This program was conceived by Necla Sarikaya of Bozeman, Montana.  Her idea is simple: Provide primary school students in low income urban and rural areas a means to go to school in dignity, with a warm pair of boots and socks.  By enabling underprivileged students in Turkey with these  basic essentials, donors can give the lifelong gift of Education where it is needed the most.

There are many economically disadvantaged and displaced families in every part of Turkey that can not even afford a pair of shoes for their children to walk to school.  "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words..."  This picture was taken at at the entrance of a Girls Boarding School in Eastern Turkey

We read about this problem almost everyday in the news.  A child walking to school in the cold of winter with slippers.  We understand that boots alone are not a cure for the many problems they face, but boots certainly do play a part in lifting their spirits and give them hope. It is a simple yet effective way to erase the stigma of poverty and provide warmth to their feet in the middle of winter.

 

A modest $12 gift will ensure a child’s feet will be protected from the cold snows of winter, and give them the chance to walk with pride alongside more privileged fellow students. Bridge to Turkiye is happy to help anyone who wishes to build bridges to students in need. It only takes $12 to buy a pair of warm boots for one child, $120 for ten children and $360 for the entire classroom.

With Necla's initiative, in 2008 alone, Bridge to Turkiye furnished over 1,500 pairs of warm boots to 8 schools all around Turkey.

There are several easy ways you can donate from anywhere around the world.   Donations in any amount can be made through Facebook or directly from our Donation Page, and are certain to bring smiles and great joy to a little one.

 

 

 

 

 

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