The 16th Consultation Meeting of Country Representatives, organized to evaluate the educational activities carried out by Turkish Maarif Foundation in different geographies, to strengthen internal coordination, and to determine the goals for the upcoming period, has concluded. Bringing together representatives from 64 countries, the meeting became an important platform where the Foundation’s strategic roadmap was discussed. During the five-day consultation process, comprehensive evaluation meetings were held between central units and country representations. In the meetings where the current situation was addressed, new-term objectives and strategic priorities were put on the table. On the fourth day of the program, a talk was held with journalist-writer Taha Kılınç within the scope of “Maarif Talks,” and the program was enriched with historical and cultural visits.The meeting concluded with a closing program attended by a wide audience. The closing program was attended by the Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Yusuf Tekin, TMF President Mahmut M. Özdil, Ambassador to Baku Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, as well as foundation executives and staff.“We are a community of brothers serving the same purpose”In his speech at the closing program, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin drew attention to the founding rationale and mission of Turkish Maarif Foundation. Stating that the foundation holds a special meaning for him, Tekin said: “I do not see myself as a guest at Turkish Maarif Foundation. From my perspective, Turkish Maarif Foundation is a very different institution. Such a structure became necessary in order to overcome the obstacles we encountered while conducting educational activities abroad on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye. Just as in the country, we were also faced with tutelary mechanisms abroad, and this situation made it difficult for Türkiye to implement its own education policies.”Emphasizing that Türkiye has gained significant momentum in the field of education in recent years, Tekin continued by referring to international indicators: “In the 2024 TIMSS scores, we are currently among the top three countries among OECD members. We are receiving the return of the steps we have taken in education. With the FATİH Project, approximately 30 million tablets were distributed with an investment of nearly 10 billion dollars, all classrooms were equipped with interactive boards, and one of the largest educational content networks in the world was established.”Drawing attention to the international role of the Maarif Foundation, Tekin concluded his remarks by saying: “Turkish Maarif Foundation and the Ministry of National Education actually act in line with the same objective. One of us represents Türkiye domestically, the other internationally. Therefore, we are all a community of brothers oriented toward and serving the same purpose.”President Özdil: “We clarified our future orientations”President of Turkish Maarif Foundation Mahmut M. Özdil emphasized that the consultation meetings carry strategic importance for the foundation. Expressing his satisfaction with the meeting achieving its objective, Özdil stated that he sees this meeting as a valuable mechanism in which the strategic vision is determined, the foundation’s goals are placed at the center of focus, and future strategic orientations are clarified.In his speech, President Özdil also made the following evaluations: “Today, the world discusses not only access issues in education but also qualified and comprehensive learning. UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report, announced very recently, once again reminded us that education systems should not only transfer knowledge but also produce values, and should be resilient and inclusive structures. It is now a reality that education systems are evaluated not only by schooling rates but also by learning outcomes, equality of opportunity, teacher quality, and the resilience of systems against crises. Making quality in education measurable and sustainable, developing inclusive models, and making systems more resilient against global uncertainties are among the main priorities. Türkiye, with its deep-rooted educational tradition and the reform will it has demonstrated in recent years, is not outside these global discussions; on the contrary, it is an active subject of them. Turkish Maarif Foundation, as one of the actors carrying this vision internationally, represents Türkiye’s understanding of education, its perspective on quality, and the value it gives to people in every country where it operates. In this context, the importance we attach to the quality management system, our continuous efforts to improve our educational content, and our endeavor to create inclusive educational environments in different geographies are both aligned with global trends and strongly overlap with Türkiye’s education vision.”Drawing attention to institutional unity and common goals, Özdil concluded his speech with the following words: “Although we serve in different geographies, we have a common goal: raising good individuals and representing our country in the best possible way. We must continue to act in harmony by seeing our differences as richness.”In line with the evaluations made throughout the meeting, the roadmap of Turkish Maarif Foundation for the upcoming period was shaped. Important steps were determined to strengthen institutional capacity and to establish a more effective structure on a global scale. 

