Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has donated a vehicle to the Muslim community in Vietnam, designated for use in patient and funeral transport services.
At the request of the Islamic Community of An Giang Province in Vietnam, a vehicle was provided through the cooperation of TİKA and the Turkish Embassy in Hanoi to assist with patient transport and funeral services.
The vehicle was handed over to authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, chosen for its central location, as the country’s only Muslim cemetery is in An Giang Province.
This vehicle will serve both for patient transport and for transporting deceased Muslims to their hometowns.
Speaking at the project handover ceremony, Ho Chi Minh Deputy Governor Nguyen Duc Tien expressed his gratitude to TİKA and Türkiye for their support. Tien stated, “TİKA has supported Vietnamese Muslims for many years. I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of Türkiye.”
A team of 18 healthcare professionals from Türkiye, in collaboration with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Friends of All Africa Association (TADD), offered voluntary medical services to hundreds of people in the city of Jinja, Uganda, where access to healthcare is limited. The initiative was part of an 11-day mission.
The Turkish healthcare team, made up of specialist doctors, nurses, anesthesia technicians and civil society volunteers, brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of Ugandans through free medical examinations and surgeries.
Approximately 1,500 people were examined, and nearly 100 surgeries were performed during the initiative, which included specialists in general surgery, urology, ear, nose and throat, gynecology and plastic surgery, with a primary focus on surgical procedures.
Ugandan doctors and nurses also took part in the surgeries performed by Turkish doctors, gaining the opportunity to enhance their professional skills.
As part of the initiative, held for the fourth time, 56 boxes of medical supplies were utilized for treatments and surgeries with the remaining supplies handed over to the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
“We conducted an efficient operation tailored to Ugandan conditions”
Dr. Bilgehan Güntekin, President of TADD, made a statement about the health initiative at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, the second largest hospital in Uganda. He shared that this was their fourth visit to Uganda, during which they performed nearly 100 surgeries and conducted approximately 1,500 examinations.
Güntekin stated, “The biggest support we received while organizing this event came from TİKA, for which we are very grateful. We had specialists in plastic surgery, general surgery, urology, gynecology and ear, nose and throat medicine participating in this health initiative. We conducted an efficient operation tailored to Ugandan conditions.”
Güntekin emphasized that the cost of surgeries ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, which is prohibitively expensive for many Ugandans. He noted, “Even if they can afford this amount, finding qualified surgeons to perform the procedures is extremely challenging. Therefore, the operations we provide are invaluable for our brothers and sisters here.”
Güntekin stated that local doctors also participated in the surgeries, providing them with an opportunity to enhance their experience and knowledge.
“The people are extremely grateful to you for all your efforts”
Jinja MP Manjeri Kyebakutika expressed gratitude to Türkiye and the volunteer doctors for their efforts in the health organization, emphasizing the significance of the activity conducted in cooperation with TİKA and TADD.
Kyebakutika stated, “Difficult surgeries, such as plastic surgery, hernia repairs and mass operations, which are not commonly performed in Uganda, were successfully carried out. We have observed that Turkish doctors excel in these procedures. As a result, the people here are extremely grateful for all your efforts. While many similar organizations focus on treating cases like hypertension and malaria, TADD volunteers provided surgeries that are prohibitively expensive in Uganda, all at no cost.”
Additionally, the Turkish health team returned to Türkiye after distributing gifts, food and stationery to Ugandan students and those in need.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has begun restoration efforts at the Najashi Complex, which sustained damage during the conflict in Ethiopia.
The restoration of Najashi’s Tomb, Mosque and the tombs of 15 Companions in Mekele, located in Ethiopia’s Tigray state—the first Muslim settlement in Africa—was originally completed by TİKA in 2020 and handed over to the Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau.
Approximately eight months later, the mosque’s minaret and dome were damaged during attacks amid ongoing clashes in the region.
With the cessation of hostilities, restoration work has resumed on the damaged sections of the Najashi Complex.
A project agreement outlining the scope of the restoration, the responsibilities of both parties and other relevant matters was signed between TİKA and the Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has supported the construction of a new service building for a primary school in Afghanistan. The school was also equipped with educational materials, furniture and computers, and its surroundings were landscaped.
The new service building of Mahcube Hirevi Primary School, located in Mazar-i-Sharif city, has officially opened. This primary school, constructed with the support of TİKA, features landscaped surroundings and newly created playgrounds and social areas.
As part of the project, educational materials and equipment were provided for 1,500 students.
The opening ceremony of the project was attended by the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Mazar-i-Sharif, Kasım Kaban; the Deputy Governor of Balkh Province, Elhac Mevlevi Nur-ul Hadi Ebu Idris; TİKA’s Coordinator in Mazar-i-Sharif, Mikail Taşdemir; the Director of National Education of Balkh Province, Mufti Mohammad Sharif Abu Asim Osmani; as well as local administrators, teachers and students.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Consul General Kaban emphasized that the TİKA project strengthens the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and Afghanistan. He highlighted that the students who grow up here will play vital roles in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the realization of the project.
