With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), 13 emergency first aid teams have been established in Palestine. These teams, operating across 13 regions of the West Bank, consist of 65 members including one doctor, two nurses, and two volunteers per team.
In response to the increasing attacks by Israeli forces and settlers in Palestine, TİKA collaborated with the Palestinian Women’s Union, established in 1965, to create 13 teams. The initiative aims to strengthen the role of Palestinian women in society while enabling more effective responses to emergencies.
As part of the project launched under the slogan “Be Prepared, Save Lives,” 13 teams were established to operate in various regions of the West Bank. These teams consist of 65 members in total, including one doctor, two nurses, and two volunteers per team.
In the cities of Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron, volunteer women received training in first aid, basic life support, and advanced cardiac life support. Following the training sessions, professional first aid kits, provided by TİKA, were distributed to the doctors, nurses, and volunteers.
Certificates were awarded to the volunteer women who successfully completed the training during a formal ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Jerusalem, Ambassador İsmail Çobanoğlu; TİKA’s Coordinator in Palestine, Orhan Aydın; Palestinian Women’s Union President, and former Minister of Social Affairs, Intissar al-Wazir; as well as union members and volunteers.
In her speech at the ceremony, Union President al-Wazir expressed her gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish people for their support for Palestine. Al-Wazir remarked, “This project is of vital importance in the face of increasing attacks and harassment. It will empower Palestinian women to play a stronger role in society.”
Ambassador Çobanoğlu highlighted Türkiye’s leading role in providing aid to Gaza and stated, “Supporting the Palestinian people during this challenging period is both a legal and moral duty. TİKA effectively identifies the needs in Palestine and stands out, particularly with its projects focused on empowering women.”
Through this initiative, TİKA aims not only to equip Palestinian women with skills in the healthcare field but also to enhance their socioeconomic and cultural roles within society.
The Keleçek Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children, established by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has officially commenced operations with an opening ceremony.
Initiated at the request of Kyrgyz President Sadır Caparov, the center is the first state-run rehabilitation facility in the country to apply modern methods. It also serves as a pilot project for replicating similar initiatives nationwide.
The opening ceremony was attended by Kyrgyz Republic Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration, Cıldız Polotova; TİKA’s Coordinator in Bishkek, Mehmet Bodur; and Director of the Keleçek Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children, Çınara Tumenbaeva.
Minister Polotova highlighted the center’s critical role in enhancing the quality of life for children with disabilities, stating “Centers like this are essential for our children with special needs. We sincerely thank TİKA for this valuable contribution.”
Model project for advancing social services
TİKA’s Coordinator in Bishkek, Mehmet Bodur highlighted that the center serves as a model for the advancement of social services in Kyrgyzstan.
Bodur elaborated on the support provided to enhance the center’s effectiveness, stating: “We contributed significantly by supplying essential equipment for a dental treatment room, sensory rooms to aid sensory development, and security systems. This center offers comprehensive services designed to empower children with special needs, encouraging their active participation in social life.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has set up toy corners equipped with educational games and toys in 50 schools throughout Bangladesh. The project aims to support the education of approximately 23,262 children, including those with special needs.
As part of the Toy Library Project, developed in collaboration with Build Bangladesh—a social development organization operating in the country—a pioneering concept has been introduced. The project promotes learning, creativity, and social development by providing children access to toys and educational resources across Bangladesh.
The project, aimed at addressing the shortage of educational resources for groups with special needs and enhancing the variety of educational materials, was implemented in 50 schools across the Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rangpur, and Mymensingh regions of Bangladesh. As a result, 23,262 students gained access to resources that support their learning processes.
Aligned with the Bangladesh government’s National Child Policy 2011 and UNICEF’s principles recognizing children’s rights to recreation, play, and cultural activities, the Toy Library Project promotes equality in education, particularly for children in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
About the Toy Library Project: “Fun and Educational”
The Toy Library Project provides a carefully curated selection of toys designed to support children’s cognitive and physical development. These toys include English and Bengali block letters, puzzles, sports equipment, and strategy games. Each toy plays a role in enhancing children’s language skills, problem-solving abilities, social interactions, and physical activities.
