Miles and miles of dust and rubble. A stark contrast to the vibrant life once pulsating through these streets, what lay before us was hundreds of containers placed next to each other. This sight greeted us as we drove to meet with our partners from Gaziantep Airport to Hatay. In these cities woven with rich histories, one would anticipate the hum of daily life, children’s laughter echoing from play areas, and the rhythm of local routines. However, those scenes have been replaced by a quiet resilience, showing just how strong nature can be.
In a very short amount of time, my colleagues and I had a chance to visit Antakya, Samandag, and Kilis. While these towns looked devastating at first sight, it took me a moment to see the hope and find the colors in them. Joining the opening ceremony of a kindergarten in Kilis, built with TPF‘s support, made me realize how much our efforts from overseas made a difference in the region. This modest but welcoming kindergarten with two spacious classrooms and a kitchen with tiny furniture, opened its doors to children who had survived the earthquake. We were greeted with music along with a heartwarming dance by the children, their laughter filling the place with joy and excitement both for children and their families. It was more than just a school; it was a safe haven lifting up the community through a sense of normalcy and healing.
Another hopeful scene welcomed us in a container city, where many of our partners had containers, each focusing on and addressing different needs and populations. Here, we visited Suna’nin Kizlari’s youth center. Within this sanctuary, children of different ages found solace in classrooms filled with brand new books, stationeries, and cozy bean bags, offering silence and peace despite the chaos outside. The space was mesmerizing on its own, but witnessing the kids engaging with the space was remarkable. Some of them were enjoying the arts and crafts stations, channeling their experiences into creativity, or enjoying the quiet time by themselves while others were studying for the college exams.
The spirit of resilience was extraordinary as I came to understand once again when I met with Zeynep. Her family wanted her to stay home, and start a family. But she had other plans for herself – she wanted to go to college and study law. Despite her family’s pressure, she made her way to Suna’nin Kizlari’s youth center every day and studied for the upcoming college exams. And, she did it. She got into the justice program at one of the most prestigious schools in Istanbul. We were impressed to see Zeynep and many others already back on their feet, working on rebuilding their lives with the limited resources at hand. This center wasn’t just a place; it was a pivotal part of their journey towards healing and rebuilding.
My visit served as a bitter reminder that the path to recovery is indeed a long one. The process of reconstruction and healing will demand a considerable investment of time and effort for the 2.5 million individuals still grappling with the aftermath of the earthquake. Nevertheless, with your generous contributions, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritizing education, providing essential psychosocial support, and fostering economic growth to uplift the communities that have endured so much. And, as TPF we are honored to be building the foundation for a renewed region that will symbolize human perseverance.
Warm Regards,
Irem Kilic, TPF Institutional Partnerships Lead