Turkey's municipal education programs reach over 1.2 million learners

Kocaeli Büyükşehir Belediyesi's KO‑MEK program, known locally as the "People's University," has expanded from eight centers in 2004 to 42 locations across all 12 districts, providing courses to a total of 1,173,497 participants. The initiative also runs an online platform, UZEM, which served 116,165 residents in remote learning, and supports local women artisans through the "Komek Sepeti" project, enabling 2,246 women to sell handmade products.

In Kayseri, the municipal KAYMEK organization launched a free English and German Conversation Club, offering practical speaking practice under the direction of city mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç. The club provides citizens of all ages with opportunities to improve language skills beyond the classroom, receiving positive feedback from participants.

Both programs illustrate how Turkish city governments are expanding adult education, vocational training, and language learning to improve personal development and local economies.