The importance of primary education and minority schools!
The importance of primary education and minority schools in the effectiveness of minority institutions discussed.
Organized by the Xanthi Mufti Office, Xanthi Turkish Union, Western Thrace Minority Graduates Association and Minority Schools Councils Union, the event themed "The Importance of Primary Education and Family" was held on Tuesday, March 7th.
At the event held in Xanthi Turkish Union, the importance of Western Thrace Turkish minority education was emphasized.
During the event, Xanthi Mufti Mustafa Trampa, Xanthi Turkish Union President Ozan Ahmetoğlu, President of Western Thrace Minority Graduates Association Dr. Hüseyin Baltacı and Minority Schools Councillor’s Union President Ahmet Kara made a speech.
In the speeches made, it was stated that a perception was created by some circles that minority schools were bad schools and of poor quality and that minority children were deliberately and planned expelled from minority schools. It was emphasised that minority people should be very sensitive to this situation.
The heads of the institutions stated that the minority schools are an achievement of the Western Thrace Turks through international agreements, and noted that the minority schools extremely important in terms of keeping the Western Thrace Turkish Community's own culture and identity alive, as well as raising scientifically valuable and talented people.
Mostly mothers of the students participated to the event. Speakers stated that minority schools are indispensable for the Turkish minority of Western Thrace.
After the greetings of the heads of institutions, the panel started.
In the panel moderated by ITB Vice President Sevil Şerifoğlu; Preschool Teacher Elvan Kahya spoke about "What is Language, Importance of Education in Mother Tongue", Preschool Teacher Dilber Kahya about "Positive Effects of Mother Language on Children" and Psychologist Sevkan Tahsinoğlu discussed the issue of "Sense of Belonging in Children".
Ilter Meço, Religious Officer of the Mufti of Xanthi, talked about the situation of the Turks in Rhodes. He worked for about four years in the ısland where minority schools are closed. He also shared his experience about the daily life of the Turkish community in the island.
In the presentations, the importance and necessity of the education of Western Thrace Turkish Minority children in minority schools, both individually and socially, was emphasized.
The speakers called for the enrolment of students in minority schools.
The event ended with the question-answer session. Participants also shared their experiences.
