PIKTES

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin attended the “Folk Dance Teams and Turkish Folk Music Ensembles Social Cohesion Performance” program organized within the scope of the Project on Promoting Inclusive Education for Kids in the Turkish Education System (PIKTES).

Speaking at the program held at Hacı Bayram Veli University Itri Congress and Culture Center, Minister Tekin stated that the folk dance performance to be presented by students was postponed due to the explosion in Balıkesir and expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives in the incident. Referring to the report of the International Refugee Rights Association, Minister Tekin noted that approximately 120 million people worldwide have been forced to leave their homes due to political and other reasons, stating that “around one in every 70 people in the world is displaced from their homeland.” Emphasizing that education is one of the most important means of transmitting culture, Minister Tekin highlighted the responsibilities of education systems and stated:

“One of our fundamental duties is to incorporate world peace, human rights, and fundamental freedoms into our education mechanisms in order to contribute to the establishment of a world free from wars, oppression, and genocide. We must raise generations who respect fundamental rights and freedoms, who respect the rights of others, who internalize democracy, and who strive for global peace.

If we fail to achieve this, and as long as there are 120 million displaced people in the world, the remaining population must assume responsibility, provide shelter, offer protection based on a sense of brotherhood, and demonstrate the hospitality inherent in humanity.”

“We Have Hosted More Than 4 Million Guests” Minister Tekin stated that the Century of Türkiye Education Model is founded on a philosophy that prioritizes human dignity, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, peace, and the protection of human rights. He thanked the teachers in attendance for their dedication to the implementation of the Century of Türkiye Education Model.

He continued: “For nearly 13 years, our country has been home to millions, particularly from Syria. We have hosted over 4 million guests and endeavored, to the best of our ability, to fulfill our responsibility of hospitality in line with our cultural values. Since 2015, the European Union has also supported this process through the PIKTES Project, which brings us together today. We would like to thank everyone who contributes to the promotion of world peace and the protection of human rights globally.”

Within the scope of the project carried out under the Directorate General for Lifelong Learning of the Ministry of National Education, Minister Tekin stated that various initiatives are implemented under the title of social cohesion to support guests in feeling at home and adapting to their environment. He also noted that some countries that claim to promote peace and democracy have closed their borders to those forced to leave their countries due to conflict and oppression.

Minister Tekin expressed his appreciation to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has stood firm in the face of all criticism during this process and has said, ‘No matter what anyone says, we must continue to fulfill our responsibility of hospitality.’ As such examples of leadership become more widespread, both world peace and human rights will be protected through much stronger and healthier mechanisms.

Following his speech, Minister Tekin presented awards to the students who ranked in the Social Cohesion Performance organized within the scope of the project.