Darussafaka Society

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education".

Darüssafaka continues its activities to deserve its name, meaning “home of compassion”.

Today, the 160-year old Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darüssafaka, there are approximately 1.000 students from all over Türkiye.

On September 12, 2022, 156 new 5th grade students, who qualified in the Darüssafaka entrance exam held on May 29, 2022, began their 8 years academic life at the Darüssafaka Schools, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

Darüssafaka Entrance Exam will be held in 32 provinces on May 21, 2023. Students who are successful will be entitled to free education from secondary school to university after financial situation research and health control.

Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Türkiye by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Türkiye. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Türkiye.

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education".

Today, the 159-year old Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darüssafaka, there are approximately 1.000 students from all over Türkiye.

On September 12, 2022, 156 new 5^th grade students, who qualified in the Darüssafaka entrance exam held on May 29, 2022, began their 8 years academic life at the Darüssafaka Schools, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 


Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Türkiye by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Türkiye. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Türkiye.

Being the first private school, established by a non-governmental organization, Darüssafaka Society has been providing education with full scholarship to children, whose mothers or fathers are not alive, financial status is insufficient and who are successful, starting from the 1st grade of the secondary school to the graduation from the high school, in boarding school and college level in English since 1863. Darussafaka aims to become one of the most respected and best schools both in Turkey and in the world, that provide quality education to underprivileged and talented fatherless and/or motherless children. Furthermore, Darussafaka aims to raise leaders who are life-long learners, self-confident, modern and socially conscious by providing equal opportunity in education.

Overall at Darussafaka, there are nearly 1000 students from different provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents can enter the Darussafaka Entrance Exam and this year the exam will be held on May 29, 2022, in 31 different provinces of Turkey. Those who successfully pass the exam will have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2022, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

We would like to kindly inform you that Darussafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, nutrition and health services are all covered only by your donations to the Society.

In that sense, thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education".

Today, the 158-year old Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darüssafaka, there are approximately 1.000 students from all over Turkey.

On September 6, 2021, 120 new 5^th grade students, who qualified in the Darüssafaka entrance exam this year (held on May 30, 2021), began their education at the Darüssafaka Schools, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 


Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Today, the 158-year-old Darussafaka Society creates a better future for high potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.  At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school.

Every year, fourth-grade students who lost one or both parents apply for the Darussafaka Entrance Exam.

The Darussafaka Entrance Exam was held in 28 cities, on 20 June 2021 and 1508 students have participated in the exam. Later a week, the exam results have been announced. 120 students passed the exam successfully and have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2021, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society can achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darussafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Being the first private school, established by a non-governmental organization, Darüssafaka Society has been providing education with full scholarship to children, whose mothers or fathers are not alive, financial status is insufficient and who are successful, starting from the 1st grade of the secondary school to the graduation from the high school, in boarding school and college level in English since 1863. Darussafaka aims to become one of the most respected and best schools both in Turkey and in the world, that provide quality education to underprivileged and talented fatherless and/or motherless children. Furthermore, Darussafaka aims to raise leaders who are life-long learners, self-confident, modern and socially conscious by providing equal opportunity in education.

Overall at Darussafaka, there are nearly 1000 students from different provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents can enter the Darussafaka Entrance Exam and this year the exam will be held on May 30, 2021, in 28 different provinces of Turkey. Those who successfully pass the exam will have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2021, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

We would like to kindly inform you that Darussafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, nutrition and health services are all covered only by your donations to the Society.

In that sense, thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Darussafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equality opportunity in education."

Today, the 157 years old Darussafaka creates a better future for high potential students who lost one or both parents and from financially disadvantages communities. At its school, the Society provides high quality formal education to elligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darussafaka, there are approximatetely 1.000 students form all over Turkey.

