New ATASC-Sponsored School Opens in Izmit, Turkey

The recent devastation wrought by a tsunami caused by a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004 is a vivid reminder of both how precious life is and how powerless we can be to protect the ones we love.  For the Turkish people, there was another day, just over two years ago, whose memory burns as forcefully, as hauntingly.  That day was August 17, 1999 -- the day that 17,000 people lost their lives from an earthquake in Izmit, Turkey.  Just past three in the morning, a magnitude 7.4 quake shook a sleeping people from their beds.  In seconds, thousands were killed, over 50,000 were injured, and many more saw their homes shattered and their businesses destroyed.  The death toll would eventually be counted at over 17,000.

The tragedy touched the hearts of ATASC members deeply. Perhaps more so than other Turkish Americans, those living in California could understand what the people in Turkey were going through.  Many wanted to know what could be done, how could they help.  It was then that the idea was introduced that ATASC could aid the most helpless victims of the earthquake, the children, by helping to rebuild one of the schools that had been destroyed.  It was an effort that would require the time, money, and unremitting dedication of many, but when completed it would be a meaningful fulfillment of ATASC's mission of charity and goodwill.  In February of 2003, the ATASC Board of Directors gave its approval to the endeavor.

Phase One of the project, construction of the building exterior, was completed in May 2003.  Phase Two, the final outfitting and completion of the school, was completed this year.  The Izmit municipality joined in the effort by providing electricity, heating, water, sewage and landscaping.

Finally, on September 13, 2004, the dreams of many were realized as the first class of students enrolled and began their 2004-2005 school year just as millions of other students throughout Turkey.

The school was completed at a cost of 320 billion Turkish Lira, roughly equivalent to $213,000 dollars.  There are currently 119 students attending grades first through fifth, and the school has the capacity to expand to a total of 320 students.   The majority of the students live in the Atakent housing project built by the government for those who lost their homes during the quake.  Formerly, many had to be bussed miles to schools in other areas.  Today, because of your generous donations and support through ATASC, most of them can walk to school, and their parents are very happy.

The mayor of Kacaeli Erdal Ata stated during his opening speech that they plan to build another elementary school and a highschool in 2005.

Mr. Ertürk Dinçel was instrumental in the coordination efforts of the school opening on behalf of ATASC. ATASC extends its appreciation and thanks to those friends and family members for their generous contributions and those individuals who helped make this project a reality.

Please visit atasc.org/izmit.htm for a special video presentation of the opening ceremonies at the school.


ATASC Board of Directors