Idris, the Deputy Governor of Balkh Province, stated that Türkiye supports Afghanistan in every field, emphasizing the significance of this school for the country’s future.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Mazar-i-Sharif, Taşdemir noted that since 2005, TİKA has implemented nearly 200 projects in the northern provinces of Afghanistan with 60 of those in the field of education.
Taşdemir also mentioned that in addition to Mahcube Hirevi Primary School 50 more schools have been built in the region, providing a modern educational environment for 25,000 students across a total of 620 classrooms.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has inaugurated a sewing workshop at the school for hearing and speech-impaired children in Kosovo.
TİKA inaugurated the sewing workshop at Nene Tereza School for the Hearing and Speech Impaired, the only institution in the country dedicated to children with hearing and speech impairments, located in Prizren.
The opening ceremony of the sewing workshop was attended by several dignitaries, including Arbërie Nagavci, the Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of Kosovo; Sabri Tunç Angılı, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Pristina; and Celal Doğan, the Consul General of Türkiye in Prizren. Also present were Colonel Zafer Sağlam, Head of the Turkish Mission in Kosovo; Fulya Aslan, TİKA’s Coordinator in Kosovo; Hüsamedin Beshi, Director of the Prizren School for the Hearing and Speech Impaired; along with numerous officials from Turkish and Kosovo institutions as well as teachers and students. The workshop was established to provide vocational skills to children with hearing and speech disabilities, helping them build self-confidence and become active members of society.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kosovo’s Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Arbërie Nagavci expressed her gratitude to TİKA for the equipment support, which will significantly contribute to the vocational training of students at the Nene Tereza School for the Hearing and Speech Impaired.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Sabri Tunç Angılı stated that education knows no age and recognizes no barriers. He emphasized that investing in education not only shapes the future but also enhances the beauty of our world and lives. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to TİKA for implementing the project and sincerely wished that the children who train in the sewing workshop will discover a profession they love and achieve their dreams in the future.
“I Overcome My Disability with Türkiye Program”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Kosovo, Fulya Aslan stated that TİKA is committed to improving the educational conditions for individuals in need of special education in the Balkans through the “I Overcome My Disability with Türkiye Program”. This initiative includes establishing special education classes and workshops and as a result, several important projects have been implemented in Kosovo.
Stating that the project will enable children with hearing and speech disabilities to gain vocational skills and enter the workforce, Aslan emphasized that their goal extends beyond skill acquisition. They aim to enhance the self-confidence of individuals with special educational needs, foster their productivity and promote their integration into society.
The ceremony concluded with teachers and students expressing their satisfaction with the project.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established a sewing workshop in Iraq to support the vocational training of housewives.
The opening ceremony for the sewing workshop project, implemented by TİKA in the city of Mosul, was held. As part of the project, 12 industrial sewing machines, overlock machines, button sewing machines along with fabric and sewing materials, were provided.
The opening ceremony, held at the Women and Youth Center in Mosul Governorate, was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Baghdad, Anıl Bora İnan; TİKA’s Coordinator in Baghdad, Oğuzhan Dinler and local officials from Mosul.
During his speech at the inauguration, Ambassador İnan highlighted the positive developments in relations between Türkiye and Iraq.
Highlighting Mosul’s geographical, sociological and cultural proximity to Türkiye, Ambassador İnan expressed their desire for this closeness to be reflected in Mosul.
Commenting on the project, TİKA’s Coordinator in Baghdad, Oğuzhan Dinler emphasized TİKA’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s development initiatives.
Dinler noted that the sewing workshop project in Mosul was specifically designed to support housewives, stating “Through this project, we aim to help Mosul’s housewives acquire a profession.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has supplied modern equipment, including balers, hay cutters, hay collectors and silage machines, to the Baari Livestock Cooperative in Somalia.
The project aims to address the feed needs of the livestock sector, particularly during dry periods. By ensuring proper harvesting of animal feed, it seeks to enhance food security for livestock producers and safeguard animal health during droughts. This support is also intended to strengthen the local economy and contribute to diversifying community livelihoods.
TİKA’s support is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing the sustainability of the livestock sector in Mogadishu. Members of the cooperative noted that the provided equipment will increase production efficiency, enable them to supply higher-quality feed to animals and play a vital role in helping rural livestock keepers endure dry periods without loss.
This support is expected to significantly enhance Somalia’s potential in agriculture and livestock, contributing to the region’s overall development. Through this project, TİKA will continue its efforts to promote food security and economic stability in Somalia.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) distributed 800 aid packages containing food and hygiene supplies to families affected by the floods in Galați, Romania.
TİKA prepared and delivered 800 aid packages containing urgently needed food and hygiene supplies to assist those affected by the flood disaster that struck eastern Romania on September 15. The disaster claimed seven lives, impacted over 20,000 people and damaged approximately 7,000 homes.
The aid packages, prepared at the request of the Galați County Council, were dispatched to the crisis area to meet the needs of 400 families. The distribution was attended by Türkiye’s Consul General in Constanta, Ozan Çakır; TİKA’s Romania Coordinator, Salih Yürç; and the Mayor of Slobozia Conachi, Emil Dragomir.
