62% of Students Struggle to Meet Their Nutritional Needs, KTOEÖS President Says

Eylem cited a survey revealing that 62% of students struggle to meet their nutritional needs, emphasizing the severe socio-economic challenges faced by children and families. She argued that the education system has become part of a "corrupt regime" prioritizing profit and favoritism over the welfare of students and teachers.

She criticized ongoing construction projects at schools, which have left many students studying in unsafe container classrooms despite warnings from professional associations. Recent storms exposed further risks, with trees collapsing on school grounds. Instead of addressing safety concerns, officials reportedly sought to identify those who shared the images, illustrating a culture of intimidation.

Eylem also condemned insufficient staffing in schools, with 40 teaching vacancies and hundreds of unfilled hours of instruction, leaving students unprepared for exams. She attributed this to deliberate underfunding of public services to promote privatization, noting the government's reliance on temporary appointments over permanent hires.

Addressing broader issues of repression, Eylem referenced the case of journalist Ali Kişmir, who faces legal proceedings for a social media post, as an example of increasing censorship and authoritarianism.

Calling for continued resistance, Eylem reaffirmed the commitment of teachers to defending public education and democratic freedoms, warning that current policies aim to dismantle public services and weaken unions.

Source: SİM TV