Dakar Yunus Emre Institute trainees donated the financial aid they collected among themselves to the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Dakar after the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, described as the "disaster of the century".

The trainees attending the Turkish courses organized by the Dakar Yunus Emre Institute signed the book of condolences opened at the Embassy for the victims of the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquake disaster centered in Kahramanmaraş.

The trainees expressed their condolences to Ambassador Nur Sağman and donated the money they had collected.

"EVEN THOUGH WE ARE FAR AWAY FROM TÜRKİYE, OUR PRAYERS AND HEARTS ARE WITH THEM"

Fatou Bintou Ndiaye, one of the trainees of the Institute, said in her speech in Turkish that they were deeply saddened by the earthquakes in Türkiye and added: "We were affected as if our own houses had collapsed. Even though we are far away from Türkiye, our prayers and hearts are with them. We collected money among our classmates to support Türkiye. We wish you a swift recovery, Türkiye. Our hearts and prayers are with you."

AMBASSADOR SAĞMAN LISTENED TO THE SPEECHES OF SENEGALESE TRAINEES WITH TEARS IN HER EYES

Listening to Ndiaye's speech with tears in her eyes, Ambassador Sağman stated: "I am very, very touched. This contribution you have made is so meaningful and significant. We hope to welcome you in Türkiye on better days. We will overcome these difficult days together. We thank you very much."

THEY WERE SADDENED AS IF THE EARTHQUAKE HAPPENED IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY

Papa Ndiaye Diouf, one of the Institute's trainees, said that he has been learning Turkish for 4 months and added: "Since I started learning Turkish, I feel very close to Turkey. For that reason, I was deeply saddened by the news of the earthquake. We wish you a swift recovery, Türkiye.”

Dakar Yunus Emre Institute Coordinator Merve Işık Efe stated that the trainees not only learned Turkish, but also established a bond of heart with Turkey.

Coordinator Efe said: "Our trainees say that they have been following the news ever since they heard of the earthquake and that they are saddened as if the earthquake happened in their own country. They talked amongst themselves, and they all wanted to help financially however much they can. We were deeply touched by their sensitivity."

Noting that they are planning some activities in coordination with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Dakar to show that the people of Senegal stand by Türkiye, Efe added that these difficult days will be overcome hand in hand.