Istanbul, Turkey – The Istanbul Governorship has announced a significant reduction in the city’s dual education rate, which has fallen from 26% to 19% over the past three years. This achievement is attributed to substantial investments aimed at increasing school capacity and providing students with safer, better-equipped, and higher-quality learning environments.
Extensive Educational Investments Transform Istanbul
In a statement released on its social media account, the Istanbul Governorship highlighted its commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure across the city. These efforts have focused on expanding school facilities and ensuring that students have access to modern, secure, and effective learning spaces.
Over the past year alone, the Istanbul Governorship’s Investment Monitoring and Coordination Presidency (YIKOB) and the Istanbul Project Coordination Unit (IPKB) have successfully opened 93 new schools. This rapid expansion underscores the city’s dedication to improving educational access and quality.
Significant Reconstruction and Reinforcement Projects
Between 2006 and 2026, the Istanbul Project Coordination Unit (IPKB) has undertaken extensive construction and reinforcement projects. During this period, 391 schools were demolished and rebuilt, while 816 schools underwent structural reinforcement. Currently, the reconstruction of 62 schools and the reinforcement of 7 schools are ongoing, further demonstrating the continuous efforts to modernize Istanbul’s educational facilities.
The Governorship’s statement emphasized the impact of these investments:
“Thanks to the investments we have made, we have reduced Istanbul’s dual education rate from 26% to 19% in the last three years, from 2023 to 2026. Today, 2,460 of our schools operate under a single education system, while 608 schools continue with a dual education system.”
The ultimate goal of the Istanbul Governorship is to transition to a single education system for all students, ensuring that every child is prepared for the future in modern, safe, and high-quality educational settings. The Governorship asserts that a strong educational infrastructure is synonymous with a strong Istanbul and a strong Turkey.
What is Dual Education?
Dual education typically refers to a system where schools operate in two shifts (morning and afternoon) to accommodate a larger number of students due to insufficient classroom capacity. Reducing this rate means more students can attend school during a single, more consistent schedule, which is generally believed to improve educational outcomes and student well-being.
Impact on Students and Teachers
The shift towards a single education system is expected to have a positive impact on both students and teachers. For students, it means longer school days, more time for extracurricular activities, and a more stable learning environment. For teachers, it can lead to reduced workload pressures and more opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
Future Outlook and Goals
The Istanbul Governorship remains committed to its long-term objective of eliminating dual education entirely. The ongoing projects and planned investments are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Istanbul’s educational system meets the highest standards. This includes not only constructing new buildings but also equipping them with the latest technology and resources to foster a dynamic learning environment.
The continuous efforts to strengthen the educational infrastructure are seen as crucial for the city’s future development and for nurturing a well-educated populace capable of contributing to Turkey’s progress.
Source: trthaber.com
