May 19, 2013

New Turkish School launched in Chad

A new school building has been launched under the umbrella of Chad-Turkish Educational Institutions active in the central African country Chad, saved from the brink of revolution in early May. In attendance of the grand opening of the school founded by the deceased philanthropist Ahmet Guner from Duzce (a province in Turkey) in the capital N’Djamena were Chad’s prime minister Joseph Djimrangar, minister of education Abdelkerim Seid Bauche, Turkey’s ambassador to Chad Ahmet Kavas, the founder Guner’s son Murat Guner and a crowded group of guests.

PM Dadnadji arrived at the school launched in a critical period, which witnessed a revolution attempt foiled by the state, under high security measures. Chad police department took extensive security measures in the area surrounding the ceremony venue.

Following the national anthems of both countries, the president of International Chad Educational Institutions Huseyin Serce noted that their educational initiatives kicked off with only 17 students in 2001 have been continuously growing ever since and added all they seek is to offer a higher quality education to Chad.

Murat Gungor, on the other hand, recalling his father couldn’t live up to see the school’s opening said they, as children of Ahmet Guner, will definitely continue the services handed down to them.Next, Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Kavas noted these educational activities are investments for future bilateral relations. The minister of education Abdelkerim Seid Bauche alike said bilateral relations in the future will be shaped by today’s ongoing efforts performed in education. He further said Chad-Turkish schools function as bridges between the two countries and they greatly appreciates the schools’ activities.

Following the remarks, PM Dadnadji cut the ribbon of the building with 430-student capacity. The construction launched in 2011 cost approximately 3 million dollar. As the most modern education institution in Chad, the school comprises library and language classrooms alongside the computer and science labs. Dominated by local teachers, the academic staff offers Arabic, French, Turkish and English courses. The poem performance by a little Chad student and the local guests in their traditional clothes added color to the ceremony.

Published [in Turkish] on Timeturk, 17 May 2013, Friday