Turkish development aid agency opens classrooms for special needs children in northern Syria

By Omer Koparan

AZAZ, Syria (AA) - The Turkish state aid agency on Thursday inaugurated special classrooms set up for physically disabled children in an opposition-held area of northern Syria.

Established in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the education directorate in Turkey's southern border province of Kilis, two classrooms offering physical support and rehabilitation were opened at Ali Bin Abu Talip Secondary School in Azaz, northwestern Syria.

Students with physical disabilities, developmental delays, muscle diseases, and Down Syndrome will receive free education in classes prepared by experts, said the agency.

Separately, TIKA also opened a dye and hygiene production workshop in Azaz’s town of Aktarin.

The materials for production in the workshop, which was also established in cooperation with the Kilis Education Directorate, were distributed to the people of the region free of charge.

Established in 1992, TIKA is Turkey’s premier institution responsible for carrying out development projects and programs in more than 100 countries, including health and humanitarian programs, education, and agriculture.

Azaz was liberated by Operation Olive Branch, a 2018-2019 cross-border Turkish operation meant to rid the area of terrorist groups for the safety of both local Syrians and the Turkish public just across the border.