, too harsh. The ‘Şerbetçi’ understands that good and evil are necessary for life, reflecting the balance of existence.

In their responsibilities, the ‘Şerbetçi’ take orders from waitstaff, prepares drinks quickly, and has a deep knowledge of the beverages on the menu. They ensure ingredients are always available, prepare garnishes, restock inventory, and maintain clean glassware. With a friendly demeanor, they work well under pressure, staying organized and attentive to details while being unobtrusive in their service.

12- LIGHTING/FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS (FM-HS 1.0)

This duty introduces the importance of Hard Services in Facilities Management, focusing on lighting and fire safety systems. At dusk, the lights are turned on to illuminate the buildings, and they are switched off with the first light of dawn. Key responsibilities include maintenance and repair, ensuring lights and fixtures are in optimal condition through regular upkeep, and bulb replacements. Implementing energy-efficient solutions, such as LED and smart lighting, helps reduce energy consumption. Compliance with regulations ensures lighting systems meet safety codes, particularly for emergency lighting. Testing and inspections of wiring and emergency lighting systems ensure smooth operations.

Regarding fire safety, facilities management focuses on installing and maintaining fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, and extinguishers, keeping them in working order. Fire safety systems must comply with local fire codes, and facilities managers are critical in ensuring this compliance. They also develop emergency evacuation plans and train staff for fire incidents. Regular drills and inspections test staff preparedness and improve fire safety protocols. The deeper essence of these duties involves witnessing the illumination of darkness, where light reveals good and evil, and without it, darkness reigns.

In this metaphorical sense, light uncovers truths and contrasts within the self.

13-ELECTRICAL (FM-HS 2.0)

In the advanced stage of Facilities Management Hard Services duties, managing electrical systems is crucial to ensure the smooth operation of buildings. The responsibilities involve regular system maintenance and repair, where inspections of wiring, outlets, and circuit breakers are essential to prevent disruptions and safety issues. Compliance with safety regulations is another important aspect, ensuring all systems meet electrical codes and are properly grounded to prevent hazards. Optimizing energy efficiency is key, as well as using modern systems and monitoring usage to reduce costs. Emergency power management through backup generators and UPS systems is vital for maintaining power during outages.

On a deeper level, these tasks represent the importance of divine light in our lives. Just as light illuminates dark spaces, enabling colors to emerge, the light of knowledge and wisdom allows us to understand the world and ourselves. Without this internal illumination, it is impossible to be ourselves truly. We must first ignite the light within our hearts and minds to spread it to our families, society, and humanity. When we glow with love, knowledge, and wisdom, dark thoughts and behaviors will fade, illuminating the world.

14- MAITRE’D

The host, also known as a Maitre’d, plays a vital role as the first point of contact for guests arriving at Matbah, greeting them warmly and professionally. Being the initial person guests interact with, they help set a positive tone, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. The host’s primary responsibilities include greeting guests, seating them promptly, and managing walk-ins and reservations through various platforms.

In addition to these tasks, the host plays an important role in the gatherings by monitoring individuals' comings and goings and safeguarding the School area. When necessary, the host alerts the Sous Chef to any issues and gives appropriate warnings.

Hosting is not merely a matter of logistics but also an act of guardianship. A host should metaphorically serve as the community's guardian, extending hospitality to guests and neighbors, society, and nature. The host embodies the spirit of care and protection, reminding us that when everyone acts as a "doorman" to each other with truth, beauty, and sincerity, ignorance can be set aside, leading to a more peaceful world.

This role requires characteristics such as friendliness, politeness, organization, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, all of which contribute to creating a secure and harmonious environment for everyone involved.

8-DISHWASHER

The Dishwasher is responsible for washing dishes, glasses, and cutlery, ensuring everything is clean and ready to be used again. They manage the dishwashing station and help keep the kitchen clean and organized, storing utensils correctly. After delicious meals, leftover food becomes unappetizing and unpleasant within minutes, revealing the true nature of worldly pleasures.

