When united, kindred spirits can soar to unprecedented heights. This is the essence of the GENC Giving Circle, a testament to the power of friendship and shared vision. Founded by five best friends, the Circle exemplifies a commitment not just to education but to holistic personal development. For them, learning transcends traditional academics; it's about nurturing reasoning, kindness, and individual talents. Their dedication to equality means they champion both girls and boys in their educational pursuits.

 

It all started when Serpil, a passionate painter who is also a teacher at TACAWA, donated one of her paintings to a Turkish Festival in Washington a couple of years ago. She used the proceeds to support a student in Türkiye. The overwhelming requests for support that followed made her realize the need was vast. Serpil realized she couldn’t do this alone, she needed help. With the belief that she's stronger with her close-knit group of friends, they united for this inspiring cause of making a difference in young people’s lives. .

 

Pooling their resources, leveraging company matching gifts, and rallying support from peers, a couple of really close friends have since provided scholarships to 20 students. But their aspirations don't end there. They envision a holistic support system, encompassing not just financial aid but also mentorship, drawing from their collective experiences to guide these young minds. They believe no matter where you live, no matter your social and economic background, you can be whatever you want to be. Their core belief is empowering: every child, regardless of their background, has the potential to achieve greatness.

 

Serpil, Halime, Pelin, and Gizem have created something special to  illuminate the paths of young students in Anatolia. In partnership with Toplum Gonulluleri Vakfi (TOG), we’re proud to be a part of their inspiring journey to create equal opportunities for young minds, ensuring every child knows they're cherished, seen, and believed in.