HATAY
1,234 Syrian children staying in southern town of Yayladagi on Monday began the 2012-2013 educational year.
An Anadolu Agency (AA) photo journalist was on site to take photographs of Syrian children who began lessons on Monday in a tent school erected on the garden of an old factory.
The tent classes were made possible by the Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster & Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) and the Turkish Red Crescent Aid Society (Kizilay).
The happiness of Syrian children could be noticed on their faces.
Those Syrian children attending nursery classes were seen coming to their classes with parents.
A total of 1,234 Syrian students, including high school and elementary school students, will receive lessons from 35 teachers. There are two administrators at the tent classes.
A seventh grade student Rubia, who came to Turkey with her family eight months ago after fleeing clashes in Syria, said she was extremely happy to attend courses in Yayladagi.
"It is a nice feeling to continue education in Turkey. However, we miss our own school and classmates in Syria," Rubia stressed.
A sixth grade student Celile said that all of their needs were met by Turkish officials.
"Our classes and the opportunities we have are all great. God willing, we want to return to our country Syria and continue our education there," Celile noted.
Many nursery students were seen painting and playing with toys with no knowledge of what is taking place in their home country Syria.
