Editorials

For The Sake of Our Children

Charge d'affaires Nancy McEldowney

Hürriyet - September 22, 2005

Nothing is more important for the future of a nation than the welfare of its children. And there is no one who knows that better than the people of Turkey. Turks are renowned for their love of children and for their boundless compassion toward any child in need. This is truly a reflection of the heart of this nation and the warmth of its people.

September 12th marked the opening of the school year across the Republic of Turkey. Sadly, not every child was in school on that first day. Many families in rural areas are unable to send their children to school and instead have them staying at home or working on farms and in fields. I am certain that the parents of these children want what every parent wants their children - a life of opportunity and promise and a future that is better than the past.

America wants to help make that future possible for all of Turkey’s children. By reaching out the hand of friendship, the US government wants to work together with the government of Turkey to provide greater opportunities for education and enrichment. We want to provide help to areas of the country where the circumstances are especially challenging and where the needs of children are the greatest.

Earlier this year the U.S. Government contributed $9 million to the Turkish Social Solidarity Fund’s nationwide Conditional Cash Transfer Project, which makes cash payments to poor families so that they can keep their children in school. The project has been particularly successful in helping Turkish girls get to school - and stay there.

I will soon advance this effort even further, as I join with the Ministers of Labor and Education to finalize a $6 million dollar grant program. This program, called Tarladan Okula, will help children engaged in seasonal agricultural labor leave the fields and enroll in school. In six different provinces throughout the country, Tarladan Okula will reach to families with social assistance programs, making a crucial difference in their ability to ensure their children’s education.

There is a saying in English that one never stands so tall as when one bends down to help a child. By working together on these collaborative programs, Turkey and America stand very tall and very proud. Together we will build a better future for all our children.