A unique contribution to lifelong learning in Turkey: Elginkan Foundation as a non-governmental organization

The aim of the study is to determine contributions to lifelong learning in Turkey by Elginkan Foundation as a non-governmental organization. Case study method and descriptive analysis technique were used in the study. The results showed that, Elginkan Foundation provides various supports to education such as scholarship programs, project and innovative idea contests, research funding, building schools, supporting publication activities, setting vocational and technical education centers. In conclusion, many industrial organizations satisfy their qualified manpower by means of vocational courses, personal and professional development trainings offered by education centers of the foundation, and significant level of employment is created. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.