TİKA Supports Education of Crimean Tatar Children in Ukraine

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) renovated the infrastructure of School No. 1 in Novooleksiyivka, Kherson, where more than 3,500 Crimean Tatars live.

More than 3,500 Crimean Tatars live in the town of Novooleksiyivka in Henichesk Raion, Kherson, which borders Crimea. 60% of the students at School No. 1 in Novooleksiyivka are Crimean Tatars. The Crimean Tatar language is taught at school, where various other activities are also carried out to promote the Crimean Tatar culture and revive national traditions.

Extensive renovation and additional construction works were carried out in the sanitary facilities in order to prevent sanitary problems at school. The school’s compliance with the sanitary norms in the country was ensured, contributing to the solution of the health problems at the school.

The opening ceremony held after the completion of the renovation works at the school was attended by Lenur Lyumanov, the principal of the school; Cüneyt Esmer, TİKA’s Ukraine Program Coordinator; and Lenur Mambetov, Chairperson of the Crimean National Welfare Association.

Principal Lenur Lyumanov said, “TİKA provided great financial support for the renovation. Now, the school has high-quality tiles, doors, and an exhaust ventilation system. Everything is good and healthy.” He thanked the Turkish Government for looking after the students of the school.

Lenur Mambetov, Chairperson of the Crimean National Welfare Association, thanked TİKA for its assistance in the renovation and stated that he hoped such projects would continue in Ukraine. Mambetov said, “We would like to thank TİKA for operating in Ukraine for more than 25 years and conducting many programs. These projects are implemented not only for Crimean Tatars, Meskhetian Turks, or Gagauz Turks, but for all Ukrainians. The Turkish Government provides great technical support to Ukraine in the implementation of these programs, which are clear examples of the close cooperation between two countries.”

Cüneyt Esmer, TİKA’s Ukraine Program Coordinator, stated that this project was of special importance as it focused on both education and health. He added that TİKA would continue to implement cultural, education and training, social, and other projects not only in Kherson, but all over Ukraine.