ÇEK is established as a cooperative model in terms of legal status. Two reasons played a role in choosing the cooperative model at the time of establishment. The first reason is that the tradition of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual aid among Turkish society, which are among the most important characteristics, provided a suitable ground for establishing a cooperative. The second reason is that the democratic functioning is ensured by giving each member an "equal vote" and "equal representation" in making all decisions in cooperatives.
Our members are not required to pay any dues. Those who are financially capable share their money, property, time, labour, or knowledge voluntarily without expecting any return. No profit share is distributed to the members. The members who serve on the management, audit, executive, and working committees as well as the entrusted commission cannot receive any payment under any title, and they cover their own expenses for transportation, meals, etc. related to their work for the organization.
MISSION
-To contribute to the bright future of Turkey and humanity by educating enlightened individuals who are committed to contemporary, secular, democratic, and Atatürk's principles and reforms.
-To organize educational, social, and cultural activities in accordance with our founding principles to raise awareness and sensitivity of the community in all areas of life.
VISION
1.To establish and operate educational and support institutions that serve the fundamental principles of modern education and teaching (as stated in the ÇEK Articles of Association).
2.To provide scholarships, accommodation, and support for students who are willing to receive education but need financial assistance, with an increasing proportion each academic year, and to help them to be equipped for life.
3.To introduce our institutional principles and create added value by organizing educational, social, and cultural activities for our students, parents, employees, partners, and other stakeholders.
4.To develop national policies to achieve our institutional objectives.
5. To operate our institutional structure with efficiency, productivity, and social responsibility principles and continuously improve and develop all processes.
6. To increase our financial strength by finding new sources and managing existing resources effectively and efficiently.
7.To establish versatile and sustainable collaborations with national and international institutions and organizations in compliance with the fundamental principles of our institution (ÇEK Constitution) to achieve our institutional objectives.
10 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ÇEK
1.It advocates the principles and revolutions of Atatürk, educational unity, the equality of opportunity, scientific and secular education, and fights against practices to the contrary.
2.It establishes and operates exemplary educational institutions and student dormitories without commercial purposes and enables poor and hardworking students to benefit from their institutions free of charge.
3.The principle of democracy is applied in the functioning and management of its institutions.
4.It respects everyone's right to engage in politics, but does not provide anyone with the opportunity to disseminate their political views within the institution.
5.Those serving on the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board do not receive any payment from the Cooperative under any title.
6.The Consultative Council, Board of Directors and Supervisory Board members and staff consider themselves responsible for promoting and providing resources for the Cooperative's principles and philosophy.
7.The Board of Directors tries to make decisions by discussing them and aiming for unanimity, and takes care not to discuss the decisions outside.
8.Those serving on the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board, as well as those who make in-kind and cash donations to the Cooperative, do not expect financial compensation from it.
9.Its members and employees do not engage in behavior that would cause the Cooperative to suffer material or moral harm.
10.It employs personnel who embrace the principles and values of the organization in its institutions.
VALUES
The Contemporary Education Cooperative is a unique organizational model composed of individuals from various professions and political views who are dedicated solely to "the joy of the effort expended for education" without any expectation in return.
MANAGEMENT MODEL
ÇEK is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of 17 members, each of whom has one vote. In addition, there are 5 working committees, including the Education and Science Committee, the Legal Committee, the Promotion and Communication Committee, the Culture-Art Committee, and the Financial Affairs Committee, and executive committees of institutions that contribute to decision-making by providing information flow to the Board of Directors.
An understanding based on division of labour prevails among managers, employees, and partners. In all its practices, a democratic and participatory approach with an open-door policy, transparency, and consideration of public and societal interests is supervised.
ÇEK operates without any government support and finances its activities from the income it generates from its institutions, dormitories, in-kind and cash donations, revenue-generating units, and membership fees.