How are the financial needs of students met?
In general, the schools charge tuition fees. The financial needs of the schools are met through the income coming from the students. When there is a financial deficit, these deficits are closed by the founding corporations, by additional help. The expenditures of the schools opened in partnership with the home country, are met by the local authorities. In addition, a help is sought from the families who can afford. Further, if there is a financial deficit that is met by the philanthropic businessmen there, who feel sympathy for the Gülen Movement, and philanthropic activities in general.[1]
Of course, it is not an easy matter to establish schools in foreign countries. Another issue is the question of to whom these schools belong? To this question, this is the answer Fethullah Gülen gives:
The schools do not belong to certain individuals; these educational institutions belong to this nation. We have no love and passion other than seeking the pleasure of God and share our historical gains with the people of the world, and establish islands of peace in this bloody geography. We believe as a nation, we have a lot of beautiful things to offer. It is both our right and duty to display these beautiful things in an exhibition. Now in our age, these exhibitions are the educational institutions, the schools, and cultural centers, and even the business places established by those who went there with a consideration of trading and business. Because the things pouring out of their conducts and behaviors would again be our past, our good tastes, our religious and ethical considerations, and these values of our world mean a lot of worthy things in the eyes of the members of other civilizations.
If you still have doubts, go look, and ask the people involved. If you sincerely would like to learn from where the water for this mill comes, follow it from where it originates; in its channels, at the place it turns the wheel. If you are not biased, you would also see it. Whatever the power force was gaining independence to our nation, it is the same power and force behind these educational activities. These are the services, displayed in another way which was displayed through sacrifices during the War of Independence and the sources are in the hearts.[2]
Primarily through the dedication, help, and support of individuals (some wealthy, some middle class who believe that they are performing a religious and ethical duty) and through the efforts and sacrifices of the teachers, these schools increasingly stand on their own. It carries significance that nearly everything is accomplished by the volunteers, without expecting anything from the state. This state of affairs has resulted in the independence of both the movement and the schools. The movement which values independence has not sought outside resources, in order not to owe anything to anyone. The effort to produce its own resources has built an industrial and business empire, which is increasingly growing.
[1] Exclusive answer delivered to Doğu Ergil.
[2] Fethullah Gülen 2010f, 221–222.
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