Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin recently confirmed that 37 students have lost their lives in nearly 10,000 workplace accidents linked to the Vocational Education Centers (MESEM) program since 2025. These statistics were revealed in a formal response to a parliamentary inquiry initiated by DEM Party lawmaker Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu. The updated figures show a significant increase compared to previous ministry data released in June, which had reported 3,080 accidents and 13 fatalities since 2016. The discrepancy highlights ongoing concerns regarding student safety within the vocational training framework, especially after independent organizations like the Health and Safety Labor Watch (İSİG) previously challenged the government's lower estimates. The inquiry was prompted by the tragic death of 14-year-old student Emirhan, bringing renewed scrutiny to safety standards for youth participating in mandatory workplace training.
Source : Turkish Minute
