Darussafaka Society

             Darussafaka Society, the first NGO in Turkish history in the field of education, was founded in 1863 in the Ottoman era, with the mission of providing "equality of opportunity in education." Bright and talented children who have lost one of their parents and have limited financial resources become eligible to study at Darussafaka after passing a competitive exam when they are ten years old, and Darussafaka provides them access to quality education at international standards.

             Due to financial and cultural barriers, many children in Türkiye lack the opportunity to access quality education. Children who have lost one of their parents need extra financial support and care. Darussafaka aims to provide "equality of opportunity in education" to disadvantaged students from all over Turkey so that they can become self-confident, happy and successful individuals in the society and realize their dreams.

              Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to a high quality education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all of its eligible students, thanks to the continued support of its donors. Every year, all eligible 5th grade students across the country are invited to apply to Darussafaka's annual admissions exam. Approximately 2,000 students take the Darussafaka exam every year and 120 students are admitted.(In addition, after the major earthquakes in Türkiye on 6 February 2023 we have increased our school’s enrolment limit to provide quality education to children affected by the earthquakes.This year, 100 additional students are admitted from the earthquake zone.)

              Throughout the past 160 years, Darussafaka educated many noteworthy individuals in our society. Many Darussafaka alumni hold academic and executive positions in the public and private sector, both in Turkey and abroad.Thanks to the continued support and commitment of its donors, Darussafaka will continue to invest in the next generation of enlightened, self-confident and socially responsible Turkish leaders for centuries to come.