A youth center has been established in Syria’s Bizaah region with the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Children and young people are among the groups most affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. The war has led to the disintegration of families and severely disrupted the social fabric, resulting in profound and lasting consequences for these vulnerable groups. To address these challenges and support the healthy development of young people, a new youth center has been set up in a building rented by the local council in Bizaah. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with TİKA, the Gaziantep Governorship, the Gaziantep Youth and Sports Directorate and the Bizaah Local Council.
The center was equipped with a variety of sports activities and brain games to support the physical and mental development of young people. Additionally, an IT classroom was set up to provide access to digital learning and information technologies.
The project is expected to benefit the healthy development of approximately 14,000 children and young people in the region, protecting them from adverse environmental influences.
By offering young people opportunities to enhance their social cohesion and develop personal skills, the youth center aims to contribute to the revitalization of the region’s social fabric.
The digitization of the Diplomatic Archives of Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun with the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
TİKA has provided high-capacity scanners and computers to facilitate the digitization of 70,000 paper-based diplomatic documents that make up Mongolia’s foreign affairs history, currently preserved by the Directorate of Diplomatic Archives.
The project aims to safeguard Mongolia’s diplomatic records by digitizing centuries-old documents while enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public services.
Gaadarmaa Ulziibat, Director of the Diplomatic Archives at Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of preserving these documents in a secure environment. He stated: “Thanks to TİKA’s valuable support, historical materials that serve as an open resource for diplomats, researchers, scientists, students, and citizens can now be preserved in a digital format. We extend our gratitude to the Turkish people and TİKA for this support.”
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided prosthetics to 24 individuals with disabilities in need by supporting the National Association of Amputees and Physically Disabled Persons for Hope in Life, based in Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Tayyar Kağan Atay, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tirana; Mustafa Ata, TİKA’s Coordinator in Tirana; Tsuboi Kohei, Director of the Economic Cooperation Department at the Embassy of Japan in Albania; and İzet Onuzi, President of the Association, held a meeting at the Association’s Tirana office with the participation of individuals with disabilities who received prosthetic support.
Mr. Atay, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tirana, stated that they live with the awareness that anyone can become disabled and that they are pleased to see the support provided helping improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, even in a small way.
Mr. Onuzi, President of the Association, expressed his gratitude to TİKA, stating that the prosthetics provided would make the lives of individuals with disabilities much easier.
‘For Hope in Life’
Formally established in 2011, the National Association of Amputees and Physically Disabled Persons ‘For Hope in Life’ has set up a prosthetics manufacturing center, operating under the Association. With support from international aid organizations, foundations, and volunteers, the center produces prosthetics in its workshops for individuals in need.
With the support provided by TİKA, the Association has helped 150 individuals receive prosthetics so far.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) renovated the computer laboratory of the Department of Business Administration at the Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro in Bijelo Polje, and equipped it with modern technology. The upgraded laboratory was inaugurated with a ceremony.
The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Montenegro, Barış Kalkavan; Mayor of Bijelo Polje, Petar Smolović; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the University of Montenegro, Milivoje Radović; Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Mijat Jocović; TİKA’s Coordinator in Podgorica, Nihal Ersoy; and students from the department.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kalkavan stated that projects like this further strengthen the cooperation between Türkiye and Montenegro. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the development of Montenegro’s educational infrastructure and expressed his hope that the laboratory would be beneficial for both students and faculty members.
Mayor of Bijelo Polje, Petar Smolović, emphasized that TİKA’s support for education will have a positive impact not only on the university but also on the entire region.
The computer laboratory, fully equipped with modern furniture and technical infrastructure, aims to provide students with an enhanced learning environment.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed a cooperation protocol to enhance women’s health and improve access to healthcare services for people with disabilities in Georgia.
The protocol, signed by Zeynep Bayrak, TİKA’s Coordinator in Tbilisi, and Mariam Bandzeladze, Head of the UNFPA Country Office in Georgia, aims to expand access to cervical cancer screening services and improve reproductive health services overall.
As part of the protocol, TİKA will provide equipment to gynecological cancer screening centers to improve access to healthcare services for women with disabilities in Georgia. This initiative aims to enhance early diagnosis opportunities, particularly for women with disabilities, and ensure faster and easier access to medical care.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Zeynep Bayrak highlighted that the protocol strengthens cooperation between the two countries and emphasized the importance of improving healthcare access for women with disabilities. She stated that women’s health is fundamental to social well-being and that this cooperation will contribute to sustainable development and the principle of equality.
In her speech, Bandzeladze highlighted that the protocol represents a significant step toward ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process and that everyone has equal access to quality healthcare services.
The “Mama Jasiri” Education and Production Workshop, a development project supported by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was inaugurated with a ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Implemented in collaboration with the African Culture House Association, the project aims to empower women to play a more active role in economic and social life.
