North West Turkish Academy was set up to support the learning and development of Turkish children in Manchester and to help them learn about Turkish language and culture. The school was set up to provide Turkish lessons to children from 5-15 years old. It also provides a community space for families to come together to celebrate and sustain their heritage, language, arts and culture.
The school has been doing very well. At the moment there are two children's classes and they have expanded their offer to provide an adult language class too. They are putting together plans to take part in the Manchester Day Parade as a school and as a community this year, which is something they enjoyed greatly last year.
The school holds celebrations for Turkey's special days and cultural events - such as Children's Festival, National Sports Day, and Republic Day - and this year's celebration events are in the calendar. Gulcin Bulut, one of the school's founders, explains that these events 'bring together the parents, students and possible future parents and students as well, which helps expand our community.
Gulcin sums up the impact of the school for the children, parents and community:
"We constantly receive feedback from the parents how happy they are that their kids learn Turkish so well but also how happy they are to find us so they can meet and connect with other Turkish people and be able to celebrate our cultural events together, and feel part of a supportive community."
To find out more, please contact North West Turkish Academy via this email:
nwturks@gmail.com