The UK’s leading umbrella body for British Turkish Cypriots, the Council for Turkish Cypriot Associations UK (CTCA), has launched a fundraising campaign to raise money to support supplementary Turkish language and culture schools in London.

The campaign aims to raise £3,500, with the money put towards a host of vital needs for the schools, from printers, ink and stationery costs to audio-visual equipment, musical instruments, and Turkish folk dancing costumes.

The funds raised will go towards six CTCA member Turkish schools. These are Ali Rıza Değirmencioğlu Turkish School (Wood Green in Haringey), Dr Fazıl Küçük Turkish School (Beckenham in Bromley), Rauf Raif Denktaş Turkish School (Blackfen in Bexley), Southgate Atatürk School (Cockfosters in Enfield), Hornsey Atatürk School (Hornsey in Haringey), and Oakbury Turkish School.

The six London-based schools currently cater to children aged between 5 and 18 years old, many of them sitting GCSE and A-Level exams in Turkish, while also learning about the heritage of their ethnic homelands of Turkiye and North Cyprus.

To date, a total of £685 – 19% of the target – has been raised through the donations from 24 individuals.

Writing on the Justgiving website, CTCA President Fahri Zihni said: “Our schools are run by dedicated and inspiring volunteer teachers and support staff, and parents, all of whom give up a vast amount of their time and energy free of charge for this noble cause. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also provides professional teachers from Cyprus to support the curriculum for our children.

“Please donate as much as you are able to and pass this link on to your friends and relatives. Every amount, no matter how small, is much appreciated and will help a child with their education. Please note that the JustGiving sponsorship payment is optional.”

Click here to donate to the fund.

Photo, top, from Facebook / Dr Fazıl Küçük Turkish School