29 October Republic Day is most significant day on behalf of Turkish Nation. Normally, this important day is celebrated with enthusiasm in the country. This year, the 29 October Republic Day was celebrated in homes because of the COVID-19.  Darussafaka celebrated the 29 October Republic Day Ceremony on an online platform. Darussafaka Society Chairman, Darussafaka Educational Institutions Manager, and student representative gave speeches at the ceremony. Also, Darussafaka High School 12th grade students performed theater and music. The theater name is “One Hope is the Republic”. 

We shared the Darüssafaka 29 October Republic Day Ceremony as an oline. Click to watch.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Today, the 157 year old Darussafaka Society creates a better future for high potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. 

At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school.

Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents apply the Darussafaka Entrance Exam. The exam would be held on May 31, 2020 but the Society postponed the exam because of the COVID-19. Finally, the exam was held on 28 June, 2020 and 1093 students have applied for the exam.

At the beginning of the July, the exams results have been announced. 120 students successfully passed the exam and have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2020, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society can achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darussafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education".

Today, the 157 years old Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darüssafaka, there are approximately 1.000 students from all over Turkey.

Darüssafaka Society has made decisions due to COVID-19 pandemic affecting the whole world lately.  Now that we have received a more definitive guidance from the Ministry of Education (MEB), we have decided to start online/remote instruction for all our students for safety purposes. We have improved the digital infrastructure of educational institution for remote learning. Afterwards, we have met our students' internet package and tablet needs. Our effort is to make them feel as if they study together in the classrooms of Darüssafaka, with the same enthusiasm they always feel.

We would like to express our gratitude for our dear donors, who have been supporting our mission for 157 years now. Thanks to you, we have been raising conscious individuals who are to create a better world.

Being the first private school, established by a non-governmental organization, Darüssafaka Society has been providing education with full scholarship to children, whose mothers or fathers are not alive, financial status is insufficient and who are successful, starting from the 1st grade of the secondary school to the graduation from the high school, in boarding school and college level in English since 1873.

Overall at Darussafaka, there are nearly 1000 students from different provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents can enter the Darussafaka Entrance Exam and this year the exam will be held on May 31, 2020, in 25 different provinces of Turkey. Those who successfully pass the exam will have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2020, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

Each student at Darussafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives.

We would like to kindly inform you that Darussafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered only by your donations to the Society.

In that sense, thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

As the first NGO in the country, providing quality education to the talented children who have lost one of their parents and have limited financial resources, Darussafaka Society participated in the 41st Istanbul Marathon. This was the fifth time for us to run in a fundraising marathon. 

On 3rd of November, including donors, students, teachers, graduates, volunters and stuff of the fundraising and communication units, we met early in the morning to walk/run with the mission of "equal opportunity in education".

The total goal of marathon campaign/charity walk was to support the yearly education expenses of 122 students who study at Darussafaka Schools and we reached our goal, thanks to our supporters. 

Between 21 October - 18 November, every voulunteer invited their friends and relatives to support Darussafaka Society by making donations in their names. 

With this hard work of 995 runners and their supporters, we have received a donation of 2.167.795 TL! Darussafaka broke a record in the 41st Istanbul Marathon.

The running team of Darussafaka High School also run 15 km for their brothers and sisters raised 17.385 TL.

We have crossed the Bosporus Bridge with the feeling of unity, shouting out for a bright future of the students in Darussafaka High School. 

Thank you!

Best

Darussafaka Society

Today, the 156-year old Darussafaka Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. 

At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school.

For the 2019-2020 education period there will be 925 students from 74 provinces of Turkey, will study at Darussafaka. Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents apply the Darussafaka Entrance Exam and this year the exam hold on May 26, 2019 and 1.984 students have applied for the exam.

In May 2019, 122 students successfully passed the exam and have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2019, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society can achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Darüssafaka middle school students made it to the number one in the Local Finals of Destination Imagination Contest among 33 teams in the Fine Arts category. “Freaky DACKA” as they call their team, has the right to represent Turkey in the global finals.

Competiton which aims to young people gain life-long skills in a safe environment while serving as a source of entertainment took place in Kusadasi on 22-24 April 2019.

What is Destination Imagination?

