The Gambia rep for the Turkish Maarif Foundation, Ibrahim Hakkı Boyacı, explained they help talented students learn about Turkish schools and culture as a nonprofit. Students can continue their education overseas in Türkiye after graduating. The foundation started small back in 2018 with under 50 kids but needed bigger buildings as more families wanted spots for their children.
By 2025, student numbers jumped to 310 across all grade levels, according to Boyacı. The school celebrated its first graduating class in 2022. Of those graduates, 42 students finished their programs, and 13 moved on to attend Turkish universities. These students earned spots at top schools in Istanbul, Ankara, and Bursa, mainly studying economics and political science.
Boyacı mentioned their international status means graduates can attend schools across Europe and America as well. They focus on finding talented students and teaching them Turkish language basics before they head overseas. Biology teacher Modou Manneh praised the school environment where both kids and teachers speak freely. The school organizes sports and activities that help students connect.
Manneh called Maarif Foundation one of the best schools throughout The Gambia. He believes they prepare students for future leadership roles around the world. Student Fatoumata Darboe Sillah discovered the school through social media posts. She already speaks English and Arabic fluently but wanted to add Turkish as her third language. Sillah dreams about studying at a Turkish university after graduation, calling it an amazing chance to build her future career.
By 2025, student numbers jumped to 310 across all grade levels, according to Boyacı. The school celebrated its first graduating class in 2022. Of those graduates, 42 students finished their programs, and 13 moved on to attend Turkish universities. These students earned spots at top schools in Istanbul, Ankara, and Bursa, mainly studying economics and political science.
Boyacı mentioned their international status means graduates can attend schools across Europe and America as well. They focus on finding talented students and teaching them Turkish language basics before they head overseas. Biology teacher Modou Manneh praised the school environment where both kids and teachers speak freely. The school organizes sports and activities that help students connect.
Manneh called Maarif Foundation one of the best schools throughout The Gambia. He believes they prepare students for future leadership roles around the world. Student Fatoumata Darboe Sillah discovered the school through social media posts. She already speaks English and Arabic fluently but wanted to add Turkish as her third language. Sillah dreams about studying at a Turkish university after graduation, calling it an amazing chance to build her future career.
