Help for Children Is an Important Step: But How Many Families in Turkmenistan Still Need Support?

Help for Children Is an Important Step: But How Many Families in Turkmenistan Still Need Support? On 10 August 2026, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, as part of its annual “Back to School” campaign, donated 25 sets of school supplies to children with disabilities and children from families in need. The event was held with the support of the public organization Ýeňme and the Support Centre for Persons with Disabilities of Turkmenistan. We thank the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan for this initiative and for its attention to children, particularly children with disabilities and families facing difficult circumstances. Such targeted assistance makes a real difference: behind every school kit donated is a child for whom the start of the new school year will become a little easier. It is also important that initiatives of this kind draw attention to inclusive education, equal opportunities, and social support for children. We hope that the European Union will continue to develop such programmes and engage with civil society and families who directly experience social and economic hardship. At the same time, this positive initiative raises a broader question: how many families in Turkmenistan currently need such assistance, and why does access to basic school supplies remain such a pressing issue? Preparing a child for school means paying for clothing, shoes, school uniforms, notebooks, stationery, and many other necessities. For low-income families, large families, single mothers, and families raising children with disabilities, these expenses can become a serious financial burden. Who Received the Assistance? We appeal to the citizens of Turkmenistan: if you or a family you know received school supplies as part of this campaign, please tell us about it in the comments. It is important to understand how such assistance reaches people and how great the actual need is. And if your family is experiencing difficulties, do not hesitate to seek help and speak about your situation, either publicly or confidentially. There is no shame in asking for social support. Turkmenistan has the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan, as well as state institutions responsible for social support. Citizens have the right to approach these organizations, ask about available assistance programmes and eligibility requirements, and call for such support to be transparent and accessible. Turkmenistan possesses considerable natural wealth. These resources are not the property of individual people; they are part of the country’s national wealth, and citizens have every right to expect state revenues to be reflected in their quality of life, their children’s education, and the social protection of the most vulnerable groups. That is why we once again encourage citizens: seek assistance. Speak about your problems. Tell us how much it actually costs to prepare a child for school, whether your family receives state or charitable support, and whether that assistance is sufficient. Once again, we thank the European Union and its Delegation to Turkmenistan for the assistance provided to children. Even 25 school kits mean concrete support for 25 children. At the same time, this initiative reminds us of the need for broader and more systematic social protection within the country itself. A dignified life is not a privilege. Education is not a luxury. Social support for those in need is a right, and caring for children is the responsibility of both society and the state.