Destination Imagination’s main program is based on “creative problem solving with a focus on the process” theory. Its aim is to foster young people's creative, critical thinking, collaboration, efficient use of time and problem solving skills. Composed of 4-7 people, each team works on a Team Challenge for about 10 weeks focusing on a theme like fine arts, structural, improvisional, scientific or technical design, and comes up with a solution. Instant Challenges drive the teams to think, decide and implement quickly.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Call for the Darussafaka Enterance Exam

The 155-year old Darüssafaka Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.

The Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Today, there are 930 students from 74 provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. 

Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents apply the Darussafaka Entrance Exam and this year the exam will held on May 26, 2019, in 24 different provinces of Turkey. 

For more information about the exam click here. 

A Darussafaka student in The International Philosophy Olympiad

12th grade student Defne Hadis has won 6th place in Turkish Philosophy Institute among 503 students with her essay titled "Human, Velocity and Fractions". After the English exam among the top 10 participants Defne has entitled one of the 2 students to attend the The International Philosophy Olympiad, takes place in Rome on May 2019.

Defne will continue her university education on Painting and Visual Arts in Nuovo Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan.We are so proud of her and wish her the best. 

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create equal opportunity in education Turkey.

You can support them by clicking here.

The 155-year old Darüssafaka Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.

The Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Today, there are 930 students from 74 provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. 

116 Darüssafaka students have entered the university entrance exam which was taken at 30 June 2018 for this academic year.  93% of the students have achieved to placed to a program.

Out of these 102 students successfully placed into universities and 2 students were accepted to both foreign and Turkish universities. 6 of those will retake the entrance exams next year in order to be placed to the university and program they want.

14 students have achieved to enter the first 1% in Turkey and entered different faculties including Medical School, Engineering and Law. 

In order to support their  monthly cost of living expenses Darüssafaka Society also offers non-repayable grants to Darüssafaka High School graduates who study at the university. 

For more information click here.

You can support our graduated students by making donation to University Scholarship Fund. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Today, the 155-year old Darussafaka Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.

At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school.

Overall at Darussafaka, there are 953 students from 69 provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents appyl the Darussafaka Entrance Exam and this year the exam hold on May 27, 2018, in 21 different provinces of Turkey. 1.139 students have applied for the exam.

In June 2018, 120 students successfully passed the exam and have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2018, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. The winner of the exam is from Denizli.

Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

 You can support them by clicking here.

As the pioneer of the robotics clubs among high schools in Turkey, Darussafaka Robotics Team “Sultans of Türkiye” participated in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology) "FIRST Midwest Regional Championship Chicago" and came back home with two awards.  

This year, Darussafaka FRC Team competed at the Chicago Regional in April and has won the most prestigious award, the Chairman’s Award for the second time. Thanks to their success, they earned a place in the FRC World Championship which will take place in Houston on April 19-21. 

18 Darussafaka students, 1 teacher and 2 mentors took part in the team and they competed with teams from around the world.

Their robot “The King” was produced with the sponsorship of Siemens  gave support to the team throughout the process. Fikret Yüksel Foundation which was established in the USA by late 1941 Darüssafaka graduate Fikret Yüksel, helped founding the Darüssafaka Robotics Team 9 years ago, and still continues its support today.

They still need support to achieve bigger success. They are all hardworking students who will be the successful engineers of the future.

Darussafaka FRC Team has been participating in the FRC competitions since 2009.

You can support them by clicking here.

List of FRC Awards of the Darussafaka Robotics Team:

Seattle 2009 - Judges Award
Chicago 2010 - Imagery Award
Seattle 2011 - Team Spirit Award
Chicago 2013  - Six wins in ten matches, first backup finalist
Orlando 2015 – Regional Engineering Inspiration Award
Carson Division 2015 – First Turkish Veteran team that participated in the Championship
Off-Season Event in Turkey 2015 – Chairman’s Award
Second Off-Season Event in Turkey 2016 - Chairman's Award
San Francisco 2017- Chairman's Award
Houston World Champs 2017- Team Spirit Award
4th China Robotics Challenge 2017- Inspiration Award
Third Off-Season Event in Turkey 2017- Finalist & Excellence in Engineering Award
Istanbul 2018- Judges Award
Chicago 2018 – Chairman’s Award

As the first NGO in the country, providing quality education to the talented children who have lost one of their parents and have limited financial resources, Darussafaka Society participated  in the 39 th Istanbul Marathon.