Turkish Maarif Foundation is holding its 16th Country Representatives Consultation Meeting in Istanbul.At the meeting, held at the Foundation’s headquarters,  President of TMF Mahmut M. Özdil delivered an opening address in which he conveyed important messages regarding both the Foundation’s achievements over the past 10 years and its activities on a global scale.The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Trustees, members of the Executive Board, and representatives serving in various countries around the world.In his opening remarks, President Özdil expressed his “pleasure in welcoming all representatives to their home,” and expressed his hope that this year’s meeting would be as productive as those in previous years.“We organized iftar meals in 20 countries, bringing thousands of people together at the same table”Emphasizing that Turkish Maarif Foundation organized iftar programs in 20 different countries this year, Özdil noted that these programs welcomed not only Muslim communities but also people from different religions and cultures.Özdil highlighted how these programs contribute to international dialogue by sharing notable examples of iftars held in various countries around the world.“Maarif Foundation: A New Model for Public Service on the International Stage”President of the Foundation noted that TMF’s structural characteristics cannot be easily compared to similar examples worldwide:“We are not merely a cultural diplomacy institution; we are a unique entity that trains teachers, implements curricula, administers exams, and provides public services abroad.”Özdil, noting that similar educational institutions in other countries do not fully cover TMF’s scope of activities, said the Foundation will eventually occupy a special place in academic literature and added, “This situation imposes a heavy public responsibility on us; moreover, not just a single, but a dual responsibility. A responsibility toward the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish people, and our state; and a responsibility toward the institutions, authorities, and most importantly, the families in the countries where we operate.When our flag flies and our schools open across a vast geography stretching from Senegal to Kyrgyzstan, from Austria to Peru, what is at stake is not merely an educational activity, but also a state commitment, a serious legal obligation, and above all, a trust we have placed in our students and their families. We must never forget the awareness and responsibility that comes with this trust. “I believe that this unique structure of Turkish Maarif Foundation will, in the future, become a focal point of academic interest not only in Turkey but also in the fields of comparative law and public administration. In fact, the work we are conducting is opening a new path in this literature; it is building a new model and perhaps adding a new dimension to the theory of public service,” he said.Operations in 66 countries, active contacts in 121 countriesÖzdil announced that the TMF continues its actual educational activities in 66 countries, noting that work is ongoing in Sudan and São Tomé and Príncipe, bringing the total number of countries where activities are conducted to 66.He also noted that the Foundation maintains active contacts in 121 countries and conducts planning activities in 132 countries: “This scale now signifies not merely operational success but a presence that has evolved into a global anchor of stability and trust,” he remarked.10th-Anniversary Assessment and Three Strategic GoalsDuring the speech, it was also announced that a comprehensive assessment process had been launched to mark the Foundation’s 10th anniversary. It was noted that the Foundation will focus on three key strategic pillars in the coming period: financial sustainability, strengthening educational content, and enhancing institutional capacity and developing a quality management system.Turkish language instruction and “increasing students’ motivation to learn Turkish” were also highlighted as strategic priorities.Kyrgyzstan and international achievementsÖzdil drew attention to the academic achievements attained following the takeover of FETÖ-affiliated schools in Kyrgyzstan. He emphasized that TMF students have achieved notable rankings in national and international competitions.Activities of the Maarif Agency and Research CentersNoting that academic collaborations are continuing to grow, the President stated that the international education fairs organized by the Maarif Agency have attracted significant interest. He also noted that the Turkey Research Centers play a critical role in transferring academic expertise from both Turkey and the countries where they operate to the institution.The 16th Turkey Maarif Foundation Country Representatives and Consultation Meeting will continue over the next four days with presentations, evaluations, and discussions.

Our PYP students delivered a truly memorable Ramadan Assembly, beautifully capturing the spirit and values of the holy month. The event was filled with heartfelt Qur’an recitations, inspiring words, and a variety of special presentations that reflected the meaning of Ramadan.Our young learners performed gracefully on stage, sharing messages of kindness, gratitude, generosity, and unity. Their dedication and preparation were evident in every segment of the program, making the assembly both meaningful and uplifting for everyone in attendance.We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performances and for reminding us all of the true essence of Ramadan — compassion, reflection, and community.

We are proud to share that our IBDP student, Sara Samer, participated in the 3rd English Public Speaking Competition at AUIS. She advanced through all stages, and was selected among the Top 10 public speakers in Iraq out of 134 participants from 80 schools nationwide.We congratulate her on this valuable experience and wish her continued success on her journey.

Our school was proud to join the BISK International School Spelling Bee, an exciting and challenging event that brought together talented students from across the region. Our PYP students not only demonstrated exceptional spelling skills but also showcased confidence, focus, and excellent sportsmanship throughout the competition. Their dedication and hard work were rewarded with well-deserved awards, reflecting their commitment to learning and personal growth. Representing our school with pride, they inspired their peers and highlighted the importance of perseverance, preparation, and a love for language in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Our Library Department proudly celebrated a joyful storytelling performance as our amazing Grade 3 students beautifully brought The Gigantic Turnip to life for our little KG stars during a special session in the school library, creating a heartwarming moment filled with imagination, confidence, and the love of reading through expressive narration, creative acting, and wonderful teamwork that inspired both performers and audience alike.