Empower 1000 Rural Students Every School Year

Dear Friends,   

On February 6, 2023, BTF swiftly initiated a grassroots emergency response, channeling monetary aid from international sources to alleviate the immediate local distress and hardship.

Through our efforts, we prioritized reaching out to children and schools affected by the earthquake, aiming to ensure uninterrupted access to education by addressing the resource deficiencies caused by the seismic event. By providing necessary support, we worked towards empowering our children to continue their educational journeys despite the challenges imposed by the earthquake they endured.

4KIDS SET DELIVERIES

In our efforts to support uninterrupted education despite the lack of resources in the earthquake-affected area, we have sent 113 BTF4Kids sets to schools and reached 17.000 students. These sets will enable students to continue their education with tools such as musical instruments, maths/sports/art/science materials, educational toys, books, and stationery supplies.

Additionally, we have distributed 2000 bags with stationary and school supplies as April 23 gifts to students who survived the earthquake and settled in container homes/tents. This initiative ensures that these students have access to essential course materials throughout the academic year.

With school closings and the transition to online education, we delivered 105 tablets to students. 

TOGETHER BUILDING HAPPINESS

• Teacher Mehmet Ilter works in Kahramanmaras, one of the cities hit hardest by the earthquake.

"BTF provided our students in Kahramanmaras with 504 sets of school bags. I distributed these bag sets to the students residing in the tent cities. I was impressed by the high quality of the products in the bags and the careful consideration given to hygiene materials. Moreover, the inclusion of storybooks that resonated with our children's interests was greatly appreciated. The support from BTF not only ensured our students had essential school supplies but also brought excitement to their lives through engaging reading materials.

 I want to express my gratitude to BTF and its volunteers. As a teacher who has personally experienced the loss of numerous relatives and friends due to the devastating earthquake, I want to extend my appreciation on behalf of myself, my students, and my entire city. BTF has been a constant source of support, reaching out to us from the beginning of the earthquake, demonstrating genuine concern for our well-being, and assisting us in accessing the necessary aid and assistance. Your unwavering commitment and care have made a meaningful difference in our lives, and we are forever grateful for your presence during this challenging time."

LOVE grows when we SHARE…..

Links:

• https://medium.com/building-bridges
• https://www.bridgetoturkiye.org/

We are deeply saddened by the earthquake that struck southeastern Türkiye and resulted in the loss of many lives. Our condolences to those who lost loved ones. And we wish quick recovery to all of the injured.

Two massive earthquakes have struck the southeastern part of Türkiye and were felt in multiple countries. Severe damage and many casualties are reported. Türkiye has requested immediate international assistance. Our priority is the safety of kids. We mainly focus on children’s acute needs and ensure access to healthy food, water, and safe shelter. In sympathy with everyone in the area, please help us raise funds for those affected.

BTF's approach to supporting the relief efforts of the Turkish Earthquake will be delivered in four phases:

• Phase 1, Recovery:  Provide immediate assistance with food, water, and warmth
• Phase 2, Protect:  Provide immediate assistance for sheltering (containers and tents)
• Phase 3, Rebuild:  Provide well-being for children's health and education
• Phase 4, Sustain:  Provide long-term sustained solutions for those impacted

As the tragedy unfolds before us, BTF continues to send daily funds to local partners in the earthquake zone. BTF’s model is to seek out well-run, reputable, and trusted grassroots organizations to deliver much needed supplies. The largest such partner in the field for BTF is the AHBAP Association. The AHBAPs are in the field at all 10 Provinces of southeastern Türkiye, coordinating relief efforts with a strong central team managed out of Istanbul.

Additionally, BTF works with other smaller scale, community based, boutique organizations where direct payments to suppliers, such as tent manufacturers and food staple distributors are provided for drop shipments or for pick-up. Supplies are then distributed in the region by these trusted partners. Some of these organizations are TOKTUT, ODTÜ Alumni, Bütün Çocuklar Bizimdir, Lokman Hekim Saglk Vakf, Ihtiyaç Haritas. This list will grow over time, and 100% of the funds collected by BTF for earthquake relief will be disbursed in coordination with these local partners in the upcoming days, weeks and months. 

We thank each and every one of the individuals, organizations, volunteers, and leaders contributing to this endeavor.

Bridge to Türkiye

Links:

• BTF's Website
• BTF's Youtube Video