The Turkish Cypriot Community Association (TCCA) building hosted an Arts and Crafts fair to raise money on the 24th June 2006 from 10am to 6pm for the Mentoring Project for young under-achieving Turkish-speaking children in London. The Mentoring Project, which is coordinated by Ayşe Gül, needs to raise funds to continue the important and valuable work it does for the future generation of the community. As well as acting in a supportive role towards young Turkish, Turkish Cypriot and Kurdish pupils in the community, the Mentoring Project helps them develop greater confidence and skills that could be used in various situations, and inspires them to learn and fulfil their potential.

With her face enthusiastically painted as a lion especially for the occasion, the Co-ordinator of the Mentoring Project Ayşe Gül organised the Arts Fair along with the help of some of her Mentors and Mentees. The Arts and Crafts fair, which was held at the TCCA Centre on Green Lanes had stalls selling handmade items such as jewellery, fashion accessories, toys, second hand books, videos and CDs as well as home-made food. There was also a prize draw with all proceeds from the event donated to the Mentoring Project.

Ayşe Gül extended her thanks to Şirwan Supermarket and Kervan Restaurant in Edmonton, Highlander Restaurant in Southgate, and Cyprus Kitchens in Haringey for their support. She also thanked printing firm Niceandeasy for providing special concessions in producing leaflets, and all those who provided donations to the prize draw. Ayşe told Toplum Postası: “I’d like to thank also all the shops, libraries, schools, and other establishments that publicised the event by displaying our posters. I’d also like to thank all the mentors who came to help, the stall holders for participating in the event, and all the members of the press and participants who came along for the day.” Ayşe went on to congratulate Ayşe Oyuncu, the winner of the first prize George Jensen Necklace donated by Lara Gifts.