ANKARA — The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) aims to transform Turkey's southeast into a leading supplier of food, water and energy. The project not only provides economic opportunities but also enhances the socio-economic structure of the region. As part of GAP Administrations' social development goal, GAP-Cheetos Child Development Centers were established in 2003 with the cooperation of PepsiCo. The 10th anniversary of the GAP-Cheetos Child Development Centers Project, which is a successful example of a public-private partnership, was celebrated yesterday in Ankara with the participation of the head of GAP Administration Sadrettin Karahocagil and PepsiCo Turkey General Manager Neil Proyer.

The project provides two different child development centers for children between the ages of three and 14 with physical, mental and social development support through social, cultural, artistic and sporting activities. The centers also provide study and research facilities for the children. Within the scope of the project, there are 10 GAP-Cheetos Child Development Centers built in the provinces of the GAP region.

The project has so far reached 28,500 children and currently provides scholarships to 77 female students with the support of PepsiCo.