Türkiye's Ministry of National Education has launched a new artificial-intelligence literacy programme for middle-school pupils, developed with Koç Holding and the Vehbi Koç Foundation. MEB says the national ambition is to reach roughly 5.2 million pupils. The material is designed around understanding data and algorithms, questioning AI output, and using technology safely and ethically—not simply learning to operate a chatbot. For international families, the key distinction is that the programme has entered the education system, but the announcement does not promise identical classroom timing at every school.
What the programme actually includes
MEB says pupils will receive classroom activities that connect AI with different subjects and disciplines. Teachers are to receive implementation guides and training. The content was adapted from research-based, age-appropriate resources developed through MIT RAISE, with contributions from Turkish academics and ministry specialists. This is an education framework rather than a new compulsory exam, a standalone coding course or a device-distribution scheme.
Nationwide reach is the target, not proof of same-day access
The ministry and project partners state that they aim to reach all approximately 5.2 million middle-school pupils in Türkiye. The launch event took place at Beykoz Koç Middle School, where the pilot was implemented. MEB does not publish a school-by-school rollout calendar in the announcement. Parents should therefore ask their own school when activities begin, in which lessons they will appear and whether any materials require home access.
Teachers helped shape the classroom model
Before launch, a needs analysis involved middle-school teachers from 39 provinces and 13 branches. A separate adaptation workshop brought together 95 teachers from 23 provinces and 11 branches, alongside academics and ministry experts. Those numbers show broad consultation, but they do not mean every teacher has already completed programme training. Local implementation capacity may develop in stages.
Safety and critical thinking are central
The stated learning goal is for pupils to see the data, algorithm and human choices behind an AI result, then ask who it serves and for what purpose. The programme also emphasises distinguishing reliable from unreliable information and using technology safely, ethically and responsibly. Families can reinforce the same habits at home: protect personal data, check sources, label AI assistance and never treat a generated answer as automatically correct.
A national AI tournament is planned
In a later phase, teams are expected to work on real-life problems in education, health, accessibility, the environment and sustainability through a Türkiye AI Tournament. Specialist trainers and Koç Group volunteers are to mentor participants. The ministry announcement does not yet provide competition dates, selection rules or a public application route, so families should wait for a school or MEB notice rather than paying an unofficial intermediary.
What international parents should check
The programme concerns pupils in the Turkish middle-school system; the announcement does not automatically extend it to every foreign or international school operating under a different curriculum. Ask the school whether the child is included, which language and subject will be used, whether an account or consent form is needed, and how pupil data will be handled. Participation in the programme does not change school enrolment, residence status or e-School access.
MIT RAISE — official artificial-intelligence education initiative →