Turkish schools in the UK at risk of closure, says CTCA

The Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (CTCA) has warned that Turkish schools in the UK are at "risk of closure" due to the impact of the COVID pandemic and increasing rental costs for school premises.
The Association has called on business people, the TRNC state and Evkaf to help them to protect Turkish schools in the UK.
The Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations held a meeting with its member schools on Sunday, October 23.
In a written statement following the meeting, Fahri Zihni, chairman of CTCA, said: "We are at a time of great danger for the future of our schools and the education of our children. Despite the great and heroic efforts of many volunteer staff and teachers, we face widespread loss of schools. "
"Alarm bells are ringing," said CTCA Chairman, adding, "It's time for parents, teachers, business people, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Evkaf to act quickly to help us save our schools from extinction."
"Over the years, tens of thousands of children have attended Turkish culture and language schools," Zihni said, adding that this has not only improved their command of the Turkish language but allowed them to learn about Turkish cultural heritage, music, folklore, poetry and art. "It also helped instil a sense of identity, belonging and love for their countries, North Cyprus and Turkey," he added.
"In recent years, the number of schools has dropped gradually, and the pandemic has made the situation worse. The rental costs for school premises have also risen sharply as well," he noted.
CTCA has agreed to work with schools to look for existing opportunities for external and other alternative sources for project funding.

Soruce: Turkish News Agency