Turkish Education and Teaching Center (TTEÖMER), established within the Faculty of Philology at Kyrgyz National University with support from Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was inaugurated with a ceremony.
The event was attended by Kyrgyz National University Rector, Dogdurbek Çontoev; Education Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Bishkek, Kürşat Dulkadir; TİKA’s Coordinator in Bishkek, Mehmet Bodur, as well as teachers and students.
The Rector of Kyrgyz National University, Çontoev, expressed that the center would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye, extending his gratitude to TİKA for establishing this valuable facility. Education Counselor Dulkadir highlighted that the center would enhance the cultural ties between the two nations.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Bishkek, Bodur underscored the significance and scope of the center, stating “This is not merely a Turkish language teaching center, it is also a platform to reinforce our shared culture, historical connections, and friendships. As TİKA, we are proud to have implemented such a meaningful project.”
Bodur further remarked that the center would enhance the relationship between the two countries through Turkish language courses, cultural events, and academic collaborations.
The center provides students with a modern learning environment with classrooms named after Istanbul, Ankara, Şanlıurfa, and Çanakkale.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has enhanced the digital education infrastructure of Jerusalem Open University in Palestine by establishing a next-generation education studio.
Founded in 1991 and serving over 30,000 students, Jerusalem Open University offers a blended education model through its online platform and campuses across five cities. The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. However, challenges in transportation and the growing demand for online education, particularly following the restrictions imposed after the Gaza War, highlighted the need to enhance its digital infrastructure.
To address this need, TİKA supported the establishment of a new education studio designed to offer students more interactive and innovative learning opportunities. The studio is outfitted with advanced technologies, including AI-powered cameras, smart boards, professional lighting and sound systems, high-performance computers, and software for video editing and lecture recording.
The project aims to enhance students’ digital literacy, better equip them for their future careers and offer personalized educational experiences beyond merely improving technological infrastructure.
By leveraging artificial intelligence applications, the initiative seeks to make education more engaging and effective, offering a tailored learning process for each student.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a workshop to create a sustainable income source for women in Guinea by processing ginger and chili pepper, two of the country’s most widely consumed food products.
To promote the economic independence of women in Guinea, a workshop was established through a collaboration between TİKA and the AREMA Women’s Union to process ginger and chili pepper, two of the country’s most widely consumed food products.
In the workshop, which provides a sustainable income model for women engaged in traditional agricultural practices, raw ginger and chili pepper are processed and transformed into powdered forms.
This process enhances the value of the products, which are typically sold in the market for 1-2 euros per kilogram in their raw state, effectively doubling the earnings for the women.
The powdered ginger, ginger tea, and powdered chili pepper produced are meticulously packaged and made available to the market following inspection by food safety controllers. This process not only boosts women’s economic earnings but also contributes to regional development.
In addition to supporting Guinea’s local economy, the workshop empowers women to play a more active role in both social and economic spheres.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided essential hardware and equipment to schools across the provinces of Balkh, Jowzjan and Faryab.
As part of a project implemented in collaboration with TİKA and the National Education Directorates of Afghanistan’s northern provinces, 950 desk sets were distributed to 11 schools in these regions to support the improvement of their educational infrastructure.
It has contributed to providing thousands of students with better learning conditions.
The Director of National Education for Jowzjan Province, Elhac Mevlevi Seyid Hafizullah Mutesim Billah; the Director of National Education for Balkh Province, Muhammed Sharif Osmani, and education officials from Faryab Province attended the delivery ceremony for the project. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Turkish state and people for the support provided through TİKA.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Mazar-i-Sharif, Mikail Taşdemir emphasized the importance of enhancing Afghanistan’s educational infrastructure for the country’s development and stability.
