Introduction
In Türkiye, the education sector faces multifaceted challenges exacerbated by the presence of refugees and communities affected by earthquakes. Among these challenges, the lack of adequate transportation infrastructure stands as a significant barrier to accessing education for vulnerable children. Turkish public schools have enrolled over a million foreign children under temporary and international protection, but around 300,000 refugee children still lack access to education. Although the current enrolment rate is 76%, which is an improvement from 68% in 2023, challenges persist.
In February 2023, earthquakes hit 11 provinces, impacting nearly 4 million school-age children, including 390,000 refugee and migrant children. In five severely affected provinces, 2,100 school buildings were damaged to varying degrees. Under the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan the education sector response and support to earthquake-affected host communities aims to increase access to safe, protective, and inclusive learning opportunities, while improving education quality.
The Education sector leads the back-to-school campaign to enrol out-of-school children and address their challenges through sustained coordination and comprehensive approaches, including in higher education. Providing learning materials, supporting transportation to schools, and compensating for learning losses are pressing needs.
This advocacy note emphasizes the critical importance of addressing transportation needs for refugee and earthquake- affected children in Türkiye’s education sector, within the framework of the 3RP response. By mobilizing resources and collaborating with donors and sector partners, the sector facilitates and improves education access, quality, and define a sustainable exit strategy, ensuring every child can realize their potential through education.
IOM’s support to Children Transportation to School in Six Provinces of Southeast initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) since 2014 aims to provide transportation services to vulnerable students from refugee and local communities, addressing a critical need for access to education. Initially focusing on Syrian children attending temporary education centres, the project expanded to include Turkish children as integration efforts intensified in 2017. The collaboration involves yearly protocols outlining transportation terms, with provincial coverage currently including Adana, Mersin, Yalova, and Siirt. However, recent policy changes or budget constraints may result attend school regularly, leading to high dropout rates and limited educational opportunities. Addressing the transportation gap is not only a matter of logistical convenience but a fundamental step towards upholding the right to education and ensuring inclusivity for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances. in downsizing transportation support for Syrian refugee students in the upcoming academic year, potentially impacting access to education, increasing barriers, and affecting enrolment rates, leading to social and psychological impacts. Regular reporting, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement ensure transparency and accountability in transportation operations.
