Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union President issues end-of-year message
Aydın Ahmet, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union (BTTÖB), issued a written statement marking the end of the 2024–2025 academic year, addressing students, teachers, and parents with messages of encouragement, reflection, and guidance.
"Be Conscious of Your Identity as Minority Youth"
Speaking directly to students, President Ahmet congratulated them for their hard work throughout the year and wished them a restful and enriching summer break. However, he stressed that holidays should not be a time of idleness.
“You are expected to act with awareness of being children and youth of a minority. Education is not limited to schools. Reading, learning, and developing your skills must continue. Our future depends on your efforts to grow and enrich yourselves,” he said.
Ahmet highlighted the importance of preserving the Turkish language, calling it a "priceless treasure" that shapes identity and opens doors to further learning. He encouraged students to frequent libraries, read books they enjoy, and minimize time spent on digital games, which he said could isolate them from social interaction and waste valuable time.
Appreciation for Teachers
Addressing fellow educators, Ahmet expressed gratitude for their dedication, patience, and care throughout the school year.
“You have worked with perseverance and compassion. I believe the summer break can also be a time to explore new teaching methods. The modernization of minority education, the enrichment of our culture, and the advancement of the Turkish language are in your hands,” he stated.
Ahmet emphasized that their shared goal should be to raise knowledgeable, modern generations who are loyal to their history, culture, and spiritual values.
A Call to Parents: Support Minority Schools
In his message to parents, Ahmet acknowledged their vital role in supporting their children's education. He urged them to send their children to minority schools to ensure the survival and quality of minority education in Western Thrace.
“Minority schools have been closed one by one in recent years under the pretext of declining student numbers, without consultation with the minority community. To prevent further closures, we must act consciously,” he warned.
He reminded parents that many well-educated individuals in the community are graduates of minority schools, despite the more limited educational resources available in the past. Ahmet stressed that while academic shortcomings can be addressed, a lost sense of identity is far more difficult to recover.
“Raising generations who are loyal to our history, culture, and values is only possible through minority education,” he concluded.
Ahmet ended his message by wishing all students, teachers, and parents a peaceful and enjoyable summer break.
