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At a village primary school in the Gokceyurt neighborhood of Konya's Ilgin district, the number of enrolled students has grown to two with the start of the 2026-2027 academic year at Sehit Mustafa Kozlu Primary School.
Ilayda Kozlu, who had been the school's only student for three years, moved up to fourth grade this year. Alongside Ilayda, Serifenur Ozdemir, who started first grade, also began attending the school.
Muhammed Bag, the school's only teacher, is responsible for the education of both students, picking the children up from their homes by car each morning and dropping them back off after lessons.
While preparing Ilayda for middle school, Bag is simultaneously teaching Serifenur to read and write. Lessons for the two students continue in the same classroom, with work tailored to each of their different levels.
Ilayda Kozlu, who had studied alone at the school for three years, is now enjoying having a classmate in the new academic year. She said that she was happy the school now has two students. Kozlu said that she and her friend will play together during breaks.
"This year a friend came, and I was very happy," she said. "In previous years I was alone, but now there are two of us. I'm glad she came." She added that she now has a friend to play with during breaks, saying, "We'll jump rope and play with a ball. I used to do it with my teacher; now the three of us will do it."
Kozlu said she plans to help Serifenur learn to read and write, adding that their homes are also close to each other.
Serifenur Ozdemir, who started first grade, had eagerly awaited the opening of school. Carrying her school bag and books, she experienced the joy of reaching her classroom on the first day.
Mukremin Ozdemir, Serifenur's father and the headman, or elected local administrator, of Gokceyurt neighborhood, stated that the neighborhood once had 250 to 300 students, but that the number had gradually declined over time. He said the school had been operating with just one student for three years, and that the number rose to two with his daughter starting school.
Ozdemir said his daughter had been eagerly awaiting the day she would start school for a week. "My daughter Serifenur has been excited for a week," he said, explaining that since she is always with him, she often visits the school and has been helping with preparations.
He said she had repeatedly asked him when she would be able to start. "This year it finally happened," he said. "God willing, she will begin her education here and finish primary school here."
Ozdemir also expressed satisfaction that the school had not been closed and continues to provide education. "I would like to thank my superiors, the president, the Minister of National Education and my school principal," he said. "They did not close the school. We are very pleased."
Ozdemir added that there are three or four more children in the neighborhood who will be eligible to start school next year, and that they expect the number of students to increase.
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