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[Expat voice] Painting a very different picture
It all began with the creation of the “Okçular Book Project” 18 months ago; regular readers of Today’s Zaman may recall the publication of “Okçular Village -- a Guide” and our commitment to use all of the money raised from sales to fund environmental and community projects in our village. The popularity of the book was such that we were able to provide a play park for the children within a few months; our second project was to brighten the village school by planting gardens and painting lively murals on the outside walls of the classrooms. Our hope was that this would create a pleasant learning and teaching environment for students and staff.
Our team consisted of Fiona MacRae, a retired head teacher from Scotland and a talented self-taught artist; Gülay Çolak, a remarkable lady, confined to a wheelchair for the past eight years, also a talented self-taught artist; Yeliz Bozkurt, school assistant and enthusiastic gardener and tea-lady; Janet Surman, part-time artist, mediator and paint mixer; and me, Alan Fenn, dogsbody, “gopher” and general laborer. We began work on Nov. 17, 2009.
The kids were involved from the start; it was their ideas that fueled the themes for each part of the walls, and it was their paintbrushes that helped to create the wonderful pictures that have evolved from those ideas. Whenever we “wrinklies” wilted, the enthusiasm from the children revived us, as did the numerous lunchtime meals provided by parents and neighbors who were as delighted by the transformation as the kids.
Donations from individuals and local businesses have filled the new gardens with flowers, shrubs and trees. Logs have provided sitting and play areas; charming fences, made and painted by teachers and children, now enhance and protect the gardens. There is a new sundial and a “bird garden” complete with a beautiful bird table. There has been attention from the local press and having the odd tourist bus stop for a photo opportunity would not surprise any of us.
rolling up our sleeves
We applied our last daubs of paint and planted our last shrub on Feb. 23, 2010 -- three very satisfying months. Yeliz will carry on looking after the gardens (along with much else), our artists are talking about starting an art club with the children and funds from the Okçular Book Project can be used to provide materials and equipment. All in all, this has been a lot of fun; it has fired us up for our next project -- a library and study area with Internet access at the new village center, which is under construction. Will you help us? Today’s Zaman readers here in Turkey, and via the online edition, from around the world, have generously sent donations in return for a copy of “Okçular Village -- a Guide.” Published in Turkish and English, the book covers some of the history of the village, many of the old folk stories in their own words, detailed maps and walks and lists of flora and fauna. There are lots of photographs, all printed on high-quality paper and stitched for security; even if you never plan to visit us or Turkey, it is a wonderful insight into a different world. It also makes a terrific gift! “How much?” I hear you ask. A donation of TL 20 ($15, 10 pounds Sterling) or more will get you a copy mailed to anywhere on the planet. Payment can be made via PayPal, cash or check. The book is a wonderful read, of great value for your donation and you’d be supporting a really good cause. Contact me by e-mail at the address below for more information. Meanwhile, here are a few photographs of the “all-new” Okçular Village Primary School.
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