Once again you enabled TPF to make a difference in the lives of many young people. We want to thank you for that and share the impact we’ve made together in closing the digital divide in Turkey.
Since the pandemic led to the sudden closure of schools, many of our partners on the ground in Turkey have made heroic efforts to provide students with continued learning opportunities and connections with their teachers and classmates. This dramatic increase in online learning has spotlighted the longstanding equity issue of the digital divide. Many students’ homes do not have the computing devices and internet access required for them to benefit from the online opportunities their schools have scrambled to provide.
An estimated 60 percent of the students in Turkey lack access to a computer at home. Our partners report that many additional students are limited in their use of online learning because they share a single device, slow and unreliable internet access, or restricted data plans with other family members. Students in economically disadvantaged homes, from traditionally underserved groups, and from rural communities are much more likely to be left offline.
To address this dire need we connected stakeholders and mobilized the community to a prompt and effective response.
With the support of nine partner organizations, TPF prioritized underprivileged students’ access to online education through providing computers, tablets, internet connection, and online classes. Together we raised close to $210K and were able to support approximately 4,500 children in continuing their education.
Addressing digital equity calls for a concerted effort of all of us. We want to thank all of our donors and partner organizations one more time for supporting our efforts in closing the digital gap and bringing accessible education to more students throughout Turkey. Thank you Needs Map, Cagdas Yasami Destekleme Dernegi, Toplum Gonulleri Vakfi, Okul Destek Derneği, Turk Egitim Vakfi, Tohum Autism, PAYDA, ILKYAR, and Hayata Destek Dernegi for your leadership and dedication.
Please read TPF’s Digital Divide Impact Report to learn more about how our grants created an impact for many.
We are humbled by the trust you have placed in us and for your relentless support, thank you once again.