This was the third time for us to run in a fundraising marathon. On 12th of November, including stundents, teachers, members of the alumni, volunteers and stuff of the fundraising and communication units, we met early in the morning to walk/run with the mission of "equal opportunity in education".

The total goal of the marathon campaign / charity walk was to support the yearly education expenses of 73 students who study at Darussafaka Schools and we reached our goal, thanks to our supporters. 

Between October 30- November 26, every volunteer invited their friends and relatives to support Darusafaka Society by making donations in their names.

With this hard work of 465 volunteers and their supporters, we have received a donation of 733.000 TL! The running team of Darussafaka High School also run 10 km for their brothers and sisters and  raised 17.000 TL.

We have crossed the Bosphorus Bridge with the feeling of unity, shouting out for a bright future of the students in Darussafaka High School.

If you wish, you can be a part of Darussafaka family by supporting us! 

Thank you! 

Best
Darussafaka Society

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education".

Today, the 154-year old Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darüssafaka, there are approximately 1.000 students from all over Turkey.

On September 11, 2017, 120 new 5^th grade students, who qualified in the Darüssafaka entrance exam this year (held on May 28, 2017), began their education at the Darüssafaka Schools, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

A female student from Denizli, scored the highest in the Darüssafaka Entrance Exam. After the results has announced there was a lovely suprise for everbody. The triplet from Balikesir had pass our exam and started middle school. 

Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

 You can support them by clicking here.

Mehmet A. is a porter. He makes his living by carrying loans in Kandra, a small province in Turkey. People learnt his story through a donation he recently made to Darussafaka.

Mr. A could not finish middle school because he had to support his family. Since then he is working in Kandra, known as Brother Mehmet in the neighbourhood. When he donated his daily wage to Darussafaka we had the chance to listen his story. All of a sudden all the press had eyes on him and the whole public.

He told us that him and his crew of 5 porters decided to donate their daily wages to a non-profit organization every month.  He wanted to create a social value through his work that is why he started this ritual. Mr. A. has searched 12 NGOs on internet and every month they choose one foundation by lot. Since then they made donations to 5 institutions. 

Last May, as Darussfaka Society we have invited Mr. A to the school to say thank you. He was really enthusiastic about  to meet the students. By the time he walked in trough the door he started to play football with the children. He visited the classrooms and have talked to student and teachers.

Our Chairman Talha Camas has introduced him a certificate to show our greetings. Classy porter has mentioned that; Education is cruical. This donation goes to children who have lost one or both parents. I hope I will be an example for the people so that world will be a better place. 

Mr. A gives us hope to believe no matter economis circumstances are the good in people finds its way. It gives people to think about how it is easy to contribute to the society without thinking it is too little. 

Today, Darüssafaka creates a better future for needy, talented students with one or no parents. Inviting students at the age of ten, the Society provides full scholarship and boarding from a student’s fifth year through to the end of high school. Given an opportunity for a world-class education, students are able to embark on a new life as self confident, thinking, inquiring, and curious individuals who feel responsible for the community.

You can support them by clicking here.

As the first NGO in the country, providing quality education to the talented children who have lost one of their parents and have limited financial resources, Darussafaka Society participated  in the 38th Istanbul Marathon.

This was the second time for us to run in a fundraising marathon. On 13th of November, including stundents, teachers, members of the alumni, volunteers and stuff of the fundraising and communication units, we met early in the morning to walk/run with the mission of "equal opportunity in education".

The total goal of the marathon campaign / charity walk was to support the yearly education expenses of 48 students who gained admission to Darüssafaka this year and we achieved 60% of target, thanks to our supporters. 

