Turkish-Armenian Deputy Garo Paylan, who represents Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Republican People’s Party, has submitted a proposal regarding Armenian schools in Istanbul, reported Agos Weekly.

Talking about the numerous issues facing the 16 Armenian schools in Istanbul, Paylan has proposed to have the schools be under the direction of one general body, not funds.

Paylan has noted that the cause of the numerous problems facing the schools is the wrong system of management.

“Most of the problems are due to the fact that there is no general body that can coordinate the programs, funding and other issues of Armenian schools. In 2001, a Special Commission for Armenian Schools was set up, but the director of the Commission has resigned because of these problems. This should be a wakeup call for us,” the Turkish-Armenian MP said.

Currently, there are 16 Armenian schools operating in Istanbul, of which 13 are private schools.

Only the children of Christian Armenian families can attend Armenian schools. A child needs to submit a baptism certificate when applying to an Armenian school.

Armenian schools of Istanbul face numerous issues related to funding, management and enrollment.

This year, many schools won’t be enrolling first graders due to the lack of pupils.

The schools operate with help from benefactors and tuition fees.