For me, an-18-year-old high school student from Türkiye, education is not only about textbooks; it is the most powerful tool that can turn our dreams into reality. But at a very young age, I realized something: not everyone has equal access to this tool. I didn’t either. In my early school years, I didn’t have the same opportunities as students who attended private schools, so I had to educate myself.

With the pocket money I saved, I bought science magazines from TÜBİTAK, found free online courses, and devoted every spare moment outside of my classes to learning. Most of the time, I was on my own, but that solitude taught me something valuable: opportunities are not always handed to us; sometimes we must search for them, or even build them ourselves.

This journey gave me resilience, but it also made me realize something else: there are still so many children experiencing the same disadvantages I once did, children who struggle to educate themselves and find their direction. That is why, three years ago, I started the Coding Kids project. My goal was to bring STEM and coding education to children affected by educational inequality, because their dreams should not be left unfinished simply due to a lack of resources.

In the beginning, I visited schools on my own to give lessons, working closely with each child and trying to understand them. Later, other high school students joined me, and together we carried the project forward.

But inequality in education is not limited to technology. Through other projects I’ve joined, volunteer work I’ve done, and experiences with different cultures, I’ve seen the same pattern: some people always start further behind. The starting lines are not equal. Yet I’ve also learned this: solidarity and awareness can help make that starting line a little fairer for everyone.

My story was born out of my own shortcomings. Trying to provide others with the opportunities I once lacked has helped me grow, while also building a small community of hope around me. And I still believe: when education is equal, hope is equal too.

Today, even though I am only at the beginning of my journey, I know this: a single computer, a simple conversation, or a hand extended in kindness can change someone’s life. Perhaps the greatest act of kindness is making space for someone else’s dreams.

Those who wish to make a donation to Coding Kids should email: [email protected]