This year we became partners with Adim Adim (Step by Step), a volunteer-based organization that promotes charitable giving through sponsorship of athletes in local sports events, to increase the awareness of the charity runs and to get in touch with more people. We also participated to the work outs of Adim Adim to introduce Darussafak Society to as many runners as possible.

Between October 27- November 13, every volunteer invited their friends and relatives to support Darusafaka Society by making donations in their names.

With this hard work of 460 volunteers and their big hearted supporters, we have received a donation of 408.000 TL! The running team of Darussafaka High School also run for their brothers and sisters and  raised 10.000 TL.

We have crossed the Bosphorus Bridge with the feeling of unity, shouting out for a bright future of the students in Darussafaka High School.

If you wish, you can be a part of Darussafaka family by supporting us! 

Thank you! 

Best,

Darussafaka Society

The Model United Nations Conference organized by Darussafaka Schools MUN Club was held for the fourth time. 350 students from 21 different schools around Turkey participated in the conference and they wrote some resolutions bringing solutions to world-wide problems.

MUN is a simulation where high school and university students assume the roles of United Nations representatives, governments and civil society organizations and discuss the current issues. In MUN, participants use academic knowledge and language skills. It also provides intercultural interaction and fosters the sharing of ideas. It enables students to represent different views isolating themselves from individual thoughts and so improves their perspective of the world.

One of the most prestigious clubs in Darussafaka Schools, Darussafaka MUN Club has welcomed 350 students all over Turkey from 21 different countries, between October 13-16, 2016.  

Darussafaka Model United Nations Conference organized by Darüssafaka MUN Club was held at Darussafaka Maslak Campus.

The Conference was able to continue to increase the number of participant schools as well as individual participants. The Conference continues to grow each year by 50 percent compared to last year.

Nearly 55 student delegates participated in “The United Nations Political Committee", discussing, debating and trying to find common solutions to problems of terrorism.

About 60 students participated in “The United Nations International Security and Disarmament Committee" and focused on international security and the negative atmosphere created by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This issue was taken up in the context of the official United Nations Procedure.

Students were so excited to be part of this international event, and passionate about finding solutions and alternatives to the general social, political and economic problems of the world. 

We, as the Darussafaka Society, are so proud to see such successful students in our school. 

If you wish, you can be part of this journey by supporting Darussafaka. 

Today, the 153-year old Darussafaka Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.

At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darussafaka, there are 973 students from 69 provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. 

Results of the first step of the university exam (YGS) which was taken at March 2016 for 2015-2016 academic year, show that we have achieved one of the highest scores in the last 5 years. In some figures, Darussafaka Schools have even exceeded the 2012 results, which we have been assuming as the peak. All of 96 exam takers received marks above 180. 95% of the students have achieved to enter the  first 15% zone in Turkey.

You can find the link here: http://www.darussafaka.org/haberler/2016/darussafaka-lisesi-ygs-de-sevindirdi

Each student at Darussafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives.

We would like to kindly inform you that Darussafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered only by your donations to the Society.

In that sense, thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Today, the 153-year old Darussafaka Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.

At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darussafaka, there are 973 students from 69 provinces of Turkey. Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. Every year, fourth grade students who lost one or both parents can enter the Darussafaka Entrance Exam and this year the exam will be held on May 29, 2016, in 21 different provinces of Turkey. Those who successfully pass the exam will have the right to begin their education at the Darussafaka Schools in September 2016, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. 

Each student at Darussafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives.

We would like to kindly inform you that Darussafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered only by your donations to the Society.

In that sense, thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Darüssafaka participated in the 37. Istanbul Marathon!

The Darüssafaka Society, which provides quality education to bright and talented children who have lost one of their parents and have limited financial resources with the mission of "equal opportunity in education" for 152 years, participated in the 37. Istanbul Marathon and received a donation of 125.000 TL!

