Successful Trip To Turkey

The trip was very successful in spite of the economic strain in Turkey. I met with several potential donors and was able to receive a little over 10,000 YTL. However, during my visit to the Milli Egitim Mudur (Ministry of Education office) in Adapazari, who has jurisdiction over this project, I requested their support in order to close the funding gap and start the construction this year. Upon my request they agreed to supply, at no cost, all the concrete and the reinforcing steel required to build the school. The Milli Egitim has sent me a Protocol which includes their commitment to make this donation. My attorney has made some additions and it is now being reviewed by the Milli Egitim Muduru.

During my visit I had two separate contractors provide me a Bill of Quantities and both have estimated the turnkey cost at around 650,000 YTL (+/-$425,000) excluding the concrete and the steel and the KDV (value added tax of 18%). They estimate the value of the concrete and steel donation to be approximately 150,000 YTL (+/-$100,000). My attorney believes this project can be exempted from paying the KDV and is researching the law on charitable donations. If exempted the project funding is short only $80,000 (+/-130,000 YTL) of the total needed.

I have initiated the execution of the full engineering and the construction drawings with a local architectural and engineering firm in Adapazari. This firm has experience with these type projects and has worked with the Milli Egitim’s office in the recent past. They have agreed to complete the drawings at no cost only paper and printing expense will be charged (+/-2,000 YTL). This effort will complete by 1 March 09 and they will file for the building permit before 29 March, the day of new Belediye (municipality) elections.

Finally, there are ongoing discussions with several Foundations in Turkey for the sponsorship of this project which is expected to be during February 09. Once concluded, the details for any donations in YTL will be provided in a future update on the web site.

I am planning to return to Istanbul the last half of February 2009.

• Funding Need for Extras

  Contingency and extras funding goal has been reached. Thanks to all who supported the cause.

  

• Mission Accomplished

  Construction fundraising has reached its goal, thanks to all who supported the cause.

  

• Project Mission

  A devastating earthquake left many children from the villages of Caykisla, Seyh and Saricalar victimized and in many cases orphaned. These bright and eager children need a school where their young minds will develop to more fully realize their innate potential. The intent of this project is to build a new Primary School in the Village of Çaykişla by August 2009, the 10-year anniversary of the earthquake. To be part of this worthy effort is a debt due from our past to future generations.

   

  education is a right not a privilege

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