Schools Funded Through a Humanitarian Donation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Open in Türkiye’s Hatay Region

On 23 October 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, together with Turkish authorities, formally inaugurated three schools in the Hatay region in south-east Türkiye. Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, President of the Europe Central Area of the Church, and Elder Jack N. Gerard, first counselor in the Presidency, along with other Church representatives attended the inauguration at the school in Aşağioba, in the Antakya district, in the Hatay province.

Dr. Yusuf Tekin, Minister of National Education of the Government of Türkiye, headed the representation of government officials at the event. Minister Tekin was joined by Mehmet Öntürk, Hatay’s Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, Vali Mustafa Masatli, Governor of the Hatay Province and Harun Tüysüz, Provincial Director of National Education.

Addressing those present at the inauguration event, Minister Tekin stressed that the priority of those in charge is not only to replace all destroyed schools and classrooms, but also to use this opportunity to build many more schools, “as this will contribute to heal the traumas and the psychological effects of this disaster.”

Minister Tekin also thanked the Church for playing an important role in the reconstruction and thanked those who have made many sacrifices to restore normalcy to life in the affected area. He concluded his remarks by saying that “I see all donors as our friends and helpers. We hope this will be a big example to the world, especially in a time that when so many are suffering the effects of wars, conflicts and disasters”.

The construction was made possible entirely by donations from members of the Church worldwide and the direct involvement of local companies and business. Two of the companies involved were Turmaks and FZA, with whom the Church of Jesus Christ has worked in the past.

The powerful earthquakes that struck Türkiye on 6 February 2023 destroyed many homes and damaged important infrastructures, including schools. The level of destruction in the Hatay area, not far from the border with Syria, was particularly severe. With the construction of these schools, children in the neighbouring communities no longer need to walk or travel long distances to continue their education.

In his address at the inauguration event, Elder Alliaud explained why the Church is involved in these projects. “This is not about the buildings, it is about the future”, he said. “It is not about building with bricks, but with faith, building people, building hope. I do not think we can change the past, but certainly I believe we can change the future”, he continued. “And I hope that this school and the beauty of it, will contribute somehow to that end”.

The Church of Jesus Christ has been providing help to the areas in Türkiye that were most affected by the February 2023 earthquakes. Just in the last five years, it has implemented 34 projects in Türkiye, covering different needs and areas. The Church has a foundational commitment to helping the poor and the needy, rooted in its teachings and the example of Jesus Christ. This commitment is guided by a belief in the inherent worth of every individual and a dedication to alleviate suffering and promote self-reliance and community resilience. The building of the elementary schools is a vivid example of this commitment.

Harun Tuysuz, Hatay’s Provincial Director of National Education, thanked the Church for help it has provided in the aftermath of the earthquake. He specifically mentioned the role the schools play in the local community. “Since last year, we have been making every effort to open the schools rapidly. The reason for this is that after such a big disaster, we observed that most of our citizens who migrated out were leaving because of educational purposes”, he said. 

“We told ourselves we must build schools so that we can bring back our citizens. Thus, we have endeavored to normalize and activate our city, to make economic life and cultural life go back to normal”, he concluded.

The construction of the schools began in May 2024 and was completed in a record time of four months. The three new schools, built in the villages of Aşağioba, Serinyol and Üzümdali, in the Antakya district, follow a model that is prepared to withstand strong earthquakes. Each wall is modular, with a reinforced steel frame, insulation and dry wall on the outside. This allows for a relatively fast construction timeframe. Each school building inaugurated with twelve classrooms for a total of 360 children of primary school age in double sessions.

These schools are also characterised by their design: plenty of daylight in the rooms and corridors, a very spacious entrance hall, ramps for disabled children, two laboratories and data cabling, as well as air conditioning and central heating system that supply the entire building. There are also facilities for sports activities and a school garden, as well as several playground areas outside.

The Church will continue to be involved in the reconstruction efforts in Türkiye and help restore normality and hope in the lives of those who’ve been severely impacted by the powerful earthquakes.