Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) inaugurated a Turkish language classroom and computer laboratory at the Jordan Armed Forces Language Institute in Zarqa Province. The facilities were officially opened during a ceremony held at the institute.
Through this TİKA-initiated project, the ongoing Turkish language education at the Jordan Armed Forces Language Institute aims to become more efficient and interactive by incorporating advanced technological tools. The initiative not only enhances the language skills of military personnel but also fosters a deeper cultural understanding.
The classroom’s opening ceremony was attended by Can Mutluer, Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy in Amman; Abdurrahman Soylu, TİKA’s Coordinator in Jordan; Brigadier General Ziyad Nakraş, Director of Education for the Jordan Armed Forces; representatives of Turkish institutions operating in Jordan; and numerous senior Jordanian military officers from the Jordan Armed Forces Language Institute.
In his speech, Mutluer emphasized that this project would further strengthen the ties between Türkiye and Jordan and noted that additional projects are already underway.
Nakraş highlighted that Jordan’s relationship with Türkiye is not just one of friendship but also brotherhood.
The Jordanian official expressed gratitude to Türkiye and TİKA for establishing the classroom and laboratory.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Jordan, Soylu explained that Jordanian soldiers initially learn basic Turkish in Jordan before coming to Türkiye for advanced language training.
Soylu further stated, “With the classroom and laboratory established by TİKA, our goal is to enhance the ongoing Turkish language education at the Jordan Armed Forces Language Institute, creating a more efficient and interactive learning environment by incorporating technological tools.”
Jordanian military officials also noted that officers from Türkiye are learning Arabic at the centre as part of the ongoing military cooperation between the Turkish and Jordanian Armed Forces.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has carried out extensive renovation work at Kano Capital School in Kano, Nigeria.
As one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria is also notable for its rapidly growing youth population.
With nearly half of the population under the age of 18, many young Nigerians face significant challenges in accessing healthy, modern educational facilities equipped with essential pedagogical resources.
Kano Capital School, located in Kano—Nigeria’s second-largest city with a population of nearly 4 million, a hub of the country’s historical and cultural heritage and home to a significant proportion of Muslim Hausa people—has been transformed through TİKA’s renovation efforts.
Comprehensive renovation
The main school building, comprising six classrooms and the computer unit, which had been operating with limited resources for many years, underwent an extensive renovation.
As part of the project, the roof was reconstructed, interior and exterior walls were repaired and painted and doors and windows were replaced. Floors were upgraded with tiles and mosaics, while the electrical and water systems were entirely overhauled. Modern LED lighting was installed, toilets were refurbished and a lightning rod system was added to enhance the school’s safety infrastructure.
Additionally, the school was equipped with smart boards, projectors, security cameras, teacher desks, student desks, air conditioners and fans.
Strengthened energy and water infrastructure
The school’s energy system was upgraded with solar panels, and a new water well was installed, providing students with reliable access to clean water. These improvements have transformed the school into a healthier, more modern educational environment, benefiting 600 students aged 4 to 18.
Advancing Access to Modern Educational Technologies
The renovated Kano Capital School was officially handed over to the Nigerian Ministry of Education during a ceremony held on November 22, 2024. The event was attended by local officials, TİKA representatives and students.
This project by TİKA seeks to enhance Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, expand students’ access to modern learning technologies and promote equality in education opportunities.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the Niger Ministry of Agriculture, has established boutique mills equipped with grinding machines in three villages in the town of Aguié, located in the Maradi Region. These mills aim to serve not only the more than 20,000 residents of Aguié but also the neighboring villages.
In the rural areas of Niger, where agriculture and animal husbandry remain the primary livelihoods, traditional methods still dominate daily life. In the Maradi Region, known for its agricultural production potential, TİKA is addressing the inefficiencies of traditional grinding practices—especially the significant time and labor burden placed on women and girls—by introducing modern solutions.
