Turkish Airlines’ "Flying for Good Platform," initiated by its benevolent cabin crew, aims to spread joy to those in dire need. Recently, the team visited the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, sharing happiness with hundreds of children. Highlighting this noble cause, Turkish Airlines’ Press Advisor, Yahya Üstün, shared a heartfelt message on social media recounting their impactful journey.
The Largest Aid Movement in Eight Years
Started eight years ago, this initiative’s latest mission stands as its largest aid effort to date. Participants included Turkish Airlines Cabin Chief and platform founder Sinem Güldal, pilots Ferihan Işık, Nurdan Karataş, Vehbi İlhan Sayhan, and cabin crew members like Elif Aksoy, Eren Akbaki, Ülgen Tunç, Seray Gürdal, Sabit Coşkun, Nihan Ceyda Ünlü, Doğan Kuyucu, Setenay Er, and Nur Hilal Bilgin. Captain pilot Ferihan Işık emphasized the importance of their mission, highlighting that they have reached over 300 destinations in 126 countries, some lacking basic necessities such as clean water.
Turkish Airlines Spreads Joy
Ferihan Işık spoke of the mixed emotions experienced, describing the mission as both heartwarming and heartbreaking. She took pride in being part of this endeavor. Second pilot Nurdan Karataş stressed, "Nothing in the world is more important than the happiness of children," expressing gratitude to her colleagues for their contributions.
Impressions from Tanzania
Elif Aksoy’s Emotional Experience
Elif Aksoy shared a moving incident where children at the orphanage rushed to embrace them, bringing her to tears. She highlighted the severe challenges in Africa, emphasizing their duty to address children's essential needs. Thanks to the support from ambassadors and Turkish businessmen, children were receiving high-quality education. She described the significant poverty seen during home visits and pledged to sustain their aid endeavors. During their visit, they distributed 16 suitcases filled with gifts for the children.Seray Gürdal’s Perspective
Seray Gürdal suggested that everyone should visit such places to better appreciate their own circumstances. She pointed out the stark differences in living standards, urging people to be more thankful. She noted that sharing increases the abundance of everything.
Thought-Provoking Messages
Dar es Salaam Ambassador Ali Davutoğlu recognized the pivotal role of the Ashure Foundation Orphanage, founded by Turkish citizens and now housing 65 orphans under the honorary presidency of his wife Yeşim Meço Davutoğlu. Yahya Üstün’s social media post poignantly conveyed the mission’s essence: "About 8,000 kilometers away; if an orphaned child you meet for the first time hugs you with sincerity and their eyes shine, it means you have touched their heart."
Most Frequently Asked
What is the "Flying for Good Platform"?
The “Flying for Good Platform” is a volunteer-run organization initiated by Turkish Airlines' compassionate cabin crew. Established eight years ago, the platform's primary mission is to assist those in dire need and enhance their living conditions. Their most recent mission involved a significant aid effort at the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where they brought joy to numerous children's lives. This initiative has reached over 300 destinations in 126 countries, making a profound impact on communities that often lack basic necessities such as clean water and education.
Why did Turkish Airlines volunteers choose Tanzania for their mission?
Tanzania was selected for its immense need, particularly at the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam. The volunteers aimed to provide assistance in a region where even clean water is scarce, ensuring that children have access to education, healthcare, and daily necessities. The choice underscores their commitment to improving living standards in some of the most underserved areas of the world. The volunteers, supported by contributions from ambassadors and Turkish businessmen, aimed to make a lasting impact by addressing both immediate and long-term needs of the children.
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.