In the 37. Istanbul Marathon which was held this year on Sunday November 15, 256 volunteers ran and walked for a good cause: for the benefit of Darüssafaka. With their steps they brightened the future of children who lost their mothers or fathers. Between November 9-18, they invited their friends and family members to donate to Darüssafaka. 

The total goal of the marathon campaign / charity walk was to cover the yearly education expenses of 24 students who gained admission to Darüssafaka this year (720.000 TL = approx. 250.000 USD).

This year, the Darüssafaka family’s participation in the marathon was organized with the joint efforts of the Darüssafaka Society, Darüssafaka Alumni Association and Darüssafaka Sports Club. Thanks to the successful organization, Darüssafaka participated in the marathon this year with its most crowded group until today. Almost 300 Darüssafaka students, graduates, employees and volunteers whose hearts beat for Darüssafaka crossed the Bosphorus Bridge together on foot for "equal opportunity in education". They shouted "Education is a must!" 177 volunteers walked and 79 volunteers ran. 29 Darüssafaka 7th grade students joined them.

We believe that lives can only change through education and we need your support to make this happen.

Thank you

Darüssafaka Society

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education".

Today, the 152-year old Society creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities. At its school, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school. Overall at Darüssafaka, there are approximately 1.000 students from all over Turkey.

On September 1, 2015, 130 new 5^th grade students, who qualified in the Darüssafaka entrance exam this year (held on May 31, 2015), will begin their education at the Darüssafaka Schools, on a full scholarship and full boarding status.

Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

We would also like to inform you that the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

granted special consultative status to Darüssafaka Society in July 2015.Consultative status for an organization enables it to actively engage with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, as well as with the United Nations Secretariat, programmes, funds and agencies in a number of ways.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Darussafaka Robotics Team “Sultans of Turkey” in the FRC World Championship!

Overall at Darussafaka, there are 959 students from 67 provinces of Turkey in the 2014/15 academic year. %49 of the students are from Istanbul whereas %51 of them come from other provinces of Turkey. Students who come from outside of Istanbul spend their weekends on campus.

During their time at school, Darussafaka encourages its students to actively engage in more than 50 co-curricular clubs and activities on campus, ranging from robotics, mechatronics and astronomy to Model UN and Destination & Imagination.

Darussafaka Robotics Team “Sultans of Turkey” enjoys the opportunity to participate in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology) Robotics Competition in the USA for the past 7 years, and make us proud. This year, Darussafaka FRC Team competed at the Orlando Regional on March 11-14 2015 and got the best result since it started to participate in the competition. The Team won 8 out of 10 matches and for the first time earned a place in the World Championship. The Team also won the “Regional Engineering Inspiration Award” which is sponsored by NASA.

As a past country champion and a winner of Judges Award, Imagery Award, Team Spirit Award and EKOCYCLE™ Cube® 3D Printer Award since their first participation, the team had another wonderful learning experience as they competed with 64 teams from around the world.

The Team competed at the World Championship which took place in St. Louis on April 22-25, 2015. Darussafaka Team, as the only Turkish team among 156 teams which participated in the World Championship, represented Turkey with pride.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible by investing in the next generation of leaders to become the innovators and designers of tomorrow.

We would also like to inform you that the Darussafaka Entrance Exam will be held this year on May 31 in 21 different provinces of Turkey. All 4^th grade students who have lost one of their parents are eligible to take the exam. So far around 1.500 students have applied. We will continue to inform you regarding our exam and new students in our coming reports.

On January 23, the 2014/15 academic year’s first semester ended, giving our 961 full boarding and full scholarship students a two week break to be reunited with their families across 67 provinces of Turkey.

During their time at school, Darussafaka encourages its students to actively engage in more than 50 co-curricular clubs and activities on campus, ranging from robotics, mechatronics and astronomy to Model UN and Destination & Imagination.

Darussafaka Robotics Team, “Sultans of Turkey”, has been participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition in the USA for the past 6 years. Last year, the team competed at the Chicago Regional which took place at the UIC Pavillion, on April 3-5, 2014. As a past country champion and a winner of Best Project Award, Best Performance Award, Best Presentation Award and Best Teamwork Award since their first participation, the team enjoyed another wonderful learning experience while competing with teams from around the world.

