This project will fund the creation of a library space for children in one of Turkey's most disadvantaged regions, Siirt, Kurtalan. In Siirt, no other comparable spaces exist. This project aims to create a space that will be a central resource for kids in the community, inspiring passion for and interest in reading.
Siirt, Kurtalan is in a disadvantaged area of Southeastern Turkey, further challenged by current turmoil in the country. Educational attainment levels are low, family income is low, unemployment is high, children per household ratios are high, school capacity is challenged and community resources for children are limited. Though children are enrolled in school, schools fail to empower these children with valuable skills. This project is a source of positvity for children in the community.
With a child-based approach, TEGV uses active learning principles and learning through games to empower and inspire children. TEGV works to build "Reading Culture" communities that are literate; read as a habit; think about what they read; and develop strengths and skills through reading. To encourage such cultures, this new library space will speak to multiple learning styles, house different learning opportunities, contain more and new books, and engage kids with technology.
TEGV's presence in disadvantaged communities provides a critical resource for children. The TEGV location included in this project (in which the library will be built) serves more than 700 children per year. TEGV will use the new library space as a setting for local initiatives to inspire Reading Culture communities. The library will also be open for general use. The impact of this project will be to inspire lifelong literacy and learning in the communities served.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).