Fatima Çelik

Village teachers in Şanlıurfa, Kilis and Aydın describe the demanding responsibilities of running small rural schools, where they may simultaneously serve as teachers, administrators and community representatives. Experts say village schools can provide close relationships and stronger family participation, but students face absenteeism linked to seasonal agricultural work while teachers struggle with isolation, administrative burdens and limited support. Teachers Hasan Basri Manap, Kübra Tüm and Sevgi Demir explain how community engagement, classroom improvements, technology projects and mentoring can improve outcomes. The article also highlights the importance of girls’ continued education and the role of village schools in sustaining rural communities. Education officials are considering replacing student transport to central schools with teacher transport to help keep vulnerable village schools open.