PRESS RELEASE October 8, 2025
Another special education classroom was renovated with the contribution of Is GYO through the TOHUM Autism Foundation's “Every Classroom Is a TOHUM” Project
TOHUM As part of the “Every Classroom Is an TOHUM” project, which has been carried out by the Autism Foundation since 2009 to support children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in gaining access to education, another special education class has been renovated. Renewed with the contributions of İş Real Estate Investment Company (İş GYO) in accordance with the needs of children with special needs, the special education class at Rauf Orbay Primary School in Üsküdar, Istanbul, was transformed into a modern educational environment equipped with materials and technological tools suited to the children's education and individual requirements.
The opening ceremony for the renovated special education classroom was held with the participation of Burçak Karakaya, Executive Director of the TOHUM Autism Foundation; Göktay Özbek, Deputy General Manager of İş GYO; Gülşen Özer, Deputy Director of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education; and Fehmi Gür, Branch Director of the Üsküdar District Directorate of National Education. This classroom marks the fourth such facility supported by the TOHUM Autism Foundation in the Üsküdar district.
Göktay Özbek, Deputy General Manager of İş GYO, commented on the matter: “As İş GYO, we were delighted to contribute to the TOHUM Autism Foundation’s “Every Classroom a TOHUM” project and to provide a brand-new classroom environment for our children with special needs at this school in Üsküdar. We hope this classroom will be a space where our children can fully realize their potential, and we wish for it to provide them with a safe, supportive, and loving learning environment.”.
“New step in the ”Every Class is TOHUM" project: the 214th special education class opened
“With the ”Every Classroom is a TOHUM" project, special education materials tailored to the individual needs of students are provided to special education classes, special education practice schools, and special education kindergartens in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. Within the scope of the project, 214 special education classes in 43 provinces have been renovated to date. Including 38 special education classes renovated after the February 6 earthquakes in Adana, Adiyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Gaziantep, and Malatya, the project also provides teachers, families, and school administrations with autism awareness and knowledge-enhancing training in the field of special education.
Communication and information sharing are maintained throughout the year thanks to the “teacher network” created to support the professional development of teachers.
Today, 1 in every 31 children has autism!
Autism, a neurodevelopmental difference that is innate and noticed in the first years of life, is seen in 1 out of every 31 children today.
TOHUM Autism Foundation General Manager Burçak Karakaya drew attention to the importance of special education classes with the following words: “Every child's learning process is different; therefore, the only known remedy for autism is intensive and continuous special education starting with early diagnosis. We are happy to walk side by side with İş GYO on this journey. Equipped with materials tailored to individual needs, special education classes help our children concentrate, communicate, develop motor skills, and increase social interaction. By making learning both easy and enjoyable, they help unlock their potential.”
TOHUM Turkey Early Diagnosis and Education Foundation for Autism – TOHUM Autism Foundation
Siraçevizler Street, Zülfikarlar Business Center No.27 Floor:3 Şişli Istanbul Turkey
Tel: +90–212–244 75 00 Fax: +90–212–244 75 04
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