25.03.2026 11:46
Zekai Eren, who graduated from a middle school in the Kelkit district of Gümüşhane 43 years ago, is now the principal of the same school. Eren, who states that he continues his 33-year profession with the same excitement as on the first day, said, "I am honored and happy to be here, to serve, and to build the future of our children."
Eren, who graduated from Kelkit Şehit Lokman Oktay Imam Hatip Middle School in the Kelkit district of Gümüşhane in 1983, completed his high school education in the district as well. Eren, who was accepted into the Classroom Teaching Department of Atatürk University Erzincan Faculty of Education in 1989, was assigned to a school in Ordu, his first duty station, in 1993. Two years later, Eren was assigned to his hometown of Kelkit, where he served for many years in various teaching and administrative roles in the district's schools.
HE IS THE PRINCIPAL AT THE SCHOOL HE GRADUATED FROM 43 YEARS AGO
About 3 years ago, Eren was appointed as the principal of a school in another district, but he resigned from the principal position due to it being outside the district and returned to teaching. Eren, 56 years old, who was appointed as the principal of Şehit Lokman Oktay Imam Hatip Middle School about 2 years ago, is experiencing the joy of being an administrator at the school he graduated from.
"I RETURNED TO THE PRINCIPALSHIP TO REPAY MY DEBT OF GRATITUDE"
Experienced educator Zekai Eren stated that he returned to the principalship to repay his debt of gratitude to the school he graduated from. Noting that his wife and two children also graduated from the same middle school, Eren said, "I decided to apply for the principal position again to add value to the school. We have been continuing our efforts at the school for two years."
"WE HAVE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS FROM 68 TO 136"
Eren expressed that he believes he has added beautiful values to the school during his tenure, stating, "We moved to our new building. Our number of students had significantly decreased, and we were almost at the point of closure. We started the school with 68 students. During the past educational period, we achieved very nice projects together with our teacher colleagues and parents. We created awareness."
Eren emphasized that the efforts made have yielded results and underlined his belief that the number of students, which has risen to 136, will continue to increase each term.
"WE STRIVE TO BE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR STUDENTS"
Eren explained that the students know he graduated from the same school, saying, "We try to be role models for our students in this regard. We try to guide them." Highlighting that they strive to provide all opportunities for children to grow up with great ideals for Turkey's future, Eren stated that they work to contribute to the students.
"I AM HONORED TO SERVE IN THIS SCHOOL"
Zekai Eren expressed that he has been continuing his duty for 33 years without losing any of the excitement of the first day, saying, "I am honored and happy to be in this school, to serve, and to build the future of our children."