Dear students of Maarif College in Tunis,

Esteemed College members,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honor to stand before you at your Traditional Day event, on the auspicious occasion of the “Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day”, which we originally observe every year on the 19th of May, in Türkiye. This day holds a profound significance in our nation's history, as we remember the visionary leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and celebrate the spirit of youth, education, and sports that he cherished dearly.

On this day, we pay tribute to the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye. It was on May 19, in 1919 that Atatürk embarked on a historic journey from Istanbul to Samsun, marking the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence. With courage in his heart and determination in his soul, he ignited the flame of liberation that would ultimately shape the destiny of our great nation.

Dear students,

Atatürk believed that the youth are the torchbearers of a nation's future. He understood the immense potential and boundless energy that young minds possess, and he envisioned a Türkiye where the youth would play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of our great nation. Today, we pay tribute to his wisdom and foresight by reflecting on the importance of youth in building a prosperous and progressive society.

Youth is a time of boundless dreams, infinite possibilities, and limitless potential. It is a phase in our lives where we have the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow. As young individuals, we possess the power to bring about positive change in our families, communities, and ultimately, our nations.

Dear students,

Education forms the cornerstone of a nation's progress, and it is through education that the potential of our youth can truly be harnessed. Education empowers us with knowledge, critical thinking, and skills that are vital for personal and professional growth. It equips us with the tools to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society.

In the words of Atatürk himself, "A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others." Let us remember the tireless efforts of our educators who selflessly dedicate their lives to enlightening young minds. They shape us into responsible citizens, instilling in us values of integrity, compassion, and the pursuit of excellence.

Dear students,

Sports, too, play a vital role in the holistic development of youth. Engaging in sports teaches us discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It fosters camaraderie, fair play, and a sense of sportsmanship, transcending boundaries and uniting people from diverse backgrounds. Sports teach us valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.

However, it is not enough to recognize the importance of youth, education, and sports in theory alone. We must also realize that with privilege comes responsibility. As young individuals, we have a duty to work hard, study diligently, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we not only enhance our own prospects but also become valuable assets to our families and our nations.

Dear students,

Let us be inspired by the legacy of Atatürk, who championed education and placed great importance on the development of youth and sports. Let us embrace the opportunities we have been given and seize them with enthusiasm and determination. Each of us has unique talents and potential waiting to be unleashed, and it is through our efforts that we can contribute to the progress and prosperity of our families and our beloved nations.

In conclusion, dear students, let us seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment to education, sports, and the betterment of ourselves and our nations. Let us strive for excellence, for it is through hard work and dedication that we can make a lasting impact. As we commemorate Atatürk, the embodiment of courage, vision, and dedication, let us be inspired to become the architects of our own future.

Thank you, and may we all rise together as the youth of Türkiye, Tunisia, and all the brotherly and friendly nations, committed to building a brighter tomorrow for ourselves, our families, and our beloved nations.

Happy 19th of May! And happy Traditional Day! Hope to meet you very soon at your graduation ceremony!