14.08.2026 15:30
Striking allegations have been made regarding educational institutions in the Kumlu district of Hatay, one of the cities that suffered the heaviest destruction in the February 6 earthquakes. Following grave claims ranging from school buildings being converted into private spaces, to children being made to work in fields in 40-degree heat, and education continuing in damaged buildings, local residents appealed to Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, calling out: "Please intervene in this situation!"
The allegations of scandal regarding educational institutions in the Kumlu district of Hatay, which suffered the heaviest destruction from the February 6 earthquakes, hit the agenda like a bombshell. After grave allegations ranging from school buildings being converted into personal spaces, children being made to work in fields in 40-degree heat, and education continuing in damaged buildings, the local people appealed to Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, calling, "Please intervene in this situation!"
The series of irregularities and negligence allegedly occurring in institutions affiliated with the national education system in the Kumlu district of Hatay has resonated widely with the public. While it is claimed that authorities have not taken action despite complaints, all eyes have turned to the Ministry of National Education.
QUESTION 1: WAS THE PUBLIC EDUCATION CENTER BUILDING GIVEN TO THE MUNICIPALITY?
According to the claim, the Kumlu Public Education Center building was repaired with funds after the earthquake, but a municipal notice was posted on the building, and it was opened for use by municipal personnel. It was alleged that the kindergarten students and trainees, who are the rightful beneficiaries of the building, were relocated to containers, and the building continued to be used for purposes other than its intended use despite complaints.
QUESTION 2: DID THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TURN THE KINDERGARTEN INTO A PERSONAL RESIDENCE?
At Kumlu Kırcaoğlu Primary and Secondary School, a shocking allegation was put forward. It was claimed that the school principal, instead of using the container facility provided by the state, turned the school's kindergarten into a personal living space.
- Children couldn't attend school due to lack of space: It was argued that the young students were moved to a narrow area within the school, and due to space constraints, some children couldn't continue attending school.
- Investigation launched in the 2025/2026 season: It was asserted that no action was taken against the principal despite complaints, but an investigation was initiated in the 2025/2026 academic year.
QUESTION 3: WAS THE UNDAMAGED KINDERGARTEN ALLOCATED TO THE DIRECTORATE?
According to another claim, educational activities were halted at the Kumlu Nenehatun Kindergarten, which sustained no damage in the earthquake, and the building was converted into the District Directorate of National Education. It was alleged that the structure, used as an administrative building for approximately 4 years, was only returned to the children in January 2026 after numerous complaints.
QUESTION 4: DID EDUCATION CONTINUE IN A BUILDING ORDERED FOR DEMOLITION?
It was stated that after the earthquake, an allocation of nearly 300,000 TL was made for Doğu Ayrancı Primary School, superficial repairs were carried out, and then a demolition decision was made for the building. Despite the demolition order and the lack of any reinforcement in the building, it was claimed that education continued in violation of regulations. Upon complaints, it was alleged that provincial and district officials responded that "education continued with permission from an authorized person."
QUESTION 5: WERE KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS MADE TO PICK ONIONS IN 40-DEGREE HEAT?
The most striking allegation concerned an incident that allegedly took place at Doğu Ayrancı Primary School during the 2023/2024 academic year. It was claimed that kindergarten students were taken to an onion field and made to work during school hours in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. It was argued that although the situation was recorded and reported by cleaning staff, no action was taken by the district administration.
CALL FROM LOCAL PEOPLE TO MINISTER YUSUF TEKİN
The local people, who allege that children's right to education is being hindered in the earthquake zone and that public resources are being used for purposes other than intended, called on Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, demanding that the allegations be investigated and that he intervene urgently.