Turkish Airlines Cabin Crew Lend a Helping Hand at an Orphanage in Dar es Salaam

Turkish Airlines' "Flying for Good Platform," initiated by its compassionate cabin crew, is dedicated to aiding those in need. Recently, the team visited the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, spreading joy to numerous children. This heartfelt endeavor was shared by Turkish Airlines’ Press Advisor, Yahya Üstün, who highlighted their impactful journey on social media.

The Largest Aid Initiative in Eight Years

Founded eight years ago, this platform has embarked on its most significant aid mission to date. Key volunteers included Turkish Airlines Cabin Chief and platform founder Sinem Güldal, along with pilots Ferihan Işık, Nurdan Karataş, Vehbi İlhan Sayhan, and several cabin crew members. Captain pilot Ferihan Işık noted the importance of their mission, revealing they have visited over 300 destinations in 126 countries, many of which lack access to basic necessities like clean water.

Turkish Airlines Brings Joy

Ferihan Işık described the mixed emotions of happiness and sadness, observing how their organization touched hearts. She felt honored to participate in the mission. Second pilot Nurdan Karataş emphasized, "Nothing in the world is more important than the happiness of children," appreciating her colleagues' contributions.

Profound Experiences in Tanzania

1. 
   

   Elif Aksoy’s Heartfelt Encounter
   
   Elif Aksoy shared an emotional moment, describing how children at the orphanage ran to embrace them, reducing her to tears. She highlighted the severe challenges faced in Africa and their responsibility to meet children’s basic needs. Thanks to support from ambassadors and Turkish businessmen, children were receiving quality education. Despite witnessing enormous poverty, they delivered 16 suitcases filled with gifts, committing to continue their aid.

   
   
2. 
   

   Seray Gürdal’s Reflections
   
   Seray Gürdal emphasized the importance of visiting such places to better appreciate one’s circumstances. She pointed out the stark contrasts in living standards, encouraging gratitude and sharing as a means to increase abundance.

   
   

Thought-Provoking Messages

Dar es Salaam Ambassador Ali Davutoğlu praised the Ashure Foundation Orphanage's role, established by Turkish citizens and currently housing 65 orphans, under the honorary presidency of his wife Yeşim Meço Davutoğlu. Yahya Üstün’s social media post captured the essence of their mission: "About 8,000 kilometers away; if an orphaned child you meet for the first time hugs you sincerely and their eyes sparkle, it means you have touched their heart."

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Airlines' Charity Initiative

Why did Turkish Airlines volunteers choose Tanzania?

Tanzania was chosen due to its high level of need, particularly at the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam. Volunteers aimed to assist a region where even clean water is scarce, ensuring children gain access to education, health, and daily necessities, thus improving their standard of living.

Most Frequently Asked

What is the "Flying for Good Platform"?

The “Flying for Good Platform” is an initiative by Turkish Airlines cabin crew, aiming to provide aid worldwide. Founded eight years ago by Cabin Chief Sinem Güldal, this volunteer-driven platform focuses on enhancing the living conditions of impoverished communities. They have undertaken numerous missions, the most recent being a visit to the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Their commitment is evident as they continue to deliver essential items and emotional support to children in need, ensuring they have access to education, health, and other basic necessities.

Why did Turkish Airlines’ volunteers choose Tanzania for their mission?

Turkish Airlines volunteers selected Tanzania due to its significant need for humanitarian aid, particularly at the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam. The region struggles with limited access to clean water and other essential resources. By choosing Tanzania, the volunteers aimed to make a substantial impact, providing children with education, health services, and daily necessities. Their mission focused on improving the living standards of children, thus fulfilling their commitment to spread joy and support to those in dire need.

Who is Yahya Üstün?

Born in Istanbul in 1985, Yahya Üstün completed his higher education in 2011 at Maltepe University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Visual Communication Design. Alongside his university education, Üstün held various positions in the media sector. In 2012, he was appointed as ATV's London Representative.

After serving in London for a year, Üstün pursued studies in International Media and Communication in London between 2014 and 2016. Üstün, who has held significant roles in the Turkish media sector, served as the General Broadcasting Manager of ATV Europe. As of January 2016, he has been serving as the Press Advisor for Turkish Airlines. Üstün has held board membership positions in numerous sports clubs and federations. Yahya Üstün is proficient in English and has a basic knowledge of Arabic.