Celebrating April 23rd at Maarif Schools

April 23, 2026

April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm through vibrant events in Maarif schools operating in 65 countries. Thousands of students from different continents came together, sharing the joy of the holiday with the same excitement and common feelings, creating a truly global gathering.

Celebrations spanning a wide geography from the Balkans to Africa, and from Asia to Europe, featured students performing folk dances, flag ceremonies, poetry recitals, theatrical performances, and musical shows. While diverse cultural elements stood out in the programs, students showcased their own national traditions, bringing cultural richness to the stage.

These events organized in Maarif schools went beyond mere celebrations, uniting children around shared values. The meaning and messages of the holiday strengthened feelings of peace, friendship, and brotherhood among students around the world.

Colorful Scenes from Around the World

In Albania, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tirana, Barış Ceyhun Erciyes, joined Maarif students to share the festive joy. During the events in Tirana, students received great appreciation for their performances, while Ambassador Erciyes emphasized the importance of children for a country’s future. In Serbia, students took the stage with poetry, choir performances, and dance shows in programs held across three cities where Maarif schools operate. The main program in Belgrade saw strong participation. In Equatorial Guinea, the holiday was celebrated with music, dance, and colorful performances, where students proudly displayed different cultures.

The April 23 celebrations held in Niger featured both vibrant and meaningful moments. The program, prepared by students of Niger Maarif Schools, included folk dances, poetry recitals, musical performances, and theatrical shows. Through stage performances appealing to different age groups, students reflected the joy of the holiday, while their banners and speeches conveyed a strong message of awareness. Palestinian children were not forgotten during the events; students called for solidarity by commemorating those in Palestine who have been deprived of basic living rights, family unity, and access to education. The program emphasized peace, brotherhood, and children’s rights.

In Somalia, kindergarten students celebrated April 23 with great enthusiasm on their campuses through traditional dances, theatrical performances, and musical activities. In South Africa, students’ stage performances attracted significant attention. The event, attended by representatives of Turkish institutions, highlighted Turkish dances, marimba music, and cultural shows. In Kosovo, celebrations at the Prizren campus featured students performing in traditional costumes, along with poetry recitals and dance performances. In Hungary, specially prepared activity areas offered a wide range of activities—from face painting and music to dance workshops and play stations—keeping the festive spirit alive throughout the day.

The April 23 celebrations held simultaneously across Turkish Maarif Foundation schools worldwide once again demonstrated how a national holiday can transform into a universal value. These events, where children from different cultures united in shared joy, reflected the ideals of peace, solidarity, and a common future.