PRESS RELEASE 14 October 2025
TOHUM Autism Foundation and Turkey Insurance Cooperation Opened Two Special Education Classes in Elazig
TOHUM As part of the ’One Class at a Time“ TOHUM project that the Autism Foundation has been conducting since 2009, two special education classrooms were opened at Elazığ Merkez İsmet Paşa Primary School with contributions from Türkiye Sigorta. The renovated classrooms, aimed at improving the educational environments of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (OSD), are supported with learning materials and technological equipment tailored to the individual needs of the children.
The opening ceremony in Elazığ was attended by Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu, Türkiye Sigorta General Manager Taha Çakmak, Türkiye Sigorta Technical General Manager Yardımcısı Çağrı Akınar, TOHUM Otizm Vakfı General Manager Burçak Karakaya, Elazığ Provincial Education Director Berat Şahin, NGO representatives, school administrators, teachers, students, and parents. As part of the ceremony, participants toured the classrooms to learn about these specially equipped educational areas.
“Special education infrastructure is being strengthened with the ”Every Student a Winner TOHUM” project
TOHUM Burçak Karakaya, General Manager of the Autism Foundation, said in his speech at the opening ceremony: “It is very important that children with autism are not segregated in educational environments and have access to conditions that can reveal their individual potential. With the ‘Every Class is One TOHUM’ project, we are touching the lives of thousands of children through renovated special education classrooms in different provinces of our country. With this valuable contribution from Türkiye Sigorta, we are happy to contribute to ensuring more children in Elazığ access to quality education.”
Social responsibility awareness from Türkiye Sigorta
Turkey Insurance not only contributes to the future of our country with its insurance services, but also with its social responsibility approach. In order to support equal opportunities in education, it continues its work with the awareness that every investment in education, especially in the education of children with special needs, will strengthen our children’s future and therefore the future of our country. In line with this approach, TOHUM with the cooperation of the Autism Foundation, the opening ceremony of two modern and fully equipped special education classrooms was held at İsmet Paşa Primary School in Elazığ city with the “Every Class One” TOHUM project.
As part of the project, 216 special education classrooms have been renovated so far.
“Under the ”Every Class TOHUM is One“ project, 216 special education classrooms have been renovated in 43 provinces to date. While improving the learning environments for students, awareness trainings are also provided to teachers and parents. Additionally, through the ”teacher network” created, knowledge sharing and continuous communication among educators are ensured. Thanks to the project, the development of special education infrastructure, including in the provinces affected by the earthquake, and the stronger participation of children with autism in their educational life are aimed for.
The only known cure for autism: Intensive and continuous special education
Autism is a neuro-developmental difference that is present at birth and is noticed in the first years of life, and is currently seen in 1 in 31 children. The only known cure for autism is intensive and continuous special education, which begins with early diagnosis. This process plays a critical role in the development of the child’s communication, social, and motor skills.