The Koruncuk Foundation, which works to ensure children grow up in an environment of love, security, and awareness of their rights as strong, confident, and responsible individuals in society, continues its mission as it celebrates its 45th year. The foundation organized a conference titled “Access to Education: The Impact of Non-Governmental Organizations,” hosted by Kadir Has University and sponsored by Allianz Turkey, to highlight issues in educational access.

Kadir Has University President Prof. Dr. Sondan Durukanoğlu Feyiz and Allianz Turkey CEO Tolga Gürkan delivered opening speeches at the conference, emphasizing the importance of girls’ access to education for a brighter future for the country. Gürkan said, “At Allianz Turkey, we collaborate with Koruncuk Foundation to support girls at risk of losing access to education, aiming to help them grow into confident individuals within society.”

Koruncuk Foundation’s Trustee Board Chair Av. Dr. Figen Samuray stressed that ensuring accessible and sustainable education is a societal issue. “Our children come from diverse backgrounds and attend various schools; as NGOs, we need to take a more active role,” she said.

Financial Barriers to Education

During the conference, GFK Research Company shared findings from the “Education Opportunities Research” study. The research highlighted that financial limitations significantly hinder young people’s access to education, particularly in rural areas, where issues like bussed transportation and combined classes affect the academic success of village students.

Educational Access in Earthquake-Affected Areas

Av. Mehmet Ali Gümüş from Buradayız Hatay Association shared the challenges faced by children affected by the earthquake in continuing their education. He pointed out that the earthquake disrupted education in the region, causing children to be distanced from their education.

Transformation Through the Power of NGOs

In the conference’s second session, the 45-year transformation of Koruncuk Foundation was discussed. Vice President Av. Seda Akço emphasized, “We changed together, we transformed together,” highlighting the foundation’s mission and efforts.

Through this event, NGOs’ contributions to education and proposed solutions were discussed, raising awareness to help take more sustainable steps in the future of education.