Taşdemir noted that investments in the education system—severely impacted by prolonged conflicts and economic challenges—go beyond physical improvements. They also focus on teacher training, the provision of modern educational materials, and ensuring girls have access to education.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) reinforced the infrastructure of the “Bosna” Zenica Basketball Club for the Physically Disabled by providing professional sports wheelchairs tailored to their needs.
As part of the project, eight custom-designed wheelchairs were delivered to the club. These specialized wheelchairs are built to enhance player safety by preventing contact during games and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. With TİKA’s support, the club, which previously struggled to expand its activities due to limited resources, has taken a significant step toward professionalization.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Fikret Brljak, President of the “Bosna” Zenica Basketball Club for the Physically Disabled, highlighted that the club was the first of its kind to be established in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He expressed his excitement about taking a significant step toward professionalization thanks to TİKA’s support.
Brljak also recalled that the club received its first sports wheelchair donation in 1996 from Alija Izetbegović, the first President of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He shared their joy in receiving new wheelchairs, provided by TİKA, which replace those that had become worn out and unusable over the past 28 years.
“Equal opportunities for all”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Sarajevo, Erdinç Işık stated, “Through the projects we implement for individuals with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, TİKA contributes to building a society where equal opportunities are available to everyone. We are delighted to support the activities and rehabilitation processes of our brothers and elders with disabilities by enhancing wheelchair basketball through the project we inaugurated today.”
Mujo Aganović, President of the Association of Paraplegic Veterans of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted that the project is part of the long-standing and successful collaboration with TİKA. Expressing his gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye and its people for their support on behalf of disabled citizens, Aganović underscored the significance of the strong brotherly and friendly relations between the two nations.
Following the ceremony held in observance of December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a friendly competition took place between the “Bosna” Zenica Physically Disabled Basketball Club and the Sanski Most “Sana” Physically Disabled Basketball Club.
About “Bosna” Zenica Physically Disabled Basketball Club
“Bosna” Zenica Physically Disabled Basketball Club, established in 1995 to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of paraplegic combat veterans injured during the Bosnian War, holds the distinction of being the first club of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Currently competing in the Bosnia and Herzegovina First League, the club has expanded its mission over the years. Today, it welcomes all athletes with physical disabilities, including civilians and provides sports opportunities for individuals aged 14 to 60.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) launched a significant project in Hebron, Palestine, aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of children and youth with intellectual disabilities through vocational training.
Since 2012, the Dura Aid for Disabled People Association has been offering services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, including training in soap-making, candle-making, and pottery production. Through its cooperation with TİKA, the association has been equipped with t-shirt and mug printing machines, sewing embroidery machines, packaging equipment, CNC devices, and computers.
This project provides vocational training and rehabilitation opportunities for approximately 40 children and youth with intellectual disabilities. It also aims to expand the center’s activities to reach and benefit even more individuals in need.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a state-of-the-art “Sensory Perception Room” at a primary school catering to students with special needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The facility, located at Safvet-beg Bašagić Primary School in Sarajevo, the nation’s capital, is designed to enhance the sensory development of students with special needs. The room focuses on improving their senses of touch, movement, balance, vision, hearing, smell, and taste.
On December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sarajevo, Sadık Babür Girgin; Minister of Education of Sarajevo Canton, Naida Hota Muminović; TİKA’s Coordinator in Sarajevo, Erdinç Işık; along with school administrators, teachers and students, participated in the opening ceremony of the Sensory Perception Room.
In his remarks, Ambassador Girgin expressed his happiness with the project undertaken between the two brotherly nations and extended his gratitude to TİKA and all contributors.
Minister Muminović highlighted that the initiative has further strengthened the bond between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
She noted the importance of efforts to assist children with special needs in integrating into social life, saying
“The resilience of children living with challenges as they work to reintegrate into daily life inspires others. In Sarajevo Canton, we have focused on training teachers to work with children with special needs. However, creating sensory perception rooms requires both equipment and support. The contribution from our friends at TİKA has brought immense value to education here, and we are deeply grateful.”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Sarajevo, Işık explained that the materials provided in the sensory room are designed to improve students’ motor skills and support their rehabilitation.