TİKA will also deliver the necessary supplies to aid in recovery from the flood disaster that struck the town of Amzacea in Constanta on August 31, affecting around 60 households. The materials will be delivered to Amzacea in the coming days.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) implemented a water well drilling and installation project in Afghanistan, providing clean drinking water to a village of 300 families.
TİKA carried out a water well drilling and installation project to provide clean drinking water for more than 300 families in Ilkiçi village, located in Afghanistan’s Balkh province.
As part of the project, a 120-meter-deep well was drilled, and a 9,000-liter capacity water tank with a solar energy system was installed.
The opening ceremony of the project was attended by Mikail Taşdemir, TİKA’s Coordinator in Mazar-i-Sharif; Kari Muhibuddin, Headman of Ilkiçi Village; Kari Abdul Sami, Imam of the Ilkiçi Village Mosque, and village elders.
In his speech, Taşdemir emphasized that TİKA’s support will continue across various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, infrastructure development, restoration and vocational training.
The residents of Ilkiçi village expressed their gratitude for the support provided by TİKA to their community.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) inaugurated the kindergarten annex building in the Bayanchandmani district of Töv province, which was constructed and equipped by TİKA.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Ulaanbaatar, Zafer Ateş; Governor of Töv Province, Mönhbaatar Demberel; Deputy District Governor of Bayanchandmani District, Enhbold Tserenhand; Head of TİKA’s OAK Department, Ali Özgün Öztürk; as well as kindergarten students and teachers attended the opening ceremony.
In his speech, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Ulaanbaatar, Zafer Ateş stated: “Mongolia and Türkiye are brotherly nations. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In this context, we are developing and deepening our ties. TİKA continues to strengthen these relations through its projects and initiatives. I am pleased to be here today for the opening of such a meaningful project.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ali Özgün Öztürk stated: “Children are our future. As TİKA, through our various projects and initiatives, we are addressing the kindergarten shortage in Mongolia by establishing kindergartens in different regions. Our aim is to create suitable educational environments for children and contribute to the improvement of Mongolia’s preschool education services. Today, I am pleased to be with you in Bayanchandmani District of Töv Province for the inauguration of the Kindergarten Annex Building Construction and Material Purchase Project, which will serve as a home for 50 students.”
In his speech at the ceremony, the Governor of Töv expressed his gratitude to TİKA and the Turkish people for their continued support to Töv Province. He emphasized that this project addresses one of the most pressing issues in the education sector—the shortage of kindergarten capacity.
There are 326 children between the ages of 2 and 5 in Bayanchandmani District of Töv Province who need access to preschool education. However, due to limited capacity, 56 children were unable to attend the district’s only kindergarten. To address this issue, TİKA constructed and fully equipped an additional building with a capacity of 50 children, expanding the district’s preschool facilities. As part of the project, 4 new teaching and assistant teaching positions were created, providing 50 students with education in a modern and healthy environment.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) set up a Turkish language classroom at Tajikistan’s only military high school, which operates under the Ministry of Defense.
As of the 2024-2025 academic year, a Turkish language classroom was established at Tajikistan Military High School to support Tajik students who will, for the first time in the country’s history, pursue their education in Türkiye.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Tajikistan, Brigadier General Muzaffar Anvar Rahimzoda; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Dushanbe, Umut Acar; Military Attaché, Ertan Binay; Military High School Director Brigadier General Muhiddin Tociddin Karimzoda; TİKA’s Coordinator in Dushanbe, İbrahim Ethem Ünal; TÖMER Director, Haydar Deveci and students attended the classroom’s opening ceremony.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Acar expressed his pleasure at witnessing the development of relations between Türkiye and Tajikistan in the military sector, as well as in other areas.
Tajikistan’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Rahimzoda, also conveyed his gratitude to TİKA for implementing the project, which will enable Tajik military students to receive education at the military academy in Türkiye.
The project includes a computerized language classroom for 25 students along with a meeting room and aims to facilitate Turkish language learning for 50 military students each year.
In collaboration with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education, Georgian Tourism Vocational High School teachers received “Train-the-Trainer” courses on Food, Beverage and Accommodation Services as part of the Tourism Education Program (TUREP).
As part of the “Cooperation Protocol in Vocational and Technical Education” signed between TİKA and the General Directorate of Vocational and Technical Education, “Train-the-Trainer” courses in Food, Beverage and Accommodation Services were provided to 15 trainers from the Georgian Vocational Development Agency, operating under the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia.
During the week-long program at the Antalya Muratpaşa Falez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School Practice Hotel, expert trainers provided insights on topics such as sustainable tourism, emerging trends, automation programs and front desk service practices. Participants also had the opportunity to receive hands-on training in the school’s workshops and at five-star hotels in Antalya.
Certificates were presented to the trainees at the ceremony held at the end of the training.
The certificate ceremony was attended by Yavuz Kala, Antalya Provincial Deputy Director of National Education; Ercan Alpay, Head of the Department of Improvement of Educational Environments and Learning Processes at the Ministry of National Education’s General Directorate of Vocational and Technical Education; Ömer Akkan, Director of Falez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School; along with TİKA officials, trainees and guests.
