If you have visited Kalkan, you will be only too well aware of the warmth and kindness of the Turkish people.

This spirit of generosity is clear for all to see, but we want to tell you about how this manifests itself, in a way that you may not necessarily be familiar with.

The work of the Kalkander Association goes on in the background, with very little fuss or fanfare.  And whilst their business may be conducted in an unobtrusive manner, (for perfectly understandable reasons), it is well targeted and effective. 

Kalkan Turkish Local News would like to shine a little light on some of their work.

Aims of the Association
The Kalkander Association is a non-governmental organisation, which was set up in 2003.  The Association aims to foster community spirit within Kalkan, and to raise awareness regarding cultural, educational, sports, touristic, archaeological and environmental activities.  In short, they wish to make Kalkan a better place.

Education
Let's look at one aspect of their work - education.  Over recent years, Kalkander Association has helped many local students, by providing financial support as they go through education.  

For some families, the cost of supporting their children at this time is prohibitively expensive, and this support from the Association makes all the difference.  It turns dreams into reality. 

For make no mistake, a good education is the key to a significantly better future - not just for the individual, but for their family and the local community.

They pay 150TL every 2 months for high school students, 50TL for primary school students and 200TL for university students.  In 2009 they helped 8 students.  Currently they are helping 14 - 9 at university, 2 in high school and 3 primary school students.

Case Study - Canan Akbaş - Agricultural Manager at Deniz Bank

Kalkan Turkish Local News spoke to one person who has benefitted from this support.  Canan Akbaş works at Deniz Bank, in Kalkan, specialising in agricultural banking.  Her family comes from Bezirgan, and last year she married local businessman Ulaş Akbaş.

Canan is a quietly spoken, articulate young lady, who is immaculately turned out, presenting a very professional image.

We asked Canan to explain how the Association had helped her.  "When I was at high school, one of my teachers knew of my ambition to go to university.  He also understood that whilst my family were supportive, it would be very difficult for them to afford to pay all of the costs".  

"He contacted the Kalkander Association on my behalf, and thankfully, they were able to help me".  Canan also qualified for some central government financial support, and the combination of these sources of help, made it possible for her to go to university in Diyarbakır, in south east Turkey. 

The financial support from Kalkander Association helped Canan to pay the rent for her small student flat, and day to day living expenses.  She studied hard for four years, and got her degree as an agricultural engineer. 

"Having qualified, I thought I may be able to get a job with the government, providing consultancy and advice to farmers.  But then I heard that Deniz Bank had a plan to put agricultural banking managers into many of their branches, so I enquired whether there would be a position in Kalkan".

Canan discovered that they were indeed looking for such a manager in Kalkan; she applied and got the job.  Canan started in her role just one week after leaving university - so not much of a holiday!

Her patch stretches from Kalkan to Kaş, and as far as Gömbe and Elmalı.  Canan has the use of a bank car so that she can travel to meet her customers.  She loves her job, despite the fact that often she can be working as late as 10pm. 

Canan wishes to contribute to the work of the Kalkander Association, to give something back.  She is grateful for the help she received.  Once her working hours calm down a little, she hopes to devote more time to the Association.

Thanks to her university education, and her own work ethic, the future for Canan is a bright one.  Some time in the future, will she be sitting at the branch manager's desk, we ask her?  Canan smiles and says "Maybe one day - who knows".  Here at KTLN, we wouldn't be at all surprised.

The KTLN Trust
Last year, on your behalf, Kalkan Turkish Local News donated 3,000TL to the Kalkander Association, via The KTLN Trust.  This provided direct support to 4 students of further education.  For confidentiality reasons we cannot reveal the names of these people, but they are studying medicine; computing & IT; mathematics and teaching.

We are convinced that this is an organisation, and a cause, that is well worth supporting.  It is highly likely that The KTLN Trust, on your behalf, will make a further donation this year.

Supporting the Kalkander Association
It is perfectly possible for individuals to support the work of the organisation.  You can join them as a member if you live in Kalkan.  Your annual subscription will go towards the good work that they do.  Anyone can make a donation.  For more details, please visit their website: Kalkander Association