Gulen-Inspired Schools Promote Learning and Service
Two well respected academics, Dr. Jon Pahl ofThe Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and Dr. John Raines of Temple University, have penned in an article in response to a piece published in Philadelphia Inquirer a while ago. Unlike the superficial Inquirer article, that poured unfounded allegations against M. Fethullah Gulen and the Hizmet movement he inspired, academics’ piece provides a comprehensive understanding about the topic. “These schools have consistently promoted good learning and citizenship, and the Hizmet movement is to date an evidently admirable civil society organization to build bridges between religious communities and to provide direct service on behalf of the common good” state Dr. Pahl and Dr. Raines and argue “a little research by journalists, and readers, will lead to a more nuanced appreciation of this complex and fascinating global movement”.
Please see below the rest of the very well put article. It deserves perusal. Read rest of the story
During his recent visit to Turkey, Cong. Keith Ellison, (D-MN) spoke highly about Gulen inspired schools in US. Praising their approach to education, Ellison stressed schools’ contribution to dialogue. Congressman also talked about the increasing visibility of Turkish community in US and proudly mentioned that he has close contact with Turkish-Americans.
Necasi Turkish schools are educational establishments representing 
Given the unfortunate history of the region, it’s not surprising for us to learn that Iraqis have endless discussions and fierce struggles on almost everything. People in the country are not only physically but also socially and culturally segregated. A recent study claims that the only solution to this threatening problem is the full integration and civil interaction between diverse ethnic groups to achieve a long-term sustainable peace in Iraq. The author’s recipe is simple; people needs a place where all diverse groups can meet and interact with each other by valuing their differences. “During my fieldwork” Dr. Harun Akyol of West Suffolk College, Bury St. Edmunds, UK, “I found that the private Kirkuk Çağ College has such a potential. These Fethullah Gulen-inspired schools are championing dialogue and coexistence, which give rise to hope for a promising future — not a false hope, but a very real and positive move towards integration and understanding. The children of prominent political leaders of Kirkuk go to Çağ colleges to carry on their education. Ironically, while their fathers fiercely argue and politically fight with each other, their children play and enjoy each other’s company educated by Turkish, Kurdish and Arab teachers.”
“Education is different from teaching.” states the M. Fethullah Gulen, and continues: “Most human beings can be teachers but the number of educators is severely limited.”. The difference between the two lies in that both teachers and educators impart information and teach skills, but the educator is one who has the ability to assist the students’ personalities to emerge, who fosters thought and reflection, who builds character and enables the student to interiorize qualities of self-discipline, tolerance, and a sense of mission. Fethullah Gulen describes those who simply teach in order to receive a salary, with no interest in the character formation of the students as “the blind leading the blind.” 
Success story of a Gulen inspired school chain in Kenya, increased Turkish educators’ interest in investing in the country. Being one of the most successful education institutions in the region, Light Academy has become source of now inspiration for a new private university project.
Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu, has paid a goodwill visit to Nepal and met with the President. The visit was historic because Davutoglu was the first Foreign Minister of Turkey to visit the country. But the minister’s surprise during his visit to the Turkish School in Kathmandu was bigger news. “My first visit to Nepal was in 1993. If someone had told me that a Turkish school would be opened in Kathmandu, the students in that school would learn to speak Turkish and would sing Turkish songs, I would think that it would be only a dream.” said Davutoglu. 
As almost all Sudan-related articles in the conventional media are foreign policy based and plagued by reasonable human rights concerns, it was quite interesting for me to come across to a piece expressing the achievements of the civil society in the African country. According to the article, relatively new Turkish school in Khartum, founded by those who are inspired by M. Fethullah Gulen’s ideas, is ranked 4th among other 800 private schools in town and very well endorsed by the society. The total number of the private schools in only one city of the country, itself, is pretty surprising but it’s not the main theme of this piece. In addition, Abdullah Bozkurt, Today’s Zaman columnist and the author of this article, tells some success stories about other Turkish initiatives like Kimse Yok Mu and the Red Crescent. “One businessman was telling me how he dodged a traffic ticket when police found out that he was Turkish, and others were recalling different tales, all showing the warmth of the Sudanese people for Turkish expats living and working here” stated Bozkurt. 
Visiting a kindergarten and Isik University established in Iraqi province of Arbil Education Minister Nimet Cubukcu praised the efforts of Turkish volunteers who make immense contributions to education of Iraqi youth. She mentioned that graduates of Gulen inspired Turkish schools not only become professional experts playing great role in the socio-economic development of Iraq, but also contribute to establishment of peace, love and tolerance in the country and broader regions. Moreover, Turkish educational efforts in Iraq promote strengthening of brotherly ties between Turkey and Iraq. Cubukcu expressed big hope that in the future Turkish investments in Iraqi education will increase. 
