May 6, 2012

What is behind Hizmet-affiliated schools?

Taha Akyol, Hurriyet

What is behind the schools affiliated with the Hizmet [Gülen] movement that have been established around the world?

Turkish schools in Africa

Taha Akyol, Hurriyet

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world. There is not even proper electricity in the capital city of the country, Bangui. The roads were terrible, but we arrived at a guesthouse of the International Central African Republic Turkish School at midnight.

Photo: Hurriyet Daily
It was established on the initiative of supporters of Fethullah Gülen. When we went to the school, we were amazed to see such a well-established school in such a country. There were 45 students when it was opened in 2006 and now it has 750 students. Half of the teachers are Turkish, half are locals. A fee is required, but there is financial support for the poor. At the teachers’ call, volunteer doctors came to the city, where they treated sick locals and performed operations. Meat, sent by Muslim benefactors from Turkey, is regularly distributed to local people. Both the government and locals are extremely grateful. This can be explained only by the religiousness of people with missionary aims and the combination of financial entrepreneurship and modern education.

Published on Today's Zaman, 02 May 2012, Wednesday