Through the “Mama Jasiri” Project, women are gaining both education and employment opportunities by transforming the abundantly growing sisal plant into value-added products, advancing their journey toward economic independence.
The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu; TİKA’s Vice President, Dr. Rahman Nurdun; Kinondoni Regional Commissioner, Saad Mtambule; African Culture House Association President, Zeliha Sağlam; and many other distinguished guests.
In his speech, Ambassador Güllüoğlu emphasized the project’s sustainability, stating: “The Mama Jasiri Project represents new hope for Tanzanian women. This investment in their lives will contribute to strengthening both our nation and our future. Sustainability is the cornerstone of this success.”
TİKA Vice President Nurdun highlighted the crucial role of women in driving social change, remarking: “This project will open doors to a hopeful future for young women who lack access to formal education. The efforts of these women will spark a significant transformation, not only in their individual lives but also in society as a whole.”
Kinondoni Regional Commissioner Saad Mtambule described the project as a significant opportunity for women who lack access to education and employment. Mtambule remarked, “This project will empower women to contribute to social development through the skills they acquire, marking an important step toward transformation in the region.”
African Culture House Association President Zeliha Sağlam emphasized their belief in the strength of African women and affirmed their commitment to supporting women in becoming productive and value-adding members of society.
A brighter future for women
The “Mama Jasiri” Project not only offers economic opportunities to women in Tanzania but also serves as a powerful model for societal transformation. It is seen as a significant step toward improving the lives of local communities and empowering women.
TİKA’s development initiatives in Africa continue to enhance the social and economic well-being of local populations while fostering stronger bonds of friendship between Türkiye and Tanzania.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the National Education Directorate of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province, provided essential furniture and educational materials to two schools in the Kale-i Zal district.
As part of the project, which aims to create a safer and more modern learning environment for approximately 2,500 students, various items were delivered to the schools. These included desks for students and teachers, classroom blackboards, library shelves, children’s chairs, file cabinets, and cleaning supplies.
The delivery ceremony, held in the Kale-i Zal district, was attended by Kunduz Deputy Director of National Education, Kari Salih Muhammed Nikmel; Kale-i Zal Education Director, Mevlavi Gül Rahman Muaviye; TİKA’s Coordinator in Mazar-i-Sharif, Mikail Taşdemir; Mazar-i-Sharif Desk Officer, Dr. Ahmet Çanga, as well as teachers, students, parents, and local community leaders.
Local authorities express gratitude to Türkiye
Speaking at the ceremony, Kunduz Deputy Director of National Education Kari Salih Muhammed Nikmel expressed his gratitude for TİKA’s provision of desks and other equipment, in addition to the renovations and repairs previously carried out in these schools. Nikmel highlighted that Türkiye, through TİKA, has consistently demonstrated its support for the Afghan people by contributing to education in Afghanistan over many years. He thanked the Turkish people and TİKA, emphasizing that such projects play a vital role in preparing young generations for a brighter future.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Mazar-i-Sharif Mikail Taşdemir noted that this project addressed the missing equipment needs following the renovations and repairs of Halil Saadet Primary School and Martyr Abdul Samet Mahdum Secondary School, which were originally constructed in 2007. Taşdemir underscored TİKA’s commitment to improving the quality of education across Afghanistan and supporting children, adding that similar initiatives will continue in the future.
Local residents and education officials expressed their satisfaction with the project and pledged to ensure the preservation of the schools’ physical condition while maintaining the quality of education. Local authorities extended their thanks to Türkiye, noting that such initiatives strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided medical devices and health equipment to the Zeta Emergency Health Center in Montenegro’s Zeta region. A ceremony was held to present the upgraded equipment and officially inaugurate the center.
The event was attended by Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister, Milun Zogović; Minister of Health, Vojislav Šimun; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Montenegro, Barış Kalkavan; Member of the Montenegrin Parliament, Milan Knežević; Mayor of Zeta, Mihailo Asanović; General Director of the Montenegro Emergency Health Directorate, Nik Vuković; Manager of the Montenegrin Health Insurance Fund, Vuk Kadić; TİKA’s Coordinator in Podgorica, Nihal Ersoy; and many other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the ceremony, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Montenegro, Barış Kalkavan, highlighted the strong historical and friendly ties between Türkiye and Montenegro, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the healthcare sector. Ambassador Kalkavan expressed his satisfaction that TİKA’s support with medical devices and health equipment would help strengthen Zeta’s healthcare infrastructure, enabling faster and more effective responses in emergency situations.
Montenegrin Health Minister Vojislav Šimun expressed gratitude to Türkiye and TİKA, noting that this contribution would significantly improve access to healthcare for the local population. Minister Šimun also stated that the equipment provided by TİKA would enhance the quality of emergency health services in the region.
