Turkey’s Foundation for the Training and Protection of Mentally Handicapped Children was established in 1982 and was granted nonprofit status by the government on 18 February 1987, decision number 87/11519. The Education and Rehabilitation Unit in our headquarters offers its services day and night to children and adults between the ages of 3 and 55. A large number of rehabilitation services in a wide range of areas from self-care education to job oriented rehabilitation, from handcrafts to drama are offered in our main facilities.

Through its headquarters and branches in various locations in Turkey, our foundation family is able to offer educational and rehabilitation services to over 2000 mentally handicapped children nationwide and gives their families hope for their children’s future.

Turkey’s Foundation for the Training and Protection of Mentally Handicapped Children purchased 155.000m2 of land for a nominal price from the government in 1983 for purposes in line with the Foundation’s goals. Our executive board’s vision was to establish a facility on this land to constitute an example for other Foundation branches as well as other nonprofit organizations in Turkey. The goal was to create a village to provide education and accommodations for over 1000 mentally handicapped individuals and provide them with the opportunity to continue their lives in a safe and happy environment.

Volunteers for the foundation started working and were able to establish the first units of the village, starting the education and rehabilitation activities. However, due to a number of restructuring activities of the government and related acquisitions, the Foundation lost a third of its land which was reduced to 105.000m2 as it appears in government records.

Since 1983, many new buildings were successfully realized and some of the infrastructural needs were met as a result of volunteer individuals, organizations and international support. Thanks to the efforts of Hulki Tokatlıoğlu, a water well and the associated infrastructure was put in place. Mehmetçik Foundation donated a water reservoir tank, which was an important component in securing a continuous water supply. Up until two years ago, diesel fuel was used for heating and hot water. With the arrival of natural gas infrastructure to Gölbaşı, our main campus also converted to natural gas for heating, hot water and other facilities.

We have significant difficulty in developing and maintaining the flora on our land. Due to the very unfavorable conditions of the soil and the lack of adequate water, the maintenance of the trees planted during volunteer campaigns is proving to be extremely difficult.

• Main campus buildings
• Administrative personnel
• Educational personnel
• Maintenance and other personnel
• Photo album for the general headquarters