Germany donates 2 mln euros for Syrian children’s education in Turkey

ANKARA

DHA photo

Germany has donated 2 million euros to UNICEF to be used for the education of around 600,000 Syrian refugee children living in Turkey. 

In a ceremony held at the German Embassy in Ankara on July 3, the German government donated 2 million euros to UNICEF, for use in education activities organized by the Education Ministry, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and local government. 

Speaking at the ceremony, German Ambassador to Ankara Eberhard Pohl said long-term peace could be reached through children’s education and this was Germany’s priority. 

“Of all the refugees, children make up the most vulnerable group. But long-term peace can only be maintained by these children to be educated. This is Germany’s priority and the 2 million euros we have granted to UNICEF shows our commitment to this support,” Pohl said. 

Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF’s representative in Turkey, said Syrian refugee children needed the international public’s support and solidarity more than ever before. 

“It is of vital importance - not only for Syria, but also for the region - to create opportunities for Syrian children to receive good quality education in safe environments,” Duammelle said. 

According to U.N. data, Turkey currently hosts more than 1.8 million Syrian refugees, who have fled their war-torn country since the conflict began in March 2011. While around 900,000 of the total refugees in Turkey are children, 600,000 are of school age.