EDUCATIONAL REBIRTH IN TURKEY'S EARTHQUAKE-STRICKEN REGIONS
Libraries for thousands of Turkish students, supported by Türk Telekom and Turkish Red Crescent
Rising from the ashes of disaster, the 100th Anniversary Libraries project spearheaded by Türk Telekom and the Turkish Red Crescent aims to provide a beacon of hope for education and technology to around 80,000 students in earthquake-ravaged provinces.
Over the course of the past year, this initiative, initially set up in the quake-hit Hatay province after the disastrous tremors of 2023, has extended its reach to other affected cities including Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, Osmaniye, Malatya, and Gaziantep. These libraries are nestled within container cities within these regions, providing students with the resources they need to successfully prepare for university and high school entrance exams.
gotta admit, having fiber infrastructure, WiFi access, and technology at their disposal is a game-changer, helping these students take giant strides towards their futures.
These libraries, named after the centennial of the founding of the Turkish Republic (celebrated in 2023), have been instrumental in reviving education in areas left devastated by the deadly February 2023 earthquakes, which claimed the lives of over 50,000 people and displaced millions. Presently, around 1.5 million students reside in these quake-affected regions.
Ümit Önal, CEO of Türk Telekom, emphasizes the importance of technology in supporting the educational journeys of young people, stating, "We are dedicated to using technology to strengthen our students' access to information and level the playing field." Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, President of the Turkish Red Crescent, shares Önal's sentiment, expressing her belief that the students studying in these libraries will play a vital role in shaping Turkey's future.
Interestingly enough, the TSKB is another organization contributing to similar initiatives. They're establishing school libraries in earthquake-wrecked regions, paving the way for education and community growth in these troubled times. The combined efforts of these organizations underscore a comprehensive commitment to rebuilding and improving educational opportunities in quake-stricken Turkey.
Here’s a quick rundown of the project’s impact, progress, and future plans:
- Educational Impact: These libraries have provided crucial educational resources to over 80,000 students, ensuring that information is easily accessible and leveling the playing field[1]. This initiative helps students better prepare for their entry exams and lays the groundwork for a brighter future.
- Community Recovery: These libraries serve as vital cogs in the wheel of community recovery in areas hit hard by the 2023 earthquakes. They foster a sense of unity and normalcy in the face of disaster[1].
- Expansion Plans: The target number of libraries is set to reach 20 by the end of the year, paving the way for more young people to reap the benefits of this project[1].
This project embodies resilience, hope, and the unshakable determination of the Turkish people to rebuild and rise above adversity. Kudos to Türk Telekom, the Turkish Red Crescent, and other organizations working tirelessly to make this happen!
Sources:
1: 100th Anniversary Libraries, Türk Telekom
2: The 100th Anniversary Libraries Project, Turkish Red Crescent
3: TSKB Schools in Earthquake-Hit Areas of Turkey, TSKB
These libraries, established by Türk Telekom and the Turkish Red Crescent, are integral to the education-and-self-development of thousands of students in Turkey's earthquake-stricken regions. With technology and resources at their disposal, these students are taking significant steps towards their futures. Additionally, other organizations like TSKB also contribute to similar initiatives, with the goal of rebuilding and improving educational opportunities for the affected communities.
