Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum

Calis Beach Forum => Calis Local Charity Announcements => Topic started by: Pi55y on November 07, 2012, 15:44:29 PM

Title: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Pi55y on November 07, 2012, 15:44:29 PM
What a difference a year makes -

As you all know a year ago the 3C’s announced that we hoped to help Bozalan village school, a very poor village school high up on the snow line in the mountains above Saklikent. The school which had a badly leaking roof was in such a state of disrepair that only two of the classrooms could be used and these were wet and unhealthy.  Over the winter the 3C’s paid half the cost of the roof repairs and also had a full central heating system installed which had been donated by a sponsor for our charity to allocate to a suitable school.

Then earlier this year, once the school had dried out,   Keith very kindly announced that he wanted CBF to support a charity in 2012 and chose Bozalan to be the forum’s first charity project, working in tandem with the 3C’s to improve conditions and provide much needed equipment and an enjoyable environment for the youngsters at the school.

That is where all you lovely CBF members joined in and helped to make the project an outstanding success. Thanks to your enormous kindness and generosity in donating money to purchase much needed equipment as well as providing stationery and other items and donating clothing etc, the school has improved beyond recognition.

Many of the newly purchased items were taken to the school during Keith’s visit to Turkey in May, then during the summer closure the 3C’s paid for the school to be painted inside and out, ready for the new carpet, desks and cupboards to be delivered.  The playground equipment had also been installed since our last visit.  All that was left was to take up the new slippers, donated school uniforms, jackets and shoes and stationery - and take pictures. 

Yesterday sixteen 3C’s committee members and charity shop volunteers, made the 100k round trip to the school in a fleet of 3 Mercedes people carriers generously provided free of charge by Fethiye Airport Transfers (thanks Highlander for arranging this). Not only did FAT’s drivers provide our group with very comfortable and safe transport but they also joined in with the children’s games. Dilek Dincer, Director of Fetav and Kadriye and Unal Bey also from Fetav and other dignitaries and press also went on the visit.

Our group were really pleased to see that the school is now using three classrooms and that there is now running water to the toilet block.  This still needs to be renovated but there are plenty of tiles left to reroof the building and make it watertight.

After a tour of the school and watching the children enjoy their new playground equipment - you couldn’t keep them off it long enough to take group photos! -  the committee members, volunteers and children were all invited to lunch at the Managers house in the nearby village.  This was cooked over an open fire in the garden by the village ladies and the local Muhtar and the villagers all attended. 

Summing up the visit Anne (forum member Mercury) said

“I have NEVER seen such a change in any children in any of the schools the 3C’s have visited. At the first visits they were quiet and slightly subdued. They are most definitely NOT like this now. My feelings are that the changes to the buildings and the play things we bought on behalf of CBF members  etc, have really improved their outlook on going to the school now and they are definitely happier. livelier and more confident children....”

The 3C’s cannot thank Keith, CBF members and our supporters enough  in helping with this project as you have really helped to make a difference to the lives of these children  - and now for the photos……………


Before ........

(http://www.calis-beach.co.uk/bozroof2.jpg)


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanschool3resized.jpg)


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanscoloutsideresized.jpg)


Now..........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/building1.jpg)


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/building2.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/building3.jpg)


Nursery class before..........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanschoolnurseryclass2resized.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanschoolnurseryclassresized.jpg)


Nursery class now.........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/nursery2.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/nursery1.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/nursery5.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/nursery4.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/nursery3.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/basketball.jpg)


Main classroom  before ..........

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanpupils1resized.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/BozalanSchoolmainclassroomresized.jpg)


Main classroom now...........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/mainclassroom2.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/mainclassroom1.jpg)


Third classroom before.........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanschool-otherunusedclassroomresized.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanschoolunusedclassroomresized.jpg)


Third classroom now...........

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/oldclassroom1.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/oldclassroom2.jpg)


Corridor before............


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/Bozalanmaincorridorresized.jpg)


Corridor now..........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/corridor1.jpg)


Playground before .........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/kids1.jpg)


Playground now.........

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/seesaws2.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/swings3.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/swings1.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/seesaw4.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/swings2.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/seesaws.jpg)


Anne and Barbara (Mercury and Busy Bee deliver the slippers


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/slippers.jpg)


and the uniforms and jackets


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/uniforms-1.jpg)


Our fleet of cars courtesy of the lovely drivers from Fethiye Airport Transfers


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/FATcars-1.jpg)


3C's committee members, volunteers and the drivers from Fethiye Airport Transfers

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/group1-3.jpg)


Lunch is served............


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/lunch1.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/lunch5.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/lunch3.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/lunch2.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/villagers2-1.jpg)


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/villagers-1.jpg)


Happy smiling children.........