In collaboration with the Niger Ministry of Agriculture, TİKA has established boutique village mills in three villages in the town of Aguié, located in the Maradi Region, which also serve neighboring communities. These mills, with a grinding capacity of 400-500 kilograms per hour, have been equipped with fuel, oil, cabinets and seating. Furthermore, leadership boards comprising prominent women from the villages were formed to oversee the mills’ operations and ensure their sustainability. Comprehensive training was also provided to these boards.
Serving 20,000 People
Modern mills, designed to ease the lives of over 20,000 residents, were officially handed over to the Aguié District Governorate during a ceremony on November 20, 2024. The event brought together regional administrators and TİKA representatives.
This project aims to address the significant time and labor challenges associated with meal preparation and food storage, particularly for women and school-aged girls. By replacing the exhausting, hours-long grinding process traditionally done using wooden mortars, the mills reduce the workload on women and enable children to engage more fully in daily activities without compromising their education.
Advancing Rural Development with Technology
The boutique village mills established with TİKA’s support align with the Nigerien government’s policies to enhance rural livelihoods and serve as a model for promoting modern agricultural technologies within local communities. Beyond streamlining agricultural production processes, the project seeks to elevate the quality of life for rural populations.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has launched a significant project to combat climate change in Kenya’s Makueni Province. In cooperation with the Makueni Governorate and the Ahadi Achievers Empowerment Association, a community nursery equipped with a one-ton capacity solar-powered rainwater collection pool and a drip irrigation system was established in the Kisau region.
This initiative aims to rehabilitate lands damaged by drought and flooding. It focuses on cultivating local plant species that promote soil and water conservation, enhance biodiversity and thrive in arid and semi-arid climates.
As part of the project, seed and seedling support was provided for cultivation in the community nursery.
Additionally, seeds supplied by TİKA were introduced to encourage the growth of eco-friendly tree species and income-generating fruit species that meet both the fuel and nutritional needs of the local population.
Makueni Governor Expresses Gratitude to Türkiye
Before the official opening, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kilonzo welcomed the TİKA delegation and expressed his appreciation for the close cooperation between Türkiye and the province. He highlighted the positive impact of TİKA’s development projects in Makueni and shared his enthusiasm for collaborating on more joint initiatives in the future.
Goal: Enhancing Forest Recovery Rates
Kenya has adopted a national reforestation policy with the aim of significantly increasing forest coverage by 2030, marked by two annual public holidays dedicated to Arbor Day.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nicholas Nzioka, Director of Decentralization, Public Participation and Special Programs in Makueni County, highlighted the nursery’s capacity to produce 500,000 saplings annually. He emphasized that this initiative will contribute to Kenya’s ambitious goal of raising its forest recovery rate from 12-14% to 30%.
2030 Target: Planting 15 Billion Trees
TİKA’s Program Coordinator in Nairobi, Yasemin Cansuz Kurt expressed support for Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2030 stating, “This year, we have implemented similar projects across many arid and semi-arid provinces in Kenya. Our aim is not only to enhance the environment but also to expand economic opportunities for women.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided equipment for sensory rooms designed to support children requiring special education at Kolibri Kindergarten in Irpin, located in the Kyiv region of Ukraine.
The Kolibri Kindergarten, damaged during the attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv in 2022, was renovated and reopened by TİKA that same year. The sensory rooms established at the school aim to enhance the daily living skills of children who have experienced war trauma and require special education, supporting their integration into society.
Kolibri Kindergarten, one of the most prestigious state-run kindergartens in the region, provides education to 245 children using modern teaching methods and a powerful infrastructure. An intensive education program is also implemented for 14 children with special needs. The project seeks to expand the kindergarten’s physical capacity and address regional educational needs.
