Sponsor's update from Bolluca, Turkey

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Bolluca, Turkey from Summer 2008.

SOS Children’s Village Bolluca is operating since 1992 on an area of 52 acres. On the property there are 10 Family Homes, 1 Girl’s Youth House, 1 Boy’s Youth House and 1 Nursery School. There is another Youth House in Mimarsinan, another province of Istanbul, which houses over 18 ages male youngsters.

From the beginning of 2008 there are 10 SOS Mothers, 6 aunts, 1 general coordinator, coordinator assistants, 1 psychologist, 2 Nursery School teachers, gardeners and guards in total 37 persons. 3 of our mothers have retired but re-recruited. Needless to say, their children were very happy to have them back. A mother resigned. 4 children of this house were transferred to other family houses, 1 girl is transferred to the girls’ youth house. Children had no adaptation problem. They are quite happy with their new families. The house in question is now vacant and will be refurnished to accommodate some of the children from other houses to balance the number of children in houses. A new mother will be recruited.

There are 28 girls and 33 boys making the total of children 61 in the CV Bolluca.
There are 13 girls in the Girl’s Youth House;
11 boys in the Boy’s Youth house;
4 boys rented a flat for their “semi-independent life”.
3 girls from the Girl’s Youth House will get married this summer.

Education:
Our children’s academic performance in the academic year 2007-2008 made us happy. 49 of our children attended Primary School, 15 attended High School and 9 attended “apprenticeship” school.
One of our boys Gökhan plays football in an amateur league football club, he is the “king scorer” of the year. He received a scholarship from the Private High School that he is the attending actually. 4 from our girls are getting prepared for the University entrance exam. They are attending a private course where they are practicing similar tests.

As every year 6 teachers held additional supporting lessons of mathematics, science, social science and geography to children in different classes. These efforts have raised the school performance of the children.

In our Nursery School there are 24 children. 11 of them are from the neighborhood villages. This year some of the 3 years-old children attended our Nursery School. Starting the education at 3 years had a visible effect to their development. We intend to continue this early program in the coming years which we think will be leading the children to establish strong social behavior and friendships.

Growing up at Bolluca, Turkey

Healthcare:
We are most interested to have our children in a happy caring healthy and loving family atmosphere. Winter seasons produce more health problems than other seasons. But luckily we dealt with them mainly by the province’s medical office free of charge. This kind of social solidarity is much appreciated.

One of our girls Gamze had a serious health problem: An ovarian cyst was seen during the examination, she was operated in a private hospital, thanks again, free of charge.

Some of our children have psychological or intelligence problems; these children receive health care and support from state and private hospitals. Educational support is given individually or in groups. Putting in it members 8 of over children receive psychological treatment. Two of our children are epileptic and getting special treatment to facilitate their lives.

Activities:
Religious holidays are opportunities for our children to visit their biologic families and relatives. During these special days the atmosphere is very warm, we have many visitors in the Village. Visitors are hosted with chocolate and various types of candies as a Turkish tradition. Children receive presents from the visitors as another tradition.

During the National Holidays we put on various performances, plays and sports shows in the Village. These shows are always remembered in the future.

Our Scout group with 50 members was led by their youth leader to Uludağ during the semester holiday where they challenged climbing activities.

April 23 is The National Independence Day of Turkey dedicated to Children. Our children visited The Çanakkale National Park, the Victory Monument and the Military Cemetery. May 19 is The National Sports Day dedicated to Youth. Our children visited Samsun on the Black Sea.

During the summer, Nursery School teachers helped to carry out many activities in music, handcrafts, painting and modern dance.

Our 3 girls’ coming weddings caused great joy in the Village. Collective preparations are done in a very warm atmosphere. It makes one happy to see the children mothers and Village Director contributing to this happy event. Our regular donors contribute to this event with their usual generosity.

I thank you on behalf of the Village for your very kind cooperation, help, love and compassion. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy summer.

Yours Sincerely,

Dilek Yıldız
Sponsorship Office Coordinator
SOS Children’s Village Bolluca / Turkey