Celebrating 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day: President Ersin Tatar meets with a delegation of students from the 9 Eylül Primary School headed by Principal Elçin Altan
“You are the real owners of this building that will be used a⁸s the new Presidency. You, the children and our future, will one day serve our country in these very offices.”
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President Ersin Tatar met with a delegation of school children from the 9 Eylül Primary School that was headed by Dr. Elçin Altan, Principal of the school, at the new Presidential Complex in Lefkoşa.
During the visit, President Tatar asked student Melin Kunt to sit in his chair – as is the customary practice in the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – where children are selected to sit in the chairs used by state officials at their offices as part of the celebrations marking 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
President Tatar congratulated Melin Kunt as she sat in his chair as the “representative” of the President, and addressed the group of children from the school, saying: “History is being made here today. You are the very first visitors I am hosting this building, in the new Presidential Complex. You are the real owners of this building that will be used as the new Presidency, You, the children and our future, will one day serve our country in these very offices. May the photographs and footage of this special moment that has been taken of us here today be shown as historical documents to future generations. . . as showing the very first visitors to the Presidential Complex – which is indeed about the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot People for the acceptance of their sovereignty and independence, and their desire to coexist as good neighbours in peace as two States on this Island.”
Emphasising the meaning and importance of 23 April in his speech, President Tatar stressed that the Great Leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, gifted this holiday not only to Turkish children but also to all the children of the world. “This holiday is about appreciating the importance of sovereignty, and also about celebrating the importance of the children of the world, who are our future.”
Addressing the students, President Tatar drew attention to the importance of their development in culture, arts, sports and social areas as well as education. Emphasising that the development of social skills, art and sports “is an important factor that contributes to your success in your chosen career,” President Tatar stated that he wishes for the children to make use of the opportunities in education and to build on knowledge and experience across different areas. “You will govern this country one day. Therefore, develop yourselves in every aspect from now on,” President Tatar said.
Melin Kunt, who made a speech, introduced herself as the “first female president of the country”, where she continued: “My dreams are big, my hopes are strong, my heart is brave. . . It is not only roads and bridges that make a country grow. . .but also children who grow up with love, justice and games”. Kunt stated that she “dreams of a country that is based on the happiness of children,” adding: “There will be more parks in every city, dreams will be discussed in every school, the opportunities at schools will be increased and a secular, contemporary school environment will be created. . . If children talk, the future will not be silent. . .It is my desire for an education system to exist that is not solely based on examinations, but also where the importance of friendships are taught. . . books should not only provide information but also warm hearts. . . I care about children’s feelings, as sometimes children remind us of the values of love, honesty and hope -- that adults tend to forget.” Kunt concluded her remarks with the words: “Let us join hands. Let us continue to strengthen this beautiful country of ours with freedom of thought, peaceful children who follow the path of Atatürk. Because when children laugh, the world becomes beautiful!”
President Tatar walked with the children and showed them important sections of the new Presidential Complex, including his office. At the end of the visit, President Ersin Tatar presented gifts to the children for 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, and photographs of the “historical first visit” to the new Presidential Complex were photographed and recorded.