Zilan Patır Attends School with New Classmate Barış Arvas
For the past two years, 8-year-old Zilan Patır had been attending school alone in the remote Doruklu hamlet of Van's Gevaş district in eastern Türkiye.
Zilan's Solitude Ends
This year, her solitude came to an end as a new classmate, Barış Arvas, joined her, marking a joyful new chapter in her education journey.
Zilan's Previous Isolation
Living 80 kilometers (49.71 miles) from Gevaş in the Daldere neighborhood, Zilan previously had no peers to share her classroom experiences with.
Zilan's Independent Learning
With only a single teacher, Cihat Yakut, guiding her education, Zilan managed to advance to second grade on her own.
A New Chapter for Zilan and Barış
This year, Barış started school, becoming Zilan's first classmate and bringing a newfound sense of companionship. Zilan expressed her happiness, "I no longer go to school alone. We spend time together, play during recess, and even do homework together."
Zilan's Dream
Zilan dreams of becoming a kindergarten teacher someday, fueled by her newfound friendship with Barış.
Barış's Perspective
For Barış, the experience is equally enriching. "I just started school and already learned to read and write. I enjoy spending time with my friend and aspire to become a computer engineer when I grow up," he shared.
Learning Environment
The two students study in a classroom heated by a wood stove, which their teacher lights each morning. During breaks, Zilan and Barış bond over games in the schoolyard, enhancing their school days.
Teacher's Dedication
Teacher Cihat Yakut, a contract educator with seven years of experience teaching in remote areas, reflected on his journey. “At first, I considered leaving because of the hardships – every season brings its own challenges. But seeing the love for learning in these children’s eyes kept me going,” Yakut said.
Hopes and Dreams
Yakut finds it heartwarming to witness Zilan finally have a friend and hopes that both Zilan and Barış will achieve great things in life. He envisions the small classroom in this remote village as the starting point for the duo to reach their big dreams.
