Press Centre 2008/04/18 (1): Early Childhood Education
The UNICEF and NTV telethon to raise funds for more preschools in Turkey will take place on the 23rd of April. © UNICEF Turkey 2007
More Preschools!
The More Schools! campaign was launched last year by the Turkish National Committee for UNICEF and NTV. This year on April 23rd NTV and the Turkish National Committee for UNICEF will add a new stage to the campaign with full–day telethon supported by a host of surprise guests. The aim is raise funds to set up new preschools in 13 provinces. Donations will be accepted via the Turkish National Committee for UNICEF, SMS and live phone–ins to NTV on special hotlines that will run throughout the broadcast.
What is the goal of the campaign?
The provision of education for all is one of the most pressing problems in Turkey. While almost every child is enrolled in preschool education by the age of five in western countries, unfortunately the number of infants attending preschool in Turkey remains very low. UNICEF regards preschool education as key to giving a child the best start in life. So let’s ensure all every child’s equal right to this crucial cornerstone of their lives!
Why is age 5 so important?
Children atending preschools build more self–confidence, are better disposed to learn, have more enquiring minds, absorb knowledge and develop skills more efficiently. Girls and boys become accustomed to school earlier and the transition to formal primary education becomes easier.
How can we contribute to the campaign?
Donations can be made directly through:
- Türkiye İş Bankası Çankaya Branch, Ankara, Account no: 500 (the same account accepts donations in New Turkish Lira, US dollars and Euro);
- Garanti Bankası Çankaya Branch, Ankara, Account no: 6290000 (New Turkish Lira only).
- A blank SMS to 3005 through any GSM operator will automatically donate 10YTL.
- Contributions can also be made online to the Turkish National Committee for UNICEF at www.unicefturk.org.
In which regions and how many schools?
The Ministry of National Education will construct preschools in 13 provinces of the country from west to east and from north to south. The number of schools buillt will depend on the goodwill and financial support of donors to the campaign.
What will the preschool buildings be like?
The new facilities will be built on treasury land. A half of each plot of 1,000–1,200m2 will be used to construct a single storey, independent preschool. The other half of the plot will provide space for a schoolyard. Each school will have 5 classrooms accommodating 20 students each, offices for the principal and school administrators, a kitchen and a cafeteria. The large schoolyards will provide plenty of play space and each school will serve 200 children in double–sessions.
How will donations be followed–up and audited? Is the campaign transparent?
UNICEF attaches particular importance to accounting for and reporting finances. Donors will be provided with updates regarding the construction of the new preschool buildings within five months of the telethon.
Read the letter from Professor Talat Halman, President of the Turkish National Committee for UNICEF.
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OTHER PRESS RELEASES ON EDUCATION ISSUES
- The joint UNICEF–NTV More Schools! campaign has already surpassed the target of 100 new classrooms. The total of contributions raised through SMS and direct donations so far is enough to build 121 new prefabricated classrooms.
- Turkey is in urgent need of new school buildings. UNICEF believes that prefabricated classes would be the quickest and cheapest way and the NTV broadcast channel supports this plan.
- Best friends Nergiz (12) and Hanım (13) have come to school to meet us, willingly interrupting their summer break.
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