(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/girl.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/boys.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/boys2.jpg)

(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/chrissieinturkey/window-2.jpg)


Thank  You
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: cheers on November 07, 2012, 15:53:53 PM
Absolutely fantastic!!  Well done to everybody who helped this miracle possible.  No other words ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: busybee on November 07, 2012, 16:21:25 PM
It was an absolutely brilliant day with weather to match!!!  The kids are sooooo happy and happy kids learn lots more.  I wasnt able to go on initial visits but I know from the previous photos what a transformation the school has undertaken.  The playground equipment is an absolute winner and at break time the kids can let off steam.  We were provided with an unexpected lunch in one of the villagers houses and very typical of Turkish hospitality. It has been such a worthwhile project and cant thank everyone enough for all their support throughout.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Liz 101 on November 07, 2012, 16:23:23 PM
As someone who saw the school in the "bad old days" just after the central heating was installed, it was a priviledge to make the trip yesterday. The school has been transformed, as have the kids; where once they had no spark & quietly queued up for a lolly, they are now noisy, normal kids!

Thanks a million to everyone in CBFland who made this all possible
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Marggie on November 07, 2012, 16:32:19 PM
What a wonderful achievement.  Well done to everybody who worked tirelessly to achieve this wonderful  result.  The children looked so happy and this winter they will be cosy and dry.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: marina on November 07, 2012, 16:35:56 PM
Wonderful photos.  Fantastic achievement by everyone involved, however large or small the contribution.  Well done   :)
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Pi55y on November 07, 2012, 17:08:46 PM
It has been a great result and we at the 3C's feel so proud to have been part of it and cannot thank Keith enough for wanting to support this project as our charity could not have achieved any where near the results at this school without the enormous generosity of CBF members.  As this is the CBF's 2012  project it is only right that our official  photos of the visit be posted here on CBF before anywhere else,  so on Keith's request I have added them here. However  I am sure that there were some other photos taken of the visit so if any of the committee or volunteers have any more photos of the school and the children please can you add them to this thread so that forum members can see what they supported.  Thanks   :)
Title: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Lotty on November 07, 2012, 17:28:36 PM
Wow! This is just amazing, it's a lovely warm feeling I have. They look so happy and it feels good for us all to have been able to have helped just a tiny bit. The real heroes are the tireless committee who put so much effort and time into making all this happen. All choked up now! Thank you for the update.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: turkishrod on November 07, 2012, 17:29:16 PM
If just ONE child's life is enhanced by the results of this joint project then all the hard work will have been worthwhile.

I think we can all see from these fantastic photos that many, many children have big smiley faces now - result !!!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has been involved in any way - YOU have made a big difference   :)  :)  :)  :)  :)
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: heather07 on November 07, 2012, 18:01:45 PM
Thank you for the pictures .  I was happy to help you.   Now I feel honoured to have been allowed to be a small part of your project.
The easy bit was donating you guys did ALL the hard work and I am sure you got your reward just looking at those little faces.  Well done ..XX

What struck me was how well everything was being looked after.  We visited a village in Mexico and were encouraged to take something for the children.  The garden was littered with broken toys so it is lovely to see the toys intact.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Toky on November 07, 2012, 19:00:06 PM
Oh Chrissie, you're post mad me cry! The transformations are amazing, the place looks great and the kids smiles touched my heart.
Loved the photos of the big lunch being cooked outdoors. How very rewarding for all the committee to see how your project has developed. I've said it numerous times, and I'll say it again, YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING, each and every one of you. xxx
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: patrice on November 07, 2012, 19:20:59 PM
What an amazing achievement

Well done all of you .
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Stan on November 07, 2012, 19:31:42 PM
Just WOW !!   :)   :)   :)
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: bewva on November 07, 2012, 19:55:42 PM
Fantastic achievement. Well done to the tireless efforts of all involved. Lovely photos.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Highlander on November 07, 2012, 20:28:38 PM
There really are not enough superlatives to describe what a truly magnificent achievement this project has been.

I feel a warm glow inside when I think that I played a small part in it and everyone who took part should feel proud.

The amount of sheer hard graft by the 3C’s committee is simply amazing and being able to see the fruits of their labours yesterday will have rightly filled them with pride and satisfaction. It is the very least they deserve.

But of course, the transformation of the school could not have happened without one man.

He can protest as much as he likes, but I would like Keith to stand up and take a bow. Well done Sir.

If I can make just one request. As you will have read in pi55y’s post, the transport for the trip was provided free of charge by Fethiye Airport Transfers. I think that’s a splendid gesture on their behalf.

