One of the interesting things I noted is that all of the teachers are identifiable because they were lab coats (I think this is all of them, not just the science teachers). Teachers salaries are similar to public school teachers, approximately $1,500-$3,000/month.
One of the strong emphases from this visit was that they really worked hard to teach their students social responsibility. They work hard to provide volunteer activities for students including tutoring of disadvantaged younger kids in local schools, helping them prep for their high school entrance exams. They want students to learn to be sensitive to the needs of others. The video talked about giving their students "two wings to fly": knowledge and love. They want to teach students the spirit of generosity and giving as a culture of the school. Pretty powerful and admirable sentiments.
It was obvious how this comes back to benefit the school later - we had lunch with several of the sponsors who help fund the school. One was retired, one was a counselor, one was a chemical engineer and one was a theology student. They talked about their belief in the importance of higher education for advancing and solving the problems of the world (including the PKK Kurdish problem). Each of these schools provides special scholarship for qualified Kurdish students. They indicated that it is good to pass the torch to the next generation - we have all been helped by others and we need to take our turn and help them. I found this very moving.
Yes, that is a security gate at the entrance.
The cafeteria
typical classroom. Teachers rotate from class to class, not students, so the lockers are in the classrooms.
Outdoor sports complex
Our lunch was served to us in a beautiful conference room. How many high schools do you know who employ waiters with bow ties and black vests?
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