Turkish students set off for exchange program to Africa

Turkish students who set off on a 10-day exchange program to Africa on Friday, said they were keen to learn about the history, culture and society of their host countries.

Abdullah Basyigit, a fourth year student of journalism at Gaziantep University, said he will help construct a school in Kenya during his stay.

Emre Yucel, a third year engineering management student from Beykent University, said: "I would like to see the real picture of Africa, and get rid of its bad image."

A third year law student from the Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Muhammed Ishak Sevinc, who will visit Senegal, said he is excited about experiencing a different culture.

Muhammed Dervis Arslan, a third year medical student from Inonu University, said he will help renovate a mosque, school and chapel in Senegal's southern city of Ziguinchor.

Beytullah Gumus, a second year student of media studies, will work on projects for restoration of Ottomon heritage launched by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in Algeria.

Abdullah Atala, a law student from Marmara University, said he will help paint a school and clean cultural sites in Algeria.

The 2017 Africa Experience Sharing Program provides 200 students the opportunity to visit several countries, including Tunisia, Libya, Somalia, Kenya, Algeria, Chad, Sudan, Ghana and Niger between Aug. 5 and Aug. 30.

TIKA organized the aid program in cooperation with Turkish Airlines, Anadolu Agency and Turkish Radio and Television (TRT).

This is the second group of students which will visit Kenya, Senegal and Algeria. The first visited Sudan, Uganda and Somalia.