Dishwashing is not just about cleaning physical items; it symbolizes cleaning the mind, body, and soul. Students in this role recognize the need for constant purification in their lives. They also learn the importance of addressing problems immediately, as delayed, dried-on stains are much harder to remove. Just as eating from a dirty plate is disgusting, they understand it is equally difficult to fill a tainted heart with goodness before it is properly cleansed. Physically fit, detail-oriented, and a team player, the Dishwasher embodies the importance of inner and outer cleanliness.

15- THE PREP COOK

The Prep Cook plays a crucial role in ensuring that all food and ingredients are prepared and ready for the line cooks. Their responsibilities include washing raw produce, chopping ingredients, and setting up workstations so that they are ready for immediate use. They also clean the workstations and make sure that all food and ingredients are stored properly and safely, adhering to hygiene and food safety standards.

The Prep Cook works efficiently under pressure, is well-organized, and follows instructions carefully. Their role is vital in maintaining the smooth operation of the kitchen, ensuring that everything is prepped and ready for the cooking process.

16-LINE COOK

A line cook plays an integral role in a kitchen, preparing and cooking dishes to be served to guests. They are typically assigned to a specific section, such as the bakery,grill or sauté station, and are responsible for preparing orders that fall within their area. Working closely with other kitchen team members, their primary responsibility is to ensure that food is cooked and plated in a timely and efficient manner, meeting quality standards.

Line cooks excel under pressure, staying organized in a fast-paced environment. They must also follow instructions carefully to ensure consistency and accuracy in food preparation.

17-SECRETARY / ACCOUNTANT

At this stage, students are assigned desk jobs, either in secretarial or accounting roles, to gain valuable life experience.

Secretaries manage communication by handling emails, phone calls, and letters, ensuring important information reaches the right people efficiently. They are responsible for organizing schedules and coordinating appointments to ensure smooth calendar management. Secretaries also manage documents, keeping files and reports organized and easily accessible. Additionally, they provide general administrative support, such as ordering office supplies, preparing reports, and assisting with travel and event planning.

Accountants handle financial reporting, preparing statements like balance sheets to inform management of the school's financial health. They also manage tax and zakat preparation and compliance, ensuring accurate tax filings and keeping up with tax laws. Accountants are key in budgeting and forecasting by monitoring expenditures and making financial projections. They ensure the accuracy of financial records through audits and maintain internal controls to prevent fraud or mismanagement.

Both roles teach students practical skills and foster responsibility, contributing to their development.

18-JANITOR

The final stage of the 1001-day program marks a significant milestone and is considered its peak. In this phase, students are tasked with maintaining and cleaning the toilet and ablution areas, assisting others in need, including newcomers, by offering water and towels for ablution. As the student progresses spiritually, the responsibilities do not become easier but more demanding, with no room for complacency or the notion of "I have achieved it."

The ego is continuously tested and humbled, and a student's spiritual endurance is measured through these seemingly menial tasks. Cleaning the toilets signifies an impending reward, showing that they are nearing a breakthrough in their spiritual journey. Ablution, both physical and spiritual, symbolizes purification. Physical cleanliness is achieved through water, while spiritual purification removes negative thoughts and emotions. True ablution, beyond the physical, involves recognizing one's flaws while concealing the shortcomings of others, leading to both health in the body and spiritual growth in the soul.

In the final phase of their training, senior students will undertake a 77-day volunteer placement, working half-days at various institutions for 1001 workdays to witness and experience life's challenges firsthand. This phase is designed to teach students patience, resilience, and problem-solving by directly engaging with difficult circumstances.

Students will serve in various environments, such as refugee reception centers, fire service charities, orphanages, and nursing homes. They will also work in domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, hunger relief organizations, and addiction treatment centers. Through their involvement, students will gain a deeper understanding of social issues and the complexities of vulnerable groups' hardships.

Additionally, students are tasked with observing these environments to think critically about how to improve them. This reflective process aims to develop empathy, foster innovation, and equip students with the skills to create meaningful change in the community. They will witness the inner workings of places like prisons, psychiatric hospitals, palliative care units, disability care homes, and animal shelters, gaining diverse experiences that broaden their perspectives on human and animal welfare.

This final phase allows students to apply their training in real-world scenarios while contributing to society, helping to shape them into compassionate, thoughtful leaders capable of addressing complex social problems.