Jana and Arda’s Bridge of Empowerment from Orange County to Çaycuma

Some friendships are built on shared experiences—others, on a shared mission. Jana Black and Arda Vanlı, best friends since birth and high school students from Orange County, California, are using their bond to make a real impact. As children of Turkish-born parents, they have always felt a deep connection to Türkiye. Now, they’re channeling that connection into action by raising funds for a school in need.

Giving Back to Their Roots

Jana and Arda’s parents immigrated to the United States as teenagers, but Türkiye has always been a central part of their family story. Wanting to honor their heritage, they teamed up with Bridge to Türkiye Fund on Giving Tuesday. Through the Adopt A Classroom in Türkiye program, they chose to support Şehit Hasan Yağlı İlkokulu, an elementary school in Çaycuma, Zonguldak—the same region where their mothers grew up and went to school. Their goal was to provide students with the educational resources they need to thrive, believing that every child deserves a supportive learning environment, no matter where they live.

Why This Matters

Many village schools in Türkiye lack basic classroom materials, making it harder for students to reach their full potential. Jana and Arda understand that small changes—like access to books, school supplies, and learning tools—can make a big difference. Thanks to their efforts, 46 young students in Çaycuma now have a classroom equipped with art supplies and brand-new school bags filled with all the stationery they need to thrive!

Thank you, Jana and Arda, for showing us the power of community and giving back!