Talking Turkey

We delivered a 6 week project in Turkey from October to December 2023 delivering 64 arts and entertainment shows reaching 7266 children who were displaced and still in temporary accommodation since the earthquakes almost a year ago.

This project was initially to focus on victims of the Earthquake zone, as well as refugee families in large camps. We also however included sessions in special educational schools, community centers and kindergartens/schools for children living in hardship. The project covered a large area within Turkey with the team traveling many hours to make sure more isolated areas received the activities. The shows were often for very large numbers of audience so focussed on big slapstick and clown routines, live music performance and stage magic. 

Whether it was a camp for families displaced by the earthquake, or a refugee camp the needs are similar. Children need fun, play and positive energies. 

The project was not without challenges. Access into centres and camps is a major challenge, especially to the larger refugee camps that shelter people from Syria/middle east. Due to discriminatory and unwelcoming attitude towards those in the camps and their population, we find this results in restricting NGOs and teams like ours to the children for no other reason than punishment. This is a very difficult obstacle to overcome, and can be an uncomfortable reality to work in, as we are reaching huge numbers of children, but not enough from that demographic who are arguably the most in need, due to this restricted access. The only solution is to keep trying, develop local partnerships and collaborations with groups that do have access, and generally always be ready and flexible so if and when the opportunities arise we can jump at them.

Other challenges as a first time project was the initial service mapping and partnership planning and therefore scheduling. However our solution was to engage local partners, SOS to help. They have worked extensively across the country, are Turkish nationals so understand the customs, expectations and language. 

We delivered a range of shows to groups of children ranging from 2 to 1200 per group/session. We worked with children with special needs, those who have been orphaned, refugees, those in container cities and those with disabilities. Every show is carefully planned and delivered to bring the highest quality circus, music, magic, clowining fun and games to children so that they feel respected, have access to play, positive social connections in a safe and trusted space. The impact and feedback is extremely telling and shows incredibly difference in a very short period of time. Children benefit from improved wellbeing, communication, social skills, from improved relations with peers and family and community and from improved new skills, both pysical (hand eye coordination, dexterity) as well as confidence, self esteem and pride.

Testimonials

We were very pleased to meet the Flying Seaguls organization. We have been running the social circus program for about 6 years. I think we made a very successful show with your group. The happiness in the eyes of all the children in the show we performed for approximately 750 students is indescribable.

It was one of the neighborhoods most affected by the flood disaster in Batman 4 days ago and I think it had a great impact on the children.

The guys in the group quickly adapted to our team and did a great job.

I was very impressed by the friendliness of the team and their approach to children.

Center Manager, Batman Youth and culture house

The event was as fun, different and beautiful as the children had ever seen in their lives. Children as well as teachers and parents watched it with pleasure and we received positive feedback. Their use of musical instruments affected the show positively and we found it different. I recommend it to everyone.

Zülal, President of the school parent association

The activities helped our physically and physically disabled children who receive special education support and their families feel good and valued, and they had a very enjoyable time.

Psychologist,  Elazg Active Children Special Education and Rehabilitation Center.

Links:

• Project update video