The project delivery ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Kyiv, Mustafa Levent Bilgen; Irpin Mayor, Oleksandr Markushyn; TİKA’s Coordinator in Ukraine, Yahya Kemal Tunca; Head of the Irpin City Council’s Education and Science Department, Oleh Bilorus; and Kindergarten Director, Yuliia Sekret.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Sekret stated: “The equipment provided by TİKA will significantly enhance the education of children in need of special support. Thanks to this contribution, our kindergarten’s capacity has increased, and we are now better equipped to address the needs of the region. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TİKA for supporting our children, who are our future.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided training tools and equipment for welding and tailoring workshops at the Kanilai Vocational and Technical Skills Training Center, located near The Gambia’s border with Senegal. The delivery was marked by a formal ceremony.
The project implemented by TİKA aims to enhance the vocational skills of young people enrolled in the center’s welding and tailoring programs.
The opening ceremony of the center was attended by Prof. Dr. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology; F. Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Banjul; Şule Bayar, TİKA’s Coordinator in Banjul; Ministry officials, members of the Gambia Radio and Television Corporation (GRTS) and students.
In his speech at the ceremony, F. Türker Oba, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Banjul, highlighted The Gambia’s significant advantage due to its young population. He emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the country’s unemployment issue and in creating a skilled workforce.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Banjul, Şule Bayar provided examples of various vocational training projects supported by TİKA in The Gambia to date and stated that they will continue to focus on initiatives aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of young people.
Minister Gomez stated that this project will offer young people living in rural areas the opportunity to acquire a profession and help prevent the migration of the youth population both by land and sea. He expressed his gratitude to Türkiye and TİKA for their support.
The center, which had previously been inactive, was revitalized and brought into operation at the request of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. Thanks to this project, hundreds of young people will have the chance to gain valuable skills and secure a more stable income.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided modern equipment to the Daine Women’s Agricultural Union in the Philippines, significantly enhancing the quality and capacity of cocoa bean production for the 50-member cooperative.
With TİKA’s support, the cooperative can now process larger quantities of cocoa beans and transform them into a diverse range of products.
After harvesting the cocoa fruit, cooperative members meticulously carry out fermentation and drying processes. Subsequently, production stages such as roasting, mixing, tempering and molding are efficiently completed using the machines supplied by TİKA.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
TİKA’s support extended beyond enhancing production capacity, the women were also trained in packaging and labeling techniques. Nerissa Dela Cruz, Secretary of the Daine Women’s Agricultural Union, highlighted that the variety of products has expanded significantly thanks to TİKA’s assistance. She also emphasized that the income generated from this initiative provides financial support to the families of the cooperative’s female members.
“We Contribute to Rural Development”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Manila, İbrahim Katırcı emphasized that cocoa is a high-value agricultural product in the Philippines, and this project enhances the production processes of women entrepreneurs. He explained that through TİKA’s agricultural support, the initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs in rural areas while increasing the cooperative’s production capacity.
The project, supported by the Philippines Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, enables women members to sell their handmade, additive-free products, branded with their own logos, in local markets and on online platforms.
In collaboration with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), a comprehensive training program was conducted to support the digitization of works in the Azerbaijan Television (AzTV) archive.
As part of the ongoing “Project for the Digital Transformation of Works in the AzTV Archive”, initiated in 2023, a six-member AzTV team participated in practical training in Ankara. The training covered film scanning, color correction, and digitization processes.
This program marked the fourth event organized under the framework of the “Protocol on the Digitalization of Works in the AzTV Archive” established between TİKA, TRT, and AzTV in 2023.
At the conclusion of the training, certificates were awarded to the participants by Türkay Okan Salman, Assistant Manager of the TRT Media Management and Archive Department, along with TİKA representatives.
The project aims to colorize, restore, and digitize works in the AzTV archive, a vital repository of Azerbaijani cinema and history. By enhancing visual quality and preserving these cultural assets, the initiative ensures that this heritage will be accessible to future generations in a modern, high-quality format.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Women Local Banana Producers Association, has established a Banana Transformation Unit in Liberia.
