Erenler Sofrası Set for Orphans in Afghanistan

As part of the Erenler Sofrası Ramadan Program, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) organized an iftar program for the 98 children who take shelter in the Balkh Mazar-i-Sharif Provincial Orphanage in Afghanistan.

Within the scope of the “Erenler Sofrası” Ramadan Program, which has been initiated by TİKA after the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey declared 2021 as the Year of Yunus Emre and Turkish Language, the Year of Haji Bektash Veli and the Year of Ahi Evran, an iftar meal was organized for the orphans in Mazar-i-Sharif. 98 orphans and their teachers were handed out an iftar meal in the yard of TİKA’s Mazar-i-Sharif Office and several activities were carried out.

In addition to the orphans, the iftar meal was attended by Semih Lütfü, the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Mazar-i-Sharif; Dr. Naci Yorulmaz, the Vice President of TİKA; Matiullah Metin, the Director of Labor and Social Affairs of the Balkh Province; and the orphanage employees.

In his speech, Semih Lütfü, the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Mazar-i-Sharif, underlined that Turkey was the only country in the world which dedicated a holiday for the children. Turgut stated that he was happy to be together with the orphans right after the National Sovereignty and Children's Day was celebrated in Turkey, and he expressed his gratitude towards TİKA for this honor.

On the other hand, TİKA’s Vice President Dr. Naci Yorulmaz addressed the children and said: “Turkey will always be by your side and build a better future together with you. Your peers from Turkey send their regards’’, and he wished a happy holiday for the children.

Matiullah Metin, the Director of Labor and Social Affairs of the Balkh Province, expressed his joy regarding the iftar program, reminded that TİKA had always reached out a helping hand for the orphans, and expressed his gratitude towards TİKA, the Republic of Turkey, and Turkish people for this organization.

Following the meal and the speeches, the program was concluded after the games and presents that were prepared for the children.