The April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Near East Schoos on Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Yeniboğaziçi campuses. Students from Near East Primary School, Near East Preschool, Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia Preschool, Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia Primary School, Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School, and Near East Yeniboğaziçi Preschool captivated the audience with their performances.

This year, the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day transformed into an unforgettable celebration where colors, joy, and enthusiasm came together. The celebrations, enlivened by the energy of preschool and primary school children, turned the Near East Institution’s Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Yeniboğaziçi campuses into festive areas. The enthusiasm, which grew step by step throughout the week with the events, reached its peak with the excitement of the little ones and the enthusiastic participation of their families.

Enthusiasm Reaches its Peak in Nicosia!

April 23rd was celebrated with great enthusiasm and high participation at the Near East University campus this year as well. The celebrations, which began with preschool activities held in the Grand Library on April 21st and 22nd, reached their peak on April 23rd with a ceremony held at the Near East Primary School.

The performances prepared by the students and the day-long activities created unforgettable moments for the children, while the stage performances received great applause from the families. In the first part of the celebrations held in the Near East Primary School garden on April 23rd, the students of Near East Primary School took to the stage and showcased the dances and performances they had prepared for 23 April. The joy of April 23rd was brought to the stage with poetry recitations, folk dances, and dance performances. The ceremony was attended by the President of the National Parliament Ziya Öztürkler, the Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı, Member of Parliament Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel. The event was also attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap, a member of the Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees responsible for schools, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, and parents. The performances prepared by the Near East Preschool children were greatly appreciated by the audience, and their colorful costumes and energy received enthusiastic applause. The students’ performances in the Near East University Grand Library created emotional and proud moments for their families.

Following the performances, children and their families enjoyed hours of fun at the free celebrations held throughout the day in front of the İKAS Supermarket on the Near East University campus. The festival-like area featured a carousel, entertainment team, face painting, balloon twisting, mini disco & stage plays, and an illusion show. Food and beverage, toy sales, and stationery stands added to the lively atmosphere. The program, supported by surprise events and various games, spread the festive spirit throughout the campus. The celebrations concluded with the joy and enthusiasm of children, befitting its meaning and importance.

Our Greatest Priority is Our Students!

Stating that April 23rd is the most meaningful expression of a nation’s faith, hope, and confidence in its children and future, Fatma Coşar, the Principal of Near East Primary School, said, “This precious day, gifted to children by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, comes to life in the light in the eyes of our children, who are the guarantee of our future.” Emphasizing the importance of raising children as individuals who think, create, and uphold their values, Coşar said, “As the Near East Primary School family, we see it as our responsibility to raise our children not only with academic success but also as individuals with high self-confidence, committed to their values, and equipped with the skills required by the modern age.”

Rahme Kavaz, the Director of Near East Preschool, emphasized that the April 23rd events were not just a show, stating, “Our priority in these events is to involve all children in the process of this precious day dedicated to children, to make them feel happy, and to encourage them participate voluntarily. The enthusiasm and happiness of our children are our greatest reward.” Thanking all the teachers, parents, and the Near East Family who contributed to the preparation process for this meaningful day, Kavaz added, “We prioritize raising our children in an environment of love and trust, adhering to Atatürk’s principles and values, and meeting all their needs in a timely manner.”

Moments of Pride in Yeniboğaziçi!

Another stop for the April 23rd celebrations was the Near East Yeniboğaziçi Preschool and Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School. The dances, poems, and colorful performances staged by the little ones received great applause from the audience, and the festive spirit was felt throughout the day at the Yeniboğaziçi campus. The events, which saw high participation from families, were both a source of pride and filled with emotional moments thanks to the children’s performances.

Esen Bahadır, Principal of Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School, stated that April 23rd is not only a holiday but also the strongest expression of trust in children, saying, “We are proud to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and April 23rd, the only holiday in the world dedicated to children. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s faith in children is the clearest indication that the future will rise in their hands.”

Bahadır emphasized that preparing children for the future in the best way is their greatest responsibility, adding, “We are working with great dedication to raise our children as individuals who will uphold Atatürk’s legacy. Because their enlightenment means the enlightenment of society.” Berna Egemen, Principal of Near East Yeniboğaziçi Preschool, stated that April 23rd is the most meaningful demonstration of the value given to children, saying, “This special day is the strongest expression of Atatürk’s love and trust in children. The fact that it is the first and only holiday in the world dedicated to children is the best indication of how precious they are.”

Expressing her pride in the children’s performances on stage, Egemen said, “The light in the eyes of each of our children is a harbinger of how bright our future will be. We are proud of you.” Thanking the teachers and parents for their contributions, Egemen said, “Every child who grows up with love and is valued is the foundation of a hopeful future.”, and congratulated all children on their holiday.

A Wind of National Enthusiasm in Kyrenia!

The 23rd of April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day was celebrated in Kyrenia with great enthusiasm and high participation. The colorful performances prepared by the students of Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia Preschool and Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia Primary School provided unforgettable moments for the audience. The spirit of the holiday was brought to the stage with poems, dances, and stage performances, while the children’s energy and excitement left their mark on the entire program. The performances by the students, which attracted great interest from parents, were applauded for a long time.

Dr. Beyza Kılınç, the principal of Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia Preschool, emphasized that April 23rd is the first and only holiday in the world dedicated to children, stating, “We celebrate this meaningful day with great pride and enthusiasm. The excitement and dedication with which our children prepare for this special day is our greatest source of happiness.”

Canan Gürkan, the principal of Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia Primary School, added that April 23rd is the most meaningful demonstration of trust in children and faith in the future, saying, “We celebrate this meaningful day, gifted to children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with great pride. You are the future of this country, and the hope in your eyes will illuminate our future.”