Zeta Mayor Mihailo Asanović and General Director of the Montenegro Emergency Health Directorate Niković also spoke at the opening ceremony, expressing their gratitude for the support provided by Türkiye, a friendly nation, through TİKA.
As part of the assistance, modern medical devices, patient transport stretchers, and various other healthcare equipment were supplied to the Zeta Emergency Health Center. This support is expected to enable the center to deliver more timely and effective services to the residents of the region.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established an agricultural laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture of Farah State University, one of Afghanistan’s premier educational institutions. The laboratory was also equipped with essential chemicals and modern equipment to support its operations.
A delivery ceremony for the equipment was held at the newly completed laboratory on the university campus, attended by administrative staff and students.
The university administration emphasized the immense value of TİKA’s support. Academics and students alike noted that the provided equipment would greatly enhance agricultural research and practical applications.
The laboratory equipment includes 59 different devices, such as a magnetic stirrer, microwave oven, hydrometer, thermometer, spray pump, electric saw, pH meter, titrator, plant growth chamber, seed counter, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with local civil society organizations (NGOs), has provided humanitarian aid to 160 families in need, including orphans and widows in Ghouta, Medyara, and Beit Sawa—suburbs of Damascus that have suffered years of heavy attacks and oppression during the Syrian civil war.
The aid packages, primarily consisting of dry food items, were distributed to civilians in these regions, which had endured prolonged sieges and intense bombardment by the regime. This relief effort was made possible through the joint efforts of TİKA and local NGOs.
The families who received aid expressed gratitude to Türkiye, TİKA, and the local NGOs involved for their support and voiced their hope for the continuation of similar humanitarian efforts.
TİKA remains steadfast in its commitment to providing aid to civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
The assistance provided by TİKA in collaboration with local NGOs is regarded as part of Türkiye’s broader humanitarian diplomacy efforts in the region.
The opening ceremony for the new regional studio of the Montenegrin National Radio and Television Corporation (RTCG), equipped with state-of-the-art technology provided by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was held in Bijelo Polje.
The event was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Montenegro, Barış Kalkavan; Bijelo Polje Mayor, Petar Smolović; RTCG executives; TİKA’s Coordinator in Podgorica, Nihal Ersoy; and numerous guests.
Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Ambassador to Montenegro Barış Kalkavan highlighted TİKA’s significant contributions to Montenegro across various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and media. Kalkavan remarked, “Through TİKA’s training programs in the media sector, 80 media professionals have been supported so far. This new studio will greatly benefit the people of the region and provide significant momentum to Montenegro’s media sector.”
Bijelo Polje Mayor Petar Smolović expressed his gratitude to TİKA, emphasizing that the studio is a valuable asset not only for Bijelo Polje but for the entire northern region of Montenegro. Smolović stated, “This studio presents an important opportunity for both the local community and the media sector.”
Broadcasting at international standards
RTCG General Manager Boris Raonić emphasized that the studio was designed to meet international standards, stating “This new support will further enhance our broadcast quality. Modern equipment will enable us to deliver higher-quality content to our viewers.”
Following the ceremony, attendees toured the studio and were briefed on the technical equipment provided through TİKA’s support. The new studio is anticipated to make a substantial contribution to the development of the media sector in northern Montenegro and to advance quality broadcasting standards in the region.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established vocational training facilities at the Sindh Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center to help autistic children prepare for life and serve as a foundation for further education.
The inauguration of the renovated vocational training areas, equipped with furniture and electronic hardware as part of the project, was attended by Dursun Ali Yaşacan, Head of TİKA’s East and South Asia, Pacific and Latin America (DOGAL) Department; and Cemal Sangu, Turkish Consul General in Karachi.
After the opening ceremony, Department Head Dursun Ali Yaşacan remarked that TİKA develops projects worldwide to improve the lives of disadvantaged groups and to support them in meaningful ways. He expressed his satisfaction in contributing to an institute that carries out such impactful work.
Turkish Consul General Cemal Sangu noted that he had visited all the institute’s units and witnessed firsthand the effectiveness and success of its services. He emphasized that TİKA had chosen the ideal institution for implementing this project. Sangu extended his gratitude to TİKA for its efforts and to the institute’s officials for providing valuable services to Pakistan.
1 in 100 children have autism
Highlighting the rapidly growing number of individuals with autism worldwide, Department Head Dr. Irum Rizwan stated that one in every 100 children in Pakistan is diagnosed with autism. She emphasized the institute’s dedication to supporting these special children and helping them adapt to everyday life. Dr. Rizwan also expressed her gratitude to TİKA for its valuable contributions.
As the first training hospital for autistic children in Pakistan, the institute provides rehabilitation and vocational training services to approximately 150 children daily through its Autism, Special Education and Vocational Training Department. In addition to fostering motor development and teaching essential daily life skills, the department offers vocational training in areas such as handicrafts, lamination, and cooking. It also serves as a training center for academics and students.
