Turkey is making significant changes to its education system to make it more inclusive and diverse. The Turkish Education Ministry has decided to add Kurdish language courses to the school curriculum, starting from the fifth grade. This is a departure from the usual subjects and is part of a broader effort to improve education in line with international standards. The Kurdish language lessons will be offered alongside other language options like English, German, and French.
This move is seen as a positive step to promote understanding and harmony among Turkey's diverse population. In addition to introducing Kurdish language courses, there are plans to extend the school year from 180 to 200 days by the 2024-2025 academic year. This change brings Turkey more in line with the practices of other countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), such as the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, and the UK.
The adjustment involves shortening summer vacations while keeping mid-term breaks in November and April. The goal is to improve the quality of education and better prepare Turkish students for the challenges of the modern world. These dual initiatives, introducing Kurdish language courses and extending the academic year, demonstrate Turkey's commitment to creating an inclusive and globally competitive education system.
By including Kurdish as an elective, the ministry recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and sets an example for other nations facing linguistic and ethnic differences. At the same time, aligning the school year with OECD standards is a clear move to enhance the overall quality of education in Turkey, ensuring its students are well-prepared for the interconnected global environment.
