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.
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.
