July 09, 2025
The first training program of the 2025 summer term, organized by the Basic Education Coordination Office, was held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Preschool educators working at Maarif Schools in Albania, Ethiopia, Romania, Tunisia, Serbia, Iraq, and Northern Cyprus gathered at the IM Preschool Program Evaluation Meeting held at the Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus.
During the meeting, which provided an opportunity for practitioners to share their experiences regarding the implementation of the IM Preschool Program in 17 countries, teachers' evaluations of the program were collected, and guidance was provided on topics they needed. Teachers and school administrators who are program practitioners had the opportunity to share their experiences and identify areas for mutual development.
Prof. Dr. Zarife Seçer, member of the Board of Trustees of Turkish Maarif Foundation, and Ahmet Türkben, member of the TMF Board of Directors, also participated in the program and met with the teachers. Seçer emphasized the universal nature of the program, its structure that supports 21st century skills, and its pedagogical relevance. Zarife Seçer also held meetings with Prof. Dr. Cumali Sabah, Acting Rector of the TRNC ODTÜ Campus, and Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Vice Rectors of the Eastern Mediterranean University, and visited the TRNC Maarif School.
As part of the event, participants were received by Ambassador Ali Murat Başçeri in Nicosia. Additionally, they gathered at a dinner organized with Fethi Fahri Kaya, Director General of Higher Education and Overseas Education at the Ministry of National Education, Mithat Tekçam, Education Advisor in Nicosia, and representatives from various institutions.
The three-day program concluded with the presentation of gifts to the participants.
