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Dibekduzu School Project

Let's Give Them A Chance !

These children are standing in their front school yard at Dibekduzu Elementary School. Thier teacher Mehmet Okur contacted us to ask for our contributions to Dibekduzu. Given the good references about the teacher himself and since it is a part of our mission to support education in Turkey, Friends of Anatolia was committed to repair this school and its surroundings.

The Village

Dibekduzu is a village within the Sanliurfa province of Turkey. Sanliurfa is located at the Southeastern part of Turkey, not far from the Syrian border. Frozen winters, hot and dry summers, rocky and mountainous landscape, and economic backwardness are among the main characteristics of the region.

Dibekduzu is an isolated village, 30 miles away from the closest town. The only means of public transportation to the village is a charter bus, which does not operate during rainy weather.

The village and its surroundings consists of 40 families and the total population is around 400. There is no phone or internet connection in the village. Main economic activities of the village are cattle and sheep husbandry and agriculture.

The School

The school has not gone through any major repairs or renovations since it was built in 1983. The window frames are old and starting to rot, letting in a lot of air and dust. The school does not have running water and proper electric or heating systems. The restroom consists of a hut built outside of the school building and has no sink, so cleaning is achieved by transporting water.

Education

Dibekduzu School has only one classroom and instruction is done in combined grades. The 47 students in grades 1 through 3 are taught together in the mornings, while the 19 students in grades 4 and 5 are taught in the afternoon. After fifth grade, the students must travel to another town under very bad conditions. Currently, there are only eight students who can manage to do that.

There are only two teachers assigned to the school. Due to the poor living conditions provided, the teachers leave the village after a couple of years, instead of finishing their full assignment term.

The Project

For the Dibekduzu Project we aim to renovate the school building and its classrooms, so that the students can study in better conditions. Additional educational materials will also be provided. We believe these improvements will motivate the students and persuade their families to let the children continue their education. This should also encourage the teachers to stay in the village for a longer period of time.

Since last month we have been in contact with the school teacher and gathered detailed information on the school. Our Program Development Committee assessed their needs and came up with the first draft of our project and a tentative action plan. We are hoping to raise enough money and start the repairs in mid-June, right after the school year ends.

We believe our efforts will bring hope and new perspectives to the lives of the students, teachers and parents in Dibekduzu. It is your donations and continuous support that will empower us to change the lives of these children.

Here's what you can do for these kids:

Donate

Volunteer for Friends of Anatolia

Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding any questions or comments.

Thank you for your support!