Liberia, which has made significant progress in banana production, is the largest producer in West Africa and ranks among the top 50 countries worldwide with an annual banana production of approximately 150 tons.
In Liberia, bananas are consumed in various forms, including fresh fruit, fried snacks, banana chips, and banana powder, which is often used in baby food and traditional dishes.
While the fruit is sold at very low prices in its unprocessed form in local markets, its value increases significantly when processed into different products.
The workshop established by TİKA aims to enhance employment opportunities by adding value to bananas, reducing labor and yield losses, and contributing to the local economy.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has supplied technical equipment to the Ukraine-based Crimean News Agency, which reports on developments concerning the Crimean Tatar people and the Turkic world to a global audience.
Founded in 2006, the agency broadcasts in Ukrainian and Turkish, serving the entire Turkic world with a particular focus on the Crimean Tatar people. It delivers timely and impartial news to the global press about compatriots living under conditions of occupation and war.
The equipment provided by TİKA aims to enhance the quality and impact of the agency’s content on Crimea, Ukraine and other Turkic regions.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Refat Chubarov, Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, described the Crimean News Agency as a vital window into the Turkic world. He expressed gratitude to TİKA, noting that the new equipment would significantly strengthen the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a hatchery and fish feed production unit as part of the “Guichet Unique 3A” project initiated by Niger’s Ministry of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Environment. The project aims to expand freshwater and pond fisheries while enhancing existing production systems.
In Niger, a country where agriculture and animal husbandry dominate, government-supported initiatives in pond and freshwater fisheries, along with alternative production facilities, are increasingly becoming integral to modern, integrated production policies.
The “Guichet Unique 3A” model, implemented by Niger’s Ministry of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Environment, aims to achieve self-sufficiency in the fisheries sector by addressing the needs of fish farms for fry, feed and technical support. Carried out by various institutions across different regions, this model plays a critical role in reducing dependence on imports and promoting the growth of fisheries activities.
In line with this initiative, TİKA established a hatchery and a fish feed production unit at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Agriculture at Dan Dicko Dankoulodo University of Maradi. This facility supports the “Guichet Unique 3A” program in Maradi, providing fry, feed and technical assistance to fish producers in the surrounding areas.
The units were equipped with state-of-the-art production and training tools to enhance fry production infrastructure. Equipment such as broodstock, fish feed, spawning hormones, health kits, water purifiers, oxygen units, analyzers and other essential supplies were provided by TİKA.
The fully equipped production units were officially handed over to Dan Dicko Dankoulodo University of Maradi during a ceremony attended by the university’s Rector, department heads, TİKA representatives and students from the faculty.
This project aims to increase fish production by fulfilling the core needs of fish farms in Niger, promote increased fish consumption, diversify animal production capacities and income sources and support R&D initiatives and academic research to advance fishing techniques.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) extended educational support to the historic Tiradentes Municipal School in Brazil.
During his visit to Brazil, TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar, accompanied by Renan Ferreira, Regional Secretary for Education of the State of Rio de Janeiro, inaugurated several new facilities established by TİKA at the Tiradentes Municipal School. These included a technology laboratory, library, cafeteria and outdoor recreation areas.
Built in 1905 and designated as a municipal historical heritage site in 1990, Tiradentes Municipal School currently educates 200 students aged 7 to 15. Thanks to TİKA’s renovation efforts, the school is now equipped to implement the Technological Education Gymnasium (GET) program, which integrates modern educational approaches.
Support for 21st Century Education Needs
The GET program, set to be implemented in 200 schools across Rio de Janeiro by the end of 2024, aims to equip students with innovative educational approaches such as STEAM, Education 5.0 and maker culture. Approximately 100,000 students aged 7 to 15 are expected to benefit from this initiative. At Tiradentes Municipal School, TİKA established and renovated a technology lab, library, cafeteria and outdoor recreation areas.
Through this project, TİKA seeks to support students’ education in a more holistic and comprehensive manner.
