Abstract:

Abstract In recent years, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have adopted active roles in social, cultural, economic and political areas as well as in the field of education. The main purpose of this study is to determine the status and functions of NGOs in the Turkish educational system. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with administrators of the leading 32 NGOs operating in the field of education on a national scale. "Categorical analysis" which is a type of content analysis is used to analyze the data. The data are analyzed in seven categories: NGO's perception about (1) education and educated person, (2) Turkish education system, (3) NGOs; and relations with (4) the state, (5) community, (5) other NGOs, (6) international institutions and organizations, and (7) NGO's future perspectives. Data analysis reveals the following findings: Although NGOs have shortcomings in "information", "expertise" and "experience" in the field of education, they are in the process of learning and a rapid development. They face various problems in relations with the state, community, other NGOs and international institutions. Thus they are very cautious in their relations. However they are quite hopeful about the future. Key Words: Non-governmental organizations, community participation, the Turkish education system, qualitative research

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