Ghana benefits from 432 Turkish university scholarships

Turkey has provided more than 10.000 university scholarships for African students, out of which 432 were allocated to Ghana. Thanks to the Protocols signed between Ankara University in Turkey and the University of Ghana, Legon last February, a new avenue is opened for Ghanian university students and scholars to engage in academic life in Turkey as guest students and lecturers. The Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Ozlem Gulsun Ergun, disclosed this at the formal opening of a nursery and kindergarten of the Maarif International School in Accra, which was attended by the Minister of Inner Cities and Zongo Development, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid. The ambassador said Ghana becomes the eight ECOWAS country where the institution is present. She said the vision of the Maarif International School Ghana is to become a world class educational institution, through a well-planned teaching program in line with international standards that nurture students to become critical thinkers, unearth their individual skills and abilities while fostering excellence in human development based on common values of humanity. This, she noted, corresponds to Turkey’s vision to assist Ghana for the realisation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal. Cross-cutting goal Mrs Ergun pointed out that the implementation of the SDG four (4) on quality education will be decisive due to the cross-cutting nature of this goal, adding that education was key to progress in various areas.   “It is worth remembering that sub Goal 4.2 stipulates the necessity of access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they become ready for primary education. Indeed, UNICEF describes pre-school education institutions as “best place to start life” and emphasises the need to give equal opportunities to all children,” she stated. She said “We are determined to continue to be a development partner for Ghana in line with Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of “Ghana Beyond Aid” and other flagship projects. Improving educational infrastructure and elevating educational capacity of Ghana will certainly be a net direct contributor for the realisation of this vision, the ambassador added. Foreign policy The ambassador stressed that Turkey’s enterprising and humanitarian foreign policy that takes initiative with the vision of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, illuminates their way to partner with the African nations in line with Africa’s vision of a better continent, as outlined in African Union’s Agenda 2063. In parallel to their efforts for capacity building and social development, she said they have been providing vocational and technical training opportunities in many walks of life. The establishment of the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) in 2016 presents another avenue in this regard as the statutory purpose of the foundation is to provide educational services abroad on behalf of Turkey, she noted. Within its short period in existence, she said the TMF has turned into an education locomotive which has been operating with 314 schools, universities and training centers in 41 countries all over the World. It has been present in 130 schools across the African continent and 63 of them have been operated in seven ECOWAS countries. Only entity An Executive Board member of the TMF, Mr Ahmet Turkben emphasised that the Turkish Maarif Foundation is the only entity which has the authority to establish educational institutions abroad on behalf of the Republic of Turkey. He said the TMF was established by the Turkish Parliament with a special law enacted on June 28, 2016. Based on common knowledge and values of mankind, he said the foundation establishes educational institutions, provides quality education services, engages in scientific research and development activities all over the world. As of November 2019, he said the TMF has been operating in 41 different countries with 317 schools, one university and training centers plus 42 dormitories, adding that more than 35.000 students are currently attending educational institutions of TMF. Educational vision The Country Director of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, Mr R. Feridun Elgun said the TMF believes that the qualified and well educated manpower is the basic element for the development of a country. For this reason, he said the foundation presents an educational vision that encompasses universal values. “Here in Ghana, he noted that the Maarif International School was offering quality education to the kids whom will contribute to the development of this lovely country in the future. “In Ghana, Maarif International School under the auspices of Turkish Maarif Foundation promotes teaching and learning through an integrated curriculum of education that fosters excellence in human development, through the common values of humanity. Source: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-benefits-from-432-turkish-university-scholarships-ambassador-says-at-maarif-school-opening.html

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Turkey’s Maarif Foundation is an excellent example of Turkish aid

