Kardeş Türküler Sings With Children of Tatvan

 Hüsnü M. Özyeğin Foundation has been implementing rural development programs since 2009 in pursuit of contributing to socio-economic development in impoverished villages of Turkey. As an initiative launched within the scope of these programs, the “Kavar Rural Development Project” has brought several projects into life in quest to improve the quality of life in Kavar, which is comprised of 6 villages and 5 hamlets in Tatvan, Bitlis in Turkey. The project aims to empower children of Kavar and increase the opportunities and choices in their lives through a series of events.

The foundation’s efforts date back to the “Köprü (Bridge): The Chicago-Kavar Pen Pal Project” launched in the year 2010 with the aim of bridging children of Kavar and Chicago. Children of the Tokaçlı village and the low-income neighborhood of Uptown Chicago exchanged letters and photographs to build an intercultural friendship, which will also be the main theme of the KÖPRÜ (BRIDGE) exhibition to be held at Özyeğin University as part of the event on January 26.

Özyeğin University supports Hüsnü M. Özyeğin Foundation’s efforts through the “Summer Schools” project held during summer and supported by voluntary Özyeğin University students to contribute to the empowerment of children. During the summer school in 2011, it is envisioned to create a choir with children and youth of Kavar. The choir of 15 children practiced in an empty barn every day for a month. To provide children with a professional training, the band “Kardeş Türküler” was contacted and the band volunteered to train children of Kavar. Children practiced the songs of the band’s “Çocuklar Haklı” (Children Are Right) album under the guidance of the band.

As Özyeğin University, we are pleased to announce the “Kardeş Türküler and Children of Tatvan” concert on January 26 at the Özyeğin University Çekmeköy Campus to share with you the results of this nice collaboration.