July 04, 2024
An agreement was signed between Türkiye and Zambia to transfer FETÖ schools in Zambia to the Turkish Maarif Foundation.
In 2020, the schools in question, which were seized by the Zambian government and managed by a trustee, joined the International Maarif Schools family, which continues successfully in 52 countries after the agreement.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) and Zambia regarding cooperation in the field of education and the transfer of the FETÖ school in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Speaking before the ceremony, TMF President Birol Akgün stated that the Maarif Foundation has made the transition to international education in a few years.
53rd country Zambia
Akgün said that TMF not only provides quality education to young generations in many countries through its educational institutions, but also contributes to the development of the human capital of these countries, thus raising young generations in many parts of the world who are familiar with Türkiye, speak Turkish, and learn Turkish culture and tradition. Pointing out that these young generations will serve as a basic "human bridge" between countries, Akgün said, "Maarif Foundation provides education to 54 thousand students in 52 countries with 465 educational institutions. Zambia will be the 53rd country." Akgün pointed out that TMF is very active in Africa and said that they provide education to over 20 thousand students in 25 countries.
All Management in Maarif
Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Haimbe de Lusaka also expressed his pleasure to be present at the signing ceremony of this agreement regarding the institution formerly known as "Horizon School" and said, "This ceremony shows an unwavering commitment by the two countries to ensure the development of bilateral relations and the mutual benefit of our peoples." Haimbe said that Zambia, through the Ministry of Education, started controlling the school's activities in October 2020, and now all its management and activities will be transferred to the Maarif Foundation.
Strengthening the Struggle
The transfer of FETÖ schools in Zambia to TMF confirms Türkiye's rhetoric on the fight against FETÖ in Africa. It also means a great progress in the eyes of local governments regarding the closure of FETÖ schools.
Four Different Processes
With the joint efforts of Türkiye's relevant institutions and TMF, four different processes are underway to close FETÖ-affiliated schools abroad. Some countries have closed FETÖ-affiliated schools. Uzbekistan and Russia are among these countries. Countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Serbia have also completely closed these schools upon Türkiye's warning. Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan have liquidated FETÖ-affiliated schools, while Kazakhstan has converted them into public schools affiliated with its Ministry of Education. Some countries closed FETÖ-affiliated schools and transferred them to TMF. FETÖ-affiliated schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed and transferred to TMF. Some countries, on the other hand, do not take action against FETÖ-affiliated schools and do not allow TMF to open schools.
Falling Behind in Competition
FETÖ-affiliated schools, which cannot use the name "Turkish School" and cannot hang the Turkish flag on their buildings, have started to fall behind in the competition against the modern schools opened by TMF. In the countries where the TMF has opened schools, the demand for FETÖ-affiliated schools is decreasing and they start to close down on their own over time. Thus, the black propaganda activities carried out against Turkey in FETÖ-affiliated schools are prevented and FETÖ is prevented from muddying young minds.