He added, “We have implemented numerous education-focused projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the past two years alone, we have completed more than 20 educational initiatives. These projects not only support students with special needs but also aim to enhance education for all students. Our ultimate goal is to help students integrate into society more seamlessly.”
As part of the program, the students performed the Turkish song “Arkadaşım Eşek” by Barış Manço.
A memorandum of understanding between Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and Turkish Red Crescent, outlining collaboration on international initiatives and projects, was signed during a ceremony in Ankara.
TİKA’s President, Serkan Kayalar; Turkish Red Crescent President, Prof. Dr. Fatma Meriç Yılmaz and delegations from both institutions attended the signing ceremony, which took place at TİKA’s headquarters in Ankara.
The protocol seeks to enhance and solidify the longstanding cooperation between the two organizations. The objective is to implement joint projects and initiatives across various fields, including education, culture, health, humanitarian aid, agriculture, social empowerment, and institutional capacity building, all aligned with mutually agreed priorities in beneficiary countries. Additionally, the protocol emphasizes collaboration on projects supporting sustainable development goals and humanitarian priorities.
Under this framework, the two institutions will organize joint activities such as domestic and international training programs, study visits, and workshops. The agreement also facilitates the exchange of expertise and knowledge between the organizations to maximize their collective impact.
In his speech at the signing ceremony, TİKA’s President, Serkan Kayalar emphasized the significance of the memorandum of understanding in strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. He highlighted the importance of their collaboration in executing activities within the scope of international cooperation.
President Kayalar also expressed confidence that the agreement would further enhance the existing cooperation and friendship between TİKA and Turkish Red Crescent. He noted that the combined knowledge and expertise of both institutions would be shared with beneficiary countries more effectively and efficiently on the international stage.
Turkish Red Crescent President, Prof. Dr. Fatma Meriç Yılmaz highlighted that the memorandum of understanding formalizes and advances the existing collaboration between the Turkish Red Crescent and TİKA. She expressed satisfaction with the agreement, describing it as “a step forward” in their joint efforts.
To date, TİKA and Turkish Red Crescent have partnered on numerous projects in countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Yemen, Iraq, Palestine, Pakistan, and the Philippines. With this agreement, their collaboration is expected to expand and continue within a broader framework.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) donated a refrigerated “Zero Food Waste” truck to Food Banking Kenya as part of its efforts to combat food waste and enhance food security in the country.
The truck was officially handed over during a ceremony held at the Food Banking Kenya warehouse in Nairobi.
Attendees included TİKA’s First Legal Counselor, Nergis Sağlık; TİKA’s Coordinator in Nairobi, Yasemin Cansuz Kurt; Food Banking Kenya Chairman, John Gitau; Business Development Director, Moses Nyoro and numerous beneficiaries.
This project focuses on “second harvesting” fresh fruits and vegetables left behind in the fields of small-scale farmers across various Kenyan provinces. These surplus crops, which would otherwise go to waste, will be collected by volunteers and distributed to families in need, boarding schools, and orphanages.
Preventing food waste
Speaking at the ceremony, TİKA’s First Legal Counselor, Nergis Sağlık expressed her satisfaction with the implementation of the Zero Waste Project in Kenya. Originally launched by Türkiye in 2017, the initiative has received international recognition and awards.
Sağlık emphasized that the refrigerated truck provided by TİKA will help prevent food waste during harvest and ensure that fresh produce is delivered to those in need efficiently and in optimal condition.
Contributing to sustainable development goals
Mr. John Gitau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Food Banking Kenya, highlighted that the support provided by TİKA aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-2, “Zero Hunger”; and SDG-12, “Responsible Consumption and Production”.
Gitau emphasized that the refrigerated truck supplied through TİKA’s support is expected to save 140,000 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables from being wasted within three months.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a plaque of appreciation was presented to TİKA on behalf of Food Banking Kenya in recognition of its valuable contribution.
