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Two roads diverged in awood, and I took the one less travelled by.
And that has made all the difference... Robert Frost
They took the roads less travelled by.
They struggled not for themselves,
but so that young people could live in a better world.
Some saw the youth's future in technology and offered courses
in information technologies to prepare them,
while others set up a game of basketball in the mighty mountains
of Hakkari so that youth would know no limits.
They made time stop for youth, and took a timeout from life in order to help them.
With every basket, the youth scored another point for hope.
Some helped youth solve the mystery of math,
helping them to see a new perspective.
Although it was always a mathematics "problem" written on the board,
investing in supporting youth was always the right answer.
They believed in the power of knowledge. They taught youth about the power of words.
By organizing "read-in's" in various locations, they demonstrated that
reading knows no time or location barriers.
They did not think on behalf of the youth; they thought with them.
They began shaping the future beginning with today's youth.
They offered them opportunities to explore their talents and
established an orchestra in order to help express them.
At times, they planted big seeds of hope
in the minds of youth from small villages.
They changed the course of their own lives
in order to change the youth's perception of life.
Other times, they did all they could to help youth migrating from village adapt to city life.
They formed an ice hockey team of youth living on the streets.
They melted the ice with the warmth of their hearts,
and helped youth believe in the miracles of sports.
They supported young people living in the Tarlabaşı district in Istanbul
in pursuing their future dreams.
They reassured them with their presence in the city's lonely streets.
They trained youth in mediation skills to help them resolve their conflict
without violence and to respect different perspectives,
teaching them how to listen to others.
Whether it be by weaving rugs
or running races on a track,
they created spaces to empower youth.
They believed that education is a universal right,
and established an education co-operative to provide
equal education opportunities for those that lacked access and
encouraged them to study for university entrance exams
by cooperating rather than competing.
These Changemakers worked to help youth realize the vision that
Atatürk bestowed upon the Turkish Republic.
They believed that a country could go as far as its youth's ambitions allowed,
and they dedicated their lives to helping young people dream and pursue their ambitions.
They shared their efforts and stories with Sabancı Foundation's Turkey's Changemakers.
They believed that words disappear and worked with their hearts to empower today's youth and tomorrow's leaders.
They believed that the sun rises from the shoulders of the youth and encouraged others to share this belief.