Why did you decide to give up your birthday? Birthdays are about sharing, giving and receiving happiness, love and joy. In October 2015, I was planning to organize a Halloween Birthday Party with my family and friends. About two weeks before my birthday, we were all shaken by the bombing in my hometown, Ankara, as…
Few years ago, a group of teenagers did something remarkable, something many of us never bothered or considered before. They tried to imagine the difficult conditions of young people in juvenile detention centers. They pictured themselves growing behind the bars and tried to comprehend spending years in an enclosed space. They understood that finding a…
New York, NY (May 2017) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce 2017 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipient: Ipek Kavasoglu. This is the second year Ipek is supported through the award. She studies Economics at Duke University. The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Awardees were selected on the basis of a competitive process focusing on personal…
Few years ago, Mahmut knocked on the doors of countless institutions and foundations with high hopes and big dreams. He was accepted to Akdeniz University to study law. He wanted to become a prosecutor and had the will and passion to achieve his dream. All he needed was a scholarship to cover his cost of…
Meet Mustafa, a 14 year-old who has that rare ability to drag you into a different world with his drawings. A true artist, who can’t resist to transform blank pages into capturing artwork within minutes when he’s in reach of crayons. At this age, he is already famous for being the designer behind Tohum Autism…
Four hours. Seven amazing panelists. Two inspirational keynote speakers. Many priceless advice on being true to yourself, taking risks, and creating positive impact. Countless business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and young professionals gathered under one roof. All inspired and motivated to make a change. And that’s not all. Hundreds of equal opportunities will be created with…
Speech by Mustafa Kemal Abadan, TPF Chairman & CEO. Ladies and gentleman, distinguished guests and our special honoree of the evening Sayin Rahmi Koc, good evening. I am so glad that all of you could join us tonight despite the conspiracy that the weather gods have bestowed upon us. In any case thankfully the storm…
by Goncagul Ay, Program Associate. “I made this painting so when I grow up I can remember my family.” This is a quote by an eleven-year-old Mustafa, who lives in the Bolluca Children’s Village. This village is the first place he calls “home”. All the stories start with an opening line of “once upon a…
Here is another birthday and another generous individual who asked nothing but donations from her family and friends to make an impact in Turkey. Melody Ezgi Gulcan used her birthday past Fall to raise money for educational opportunities. With matching gifts from her employer, Ezgi’s birthday wish turned into a reality as she raised enough…
Irem was only six years old when her mother abandoned her. As she didn’t have any relatives, she found herself in an orphanage. She still remembers her first day vividly and how her eyes were swallowed from crying. It took her sometime to adapt to her new environment. She was well fed and safe but…