So can I ask that if you are looking for transfers from Dalaman that you seriously consider using this fine company and if someone asks for a transfer recommendation that you tell them what they did for the children at Bozalan and ask them to consider using them. Thanks
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Pompeylil on November 07, 2012, 20:42:19 PM
Well done everyone, what a huge achievement.
Its good to see the school uniform going to a good home to.

'Lil
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Anne on November 07, 2012, 21:19:59 PM
Words are beyond me at the moment.
As Heather said, we did the easy bit by donating.

A very big well done to the 3C's and Keith for making this happen.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Karennina on November 07, 2012, 21:44:30 PM
Amazing, brilliant, fantastic how great does it all look now and what lovely pictures, well done everyone  :)
Title: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: kayakebab on November 07, 2012, 21:59:09 PM
It really was a remarkable experience yesterday and I'm so proud and lucky to have been involved.
Thanks so much to Keith and CBF'ers and all those that made all the changes possible.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Jacqui Harvey on November 07, 2012, 22:51:23 PM
Wonderful to see the school now, what a difference.  A big, big pat on the back to all concerned who made this possible. 
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Scunner on November 08, 2012, 09:13:38 AM
I'm just the one with the website. Without the stunning group of generous CBF members we'd have achieved nothing and I'd have just looked silly :D

It is an amazing achievement and great to see it in a "before and after" style.

Everyone who contributed should take a bow - you made a crappy, damp, cold, partly unusable building into a safe, comfortable and fun place to be - for an unbelievably sweet and well behaved group of kids.

Thank you!
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: buddy on November 08, 2012, 13:04:21 PM
So lovely to see the difference this has made to those childrens outlook. Brilliant effort.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: mercury on November 08, 2012, 15:24:41 PM
i have only just read this post and I it brought tears to my eyes yet again. Even after visiting 3 times and seeing the end result I always forget how bad it truly was... It is unbelievable that those children could have learned anything in there and having NO water suppy beggars belief in this day and age...Thank thank you Keith for enabling this but MY biggest thanks goes to Highlander who has been absolute star and got on board with this from the very start. Much love and respect John but also THANK YOU to all members of CBF. This could never have been done without you all. Sniff sniff. I am off again now. Anne and Barrie..aka Mercury..
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Highlander on November 08, 2012, 21:44:22 PM
Mercury (Anne)

I thank you for your kind words which are, of course, very flattering but also embarrassing.

I only helped with a couple of things – the Grand National Sweepstake and the Olympics. The idea of donating for a copy of the Bar and Restaurant Guide was scunners' if I remember correctly.

Besides which, there are 25 pages recording people who did just as much – people sell football cards in their local club, people organising bags loads of clothes (to be transported by car would you believe), people organising loads of pencils, crayons etc. For a school catalogue, people offering to help with the plumbing, people donating 32” plasma screens and many, many people making donations large and small or organising charity events.

An extensive list of like-minded, generous people coming together on one man’s Forum to do something truly worthwhile.

 If scunner's plea that “he is just the one with the website” is to be accepted, then I would genuinely ask that my plea of “I did my bit like loads of others” also be accepted.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Pi55y on November 28, 2012, 20:58:24 PM
Forgot to say that there was a little bit of money left in the Bozalan CBF funds so last week we purchased 25 sets of the  blue school uniforms for the youngsters.  Thanks again for enabling us to do this  :)
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: mercury on November 29, 2012, 18:44:29 PM
Just wonderful
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: puma on November 29, 2012, 20:50:35 PM
wonderful pictures the children look so happy
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: cinders on November 30, 2012, 07:56:59 AM
Just seen this post and find it truly amazing. The pictures before and after left me stunned,
 also made me see that there are truly more nice/kinder people around.
Feeling quite emotional at the effort, outcome, time and sincerity of all involved
God bless xx C
PS will there be another of Keiths Charities 
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Scunner on August 26, 2014, 22:03:37 PM
The CBF 3C Bozolan School project has it's own section and it's a while ago now so I will delete the section and move the many topics into the 3Cs section.

But before I do - and it gets lost in a much busier section - I thought you might like to see again (or for the first time perhaps if you are quite new on here) what was achieved. I just read this topic and it still moves me greatly.
Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: Highlander on August 26, 2014, 22:25:16 PM
CBF and it's founder at it's finest   :)

Title: Re: What a difference a year makes - Latest Bozalan visit
Post by: kayakebab on August 27, 2014, 06:53:25 AM
Incredible achievement.
I saw it after it was completed, I wish I'd seen it before first hand, but from the happiness that surrounded the school it was obvious it was a massive project and their lives up there had changed significantly.
Just fantastic.
Well done everyone involved.