Established in 2016, the foundation was set up by the Turkish government to provide educational services and education-related aid and infrastructure around the world on behalf of the Turkish state. Everything about this foundation is deliberately curated to reinforce the purpose for which it was set up. For instance, the name ‘Maarif’ emphasises wisdom and knowledge – thus encapsulating the very essence of the foundation’s work around the world. Among other things, the foundation offers the following services: Opening schools from pre-school to higher levels to provide affordable education for all manner of people around the world. Establishing study and cultural centres, arts and sports facilities; dormitories and lodging; libraries and laboratories as a way of contributing to the educational infrastructure of countries where the foundation operates. Provides scholarship, financial support, and in-kind aid such as textbooks, notebooks, apparel, computers and software for students, at all levels from pre-school to university. To produce, develop and publish educational programmes and content deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Education of the host country. Conducts scientific research and publishes periodicals and other publications within the framework of the educational curriculum, with the appropriate pedagogical methods, as a way of contributing to the broad educational system of the host country. Organises symposiums, conferences, workshops; and cooperates with local and international institutions working in the educational sector of countries in which the foundation operates. Since its inception just three years ago, the foundation has made incredible strides in delivering on its mandate. The foundation is active in 55 countries – including such countries such as the United States, several European countries, and many more in a good number of African countries as well. The foundation currently runs an impressive 273 different schools, 36 dormitories and 1 University.  As expected, many of these schools – 125 to be precise – are in Africa, where the need for such support is obviously greatest. Out of that total number of schools in Africa, 63 are in the Ecowas region; specifically, in countries such as Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia. Maarif International School Opens in Accra Over the weekend, the Maarif International School was finally opened in Accra under the auspices of the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Maarif Foundation. Situated in the serene Airport Residential area, the school will commence operations this September. For the first year at least, the school will operate only the Nursery and KG departments with the view to scale into the primary and high school departments in the coming years. As is the case in all Maarif-operated schools around the world, the Maarif International School will promote teaching and learning through an integrated curriculum that fosters excellence in human development. Furthermore, in line with modern methods, strong emphasis will be placed on training young people in the area of STEM, as well as international languages such as French and Turkish. The school aims to nurture students to become critical thinkers and be able to unearth their individual skills and abilities through a well-planned teaching program in accordance with international standards. The best part is that, unlike the numerous expensive and commercially-run international schools across the city, Maarif International School is a non-profit institution. Thus, its fees are only a fraction of the prevailing fees charged by schools of similar stature. All proceeds from the school will be ploughed back into developing further educational infrastructure in Ghana. Beyond the training that will be given to young people as enumerated above, the Maarif International School also aims to be the first official Turkish-language training centre in the country for all who wish to study Turkish. In the global village where we find ourselves, getting equipped with an important second language like Turkish – one of the most-spoken languages in the world – could be an invaluable addition to anyone’s CV, making the fellow very competitive in the global job market. For us in Ghana, the establishment of Maarif Intern ational School couldn’t have come at a better time. The current government’s strong emphasis on ensuring that young people are able to get the requisite education via such great initiatives as the Free SHS simply cannot be overemphasised. In this broad policy framework, the crucial support of key development partners such as the Turkish government via the creation of Maarif International School will go a long way in shaping the future of the next generation of young Ghanaians, and other young people across the African continent. Source: https://thebftonline.com/2019/business/companies/turkeys-maarif-foundation-an-excellent-example-of-turkish-aid/

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Maarif International School Officially Launched

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Our school environment and curriculum

Maarif International School is located in a serene and safe neighborhood with an atmosphere that makes children feel warm and comfortable. The Curriculum of MIS takes care of the intensive development of children. It is designed to provide children an all-round experience with learning and extra-curricular activities that they would enjoy. The curriculum offers four languages. English, French, Turkish and Arabic.There is a careful selection of our teachers who are empathetic and compassionate. The teachers and staff at MIS are given regular training to ensure children get the best learning experience.

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Introductory Reception

A reception of a Nursery and preschool was held in Ghana under the auspices of Turkish Maarif Foundation established as part of the operational activities of Maarif Schools. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana Dr. Özlem Ergün Ulueren, former Finance Minister, Accra Metropolitan Mayor, West Ayawaso Mayor, Airport Area Police Chief, Ghana Education Service Basic Education and Preschool Education coordinators, Social Wellfare executives, Journalists and about 100 Turkish and Ghanaian guests. The Ambassador Dr. Ulueren, gave a speech on the activities of Turkish Maarif Foundation and also elaborated on the educational approach and curriculum to be used in the school.

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Watch 4th Istanbul Education Summit Live

First DayOrganized by Turkish Maarif Foundation, the Istanbul Education Summit, which is a meeting point for representatives of institutions and experts in the field, known for their international work and contributions in the field of education, will be held online this year on 6-7 December 2024 with the theme “Education for a Fair and Equitable Society for a Sustainable Future.” The Summit will bring together participants from around the world to share global experiences.Within the scope of the program, in addition to the high-level session with the participation of ministers of education from different countries, panels will be held on the topics of “Social Justice and Education”, “New and Sustainable School Culture”, “Rethinking Relations between State and Education”. During the summit, “Good Examples in Education” and the 5th International Maarif Photography Contest organized by Maarif Schools around the world will also be presented.Our program will be honored by the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with his speeches on the Istanbul Education Summit, followed by the speeches of the Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Yusuf Tekin and the President of Turkish Maarif Foundation Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün.

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