Today, we are proud to announce that our team’s hard work once again paid off, and that their performance in last year’s games has earned them a brand new 3D Printer Award!

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible by investing in the next generation of leaders to become the innovators and designers of tomorrow.

Best regards,

Darussafaka Society

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education".

The 151-year old Society, whose role is to raise funds via donations to finance the school, amended its statutes on 14 April 2012 and opened the doors of Darüssafaka Schools to also include students who lost their mothers. Today, Darüssafaka creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.

At its educational institutions, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school.

On September 8, 120 new 5^th grade students, who qualified in the Darüssafaka entrance exam this year, began their education at the Darüssafaka Schools, on a full scholarship and full boarding status. In addition, 5 students who lost their fathers in May in the Soma mine disaster, were admitted to the school without an exam.

Overall at Darüssafaka, there are 962 students from 67 provinces of Turkey in the 2014/15 academic year.   

Darüssafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors. Darüssafaka Society receives no state funding. In addition to all educational expenditures, student’s daily needs such as clothing, accommodation, food, and health services are all covered by donations to the Society. Darüssafaka also supports its graduates by providing scholarships for their university education.

Each student at Darüssafaka is a member of one of the most extensive and connected families in Turkey. The sense of fraternity, and the support that comes with it, remain with our students throughout both their personal and professional lives. 

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

Sincerely,

Darüssafaka Society 

Darüssafaka Society was founded in 1863 with the aim of providing equality of opportunity in education to needy, talented children who had lost their fathers. Since then, it has maintained its presence with this mission of "equal opportunity in education". 

The 151-year old Society, whose role is to raise funds via donations to finance the school, amended its statutes on 14 April 2012 and opened the doors of Darüssafaka Schools to also include students who lost their mothers. Today, Darüssafaka creates a better future for high-potential students who lost one or both parents and are from financially disadvantaged communities.

At its educational institutions, the Society provides high-quality formal education to eligible students, starting at fifth grade through to the end of high school.

On June 1, Darussafaka administered its annual admission exam in 20 different cities across Turkey. Over 2.000 4th graders who had suffered the loss of his/her mother or father were able to take the Darussafaka exam.  The top 120 students that qualify, pending a health check followed by a financial review, will have the opportunity to continue their education at the Darussafaka Schools in the 2014/15 school year, on a full scholarship and full boarding status.

Darussafaka works toward closing the achievement gap in Turkey by ensuring equal access to education. The Society is able to achieve this goal by offering full scholarships to all students who are admitted to its schools, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.

On February 10, Darussafaka opened its doors to its 945 boarding students from across Turkey for yet another school semester. As our students reunite with their “Darussafaka sisters and brothers”, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your past support, and welcome you to this big loving family.

Every day our world becomes increasingly dependent on new technologies, and we here at Darussafaka, believe that it is vital that our students receive the best science and technology education possible. We know that the understanding of how science is an essential part of our daily lives will give our students a great foundation for success in life. For this purpose, we make sure that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills by providing them the opportunities to learn how to observe, collect evidence, and draw conclusions.

Our students enjoy the opportunity and make us proud by participating in various international competitions. Most recently, a scientific essay submitted by our 10^th grade student Nuriye Varoglu was selected along with four others to represent Turkey in the 2014 world finals of NASA’s Cassini Scientist for a Day contest.

Meanwhile, Darussafaka’s Robotics team is getting ready to enter the 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition scheduled to take place in Chicago,IL, USA, this April. As a past country champion and a winner of Best Project Award, Best Performance Award, Best Presentation Award and Best Teamwork Award since their first participation in 2010, we are confident that our team will have another wonderful learning experience as they compete with 2,850 other teams from around the world.

Thank you once again for making these accomplishments possible and sharing in our mission to create "equal opportunity in education” in Turkey.