Turkish agency distributes stationery to Iraqi Turkmens

By Mazin Majeed Asaad Baqal

ERBIL,Iraq (AA) - Turkey's state-run aid agency distributed 1,000 school bags and stationery supplies in Iraq's Erbil province on Wednesday.

The distribution ceremony of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) was attended by Hakan Karacay, Turkey’s consul in Erbil; Aydin Maruf, Iraqi Turkmen Front deputy; Cuneyt Esmer, Baghdad program coordinator for the agency; students, teachers and local officials

Speaking at the ceremony at Turkmen Fuzuli Elementary School, Esmer said aid to the education sector was a priority for TIKA.

“We’ve distributed 1,000 school bags and stationery supplies to Turkmen students as part of our education support program,” he said.

The agency has distributed 2,000 school bags and stationery supplies in Iraq's Saladin governorate in October.

The aid was sent to 30 schools in Tuz Khurmatu district, home to many Turkmen students. These schools also teach Turkmen language.

“We plan to distribute 800 school bags and stationery materials in Kirkuk, 1,000 in Mosul and 800 in Baghdad. In total we will hand out 5,500 bags and stationery supplies accross Iraq,” Esmer added.

Established in 1992, Turkey's government-run aid agency is responsible for implementing Turkey's developmental cooperation policies overseas. The agency carries out development cooperation activities in 170 countries through its 62 program coordination offices in 59 countries across five continents.