23.11.2025 20:20
A 25-year-old classroom teacher, Derya Acun, who works at the Kikiler Primary School in the rural area of Çağırgan, located in the Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş, is demonstrating a great example of sacrifice by taking on all responsibilities, from management to cleaning and maintenance, all by herself.
25-year-old Derya Acun, who grew up in Denizli, started her teaching career 3 years ago at Çağırgan Primary School in the Çağırgan neighborhood, located about 60 kilometers from the Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş, with 20 students.
MANAGING MANY RESPONSIBILITIES ALONE
The young teacher, who quickly adapted to village life at her first duty station, rolled up her sleeves to turn the school, which has no staff and is heated by a stove, into an educational haven. Acun manages many responsibilities alone, from administration to teaching, and from cleaning to maintenance work.
ALSO CONTRIBUTING TO FAMILIES
With the support of the local community, the dedicated teacher also contributes to families by providing shoes, clothes, and stationery supplies for students in need.
Acun stated that she had always dreamed of working in a village school but did not expect that lighting the stove would also be among her responsibilities. She mentioned that she learned to chop wood and light the stove when she started her job, as she grew up in a big city, and expressed that tasks such as cleaning the classroom, toilet, and garden were also her responsibility.
Acun shared that she spends her time with her students, organizes movie days with them, pops corn, and braids the hair of her female students, expressing that she has built a strong bond with them.
"IF WOOD NEEDS TO BE CHOPPED, I CHOP IT, FILLING THE BUCKET AND LIGHTING THE STOVE"
Acun mentioned the challenges of working in a rural area but stated that she feels stronger as she overcomes them, saying, "When I hear my students' voices, I open the school door. While they prepare in the classroom, if wood needs to be chopped, I chop it, filling the bucket and lighting the stove. Since it is a combined class, I start the lesson with the first graders."
As a principal teacher, Acun stated that she undertakes both administrative and educational duties and expressed her pride in having graduated 6 students so far.
"WE CONSTANTLY HUG EACH OTHER"
Acun shared that she also participates in the children's games and even plays football despite not having the talent, continuing, "The village has its challenges, but it also has its beauties. There is a very sincere environment. Although it can be challenging due to the conditions and geographical location, the children's smiles and their hugs for me… They write me letters every day. Just having a small place in their hearts is enough for me. In the first year I started my job, since we always hugged our teacher, I honestly had such an expectation from them too. I realized that my students did not know much about what it means to hug. I started to instill this first. I hugged them, kissed them, and patted their heads. As they gradually felt this warmth and sincerity, they no longer leave my side. We constantly hug each other. This makes me very emotional."
"ONCE YOU LOVE THE CHILDREN, THE REST FLOWS LIKE WATER"
Acun stated that she believes no one who does not love children can be a good teacher, saying, "Once you love the children, the rest flows like water. If you do not treat children warmly and do not love them, both their understanding of the lessons and your teaching process will go awry."