- Oct 3, 2018
- 3,601
| TYPE | Infrastructure |
| BUILDER | Turkiye |
| CLIENT | Turkiye |
| SITE LOCATION | Turkiye |
| SECTOR | Education |
| PROJECT NAME | National Education, Science, and Cultural Development Program |
| PROJECT COST | 4,300,000,000.00 |
| COMPLETION DATE | 16/05/2026 |
| PROJECT INFORMATION | National Education, Science, and Cultural Development Program * Public Education System (K–12): ₺2.1 billion * Universities and Research: ₺1.2 billion * Cultural Preservation and Media Grants: ₺1.0 billion This program constitutes a comprehensive investment in Türkiye’s human capital, scientific capacity, and cultural continuity. It recognizes education, research, and cultural production not as discretionary expenditures, but as foundational pillars of national resilience, economic competitiveness, and democratic stability. The allocation prioritizes systemic strengthening rather than short-term interventions. Emphasis is placed on improving educational quality and equity, restoring confidence in public universities and research institutions, and safeguarding cultural heritage while supporting contemporary cultural expression. The program is designed to reduce regional disparities, curb intellectual outmigration, and reinforce a shared civic identity grounded in pluralism and historical continuity. A substantial portion of this allocation will be directed toward improving teacher compensation and employment security, particularly in underserved and rural regions. Salary adjustments will be structured to reward tenure, advanced training, and service in high-need districts, addressing chronic teacher turnover and uneven educational quality. In parallel, contractual precarity will be reduced through expanded permanent appointments, reinforcing teaching as a stable and respected profession. Continuous professional development programs will be integrated into salary progression, linking compensation to pedagogical improvement rather than administrative metrics. Curriculum reform will focus on analytical literacy, scientific reasoning, civic education, and digital competence, moving away from rote memorization toward problem-solving and interdisciplinary learning. New curricular frameworks will be developed in consultation with educators, universities, and pedagogical experts to ensure coherence across grade levels. Special emphasis will be placed on science, mathematics, and critical reading skills, alongside strengthened instruction in history, ethics, and democratic citizenship. Curriculum materials will be standardized nationally while allowing limited regional adaptation to reflect local cultural and linguistic contexts. Targeted investment will support the construction and rehabilitation of schools in rural and semi-rural areas, where access gaps remain most pronounced. These schools will be designed as multi-functional community hubs, incorporating libraries, digital classrooms, and shared recreational facilities. Modern infrastructure standards will ensure seismic safety, energy efficiency, and connectivity, enabling remote learning integration where necessary. Transportation support for students in dispersed settlements will complement physical construction to guarantee universal access. Strengthening State Universities Funding will be allocated to stabilize and enhance core academic functions at state universities, with particular focus on institutions of national strategic importance such as Middle East Technical University and Boğaziçi University. Resources will support faculty retention, laboratory modernization, and academic freedom protections necessary for credible global engagement. Budgetary support will prioritize teaching quality, graduate supervision, and interdisciplinary research capacity, reversing years of underinvestment that have constrained institutional autonomy and international standing. Research Fellowships and Talent Retention A national fellowship program will be expanded to support graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics in key scientific and technological fields. These fellowships will be competitive, merit-based, and structured to reduce dependence on external funding sources. By offering predictable research pathways and adequate stipends, the program aims to stem brain drain while encouraging Turkish scholars abroad to return and reintegrate into the national research ecosystem. Scientific Institutes and TÜBİTAK Programs TÜBİTAK will receive dedicated funding to expand grant programs, upgrade research infrastructure, and support long-term strategic projects in areas such as materials science, energy, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Evaluation criteria will emphasize scientific rigor, transparency, and international peer review to rebuild institutional credibility. Film, Arts, and Creative Industries This allocation will support film production, independent media, theater, literature, and visual arts through competitive grant mechanisms insulated from political interference. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate cultural innovation, regional representation, and international outreach. Public broadcasting and independent documentary production will receive targeted support to strengthen pluralistic media ecosystems and preserve cultural memory through archival and contemporary storytelling. Language and Cultural Programs Funding will be directed toward the preservation and promotion of linguistic diversity, including Turkish dialects and minority languages, through education programs, publications, and digital platforms. These initiatives aim to strengthen cultural inclusion while reinforcing a shared national framework. Cultural education programs for youth will integrate music, arts, and heritage studies into formal and informal learning environments, fostering early engagement with cultural production. Restoration of Heritage Sites Resources will be allocated to the restoration and conservation of historical and archaeological sites across the country, particularly those at risk due to neglect or environmental stress. Restoration projects will adhere to international conservation standards and prioritize local employment and expertise. Where feasible, restored sites will be integrated into sustainable cultural tourism strategies, ensuring long-term economic and educational benefits for surrounding communities. By the conclusion of the program, Türkiye is expected to achieve: * Improved educational equity and teacher retention nationwide * Strengthened universities capable of global academic engagement * Increased domestic research output and innovation capacity * Revitalized cultural production and safeguarded heritage assets This investment affirms education, science, and culture as enduring national priorities, positioning Türkiye for sustainable growth grounded in knowledge, creativity, and social cohesion. |
