2023 Turkey Earthquake Recovery for Children

Dear MaviKalem Donor,

 We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support of the Turkey Earthquake Recovery for Children project. Your unwavering generosity has made a lasting impact on the lives of children and families affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey.

As we move into the 21st month of our recovery efforts, we remain focused on providing immediate assistance while supporting the long-term rehabilitation of the affected communities. Since our last update, your donations have helped us to address both ongoing challenges and emerging needs, particularly for the children and women in the earthquake zone.

In the aftermath of the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, many communities continue to face difficult conditions. In provinces like Hatay, families are still living in container cities, where exposure to extreme temperatures and limited access to basic resources pose serious risks. Over the past month, we have expanded our efforts to tackle these challenges, including the provision of critical hygiene and sanitation items to protect children’s health during the colder months.

Key updates since our last report:

• We have successfully distributed 500 hygiene kits to children in container cities, ensuring that their essential health and sanitation needs are met during the colder season.
• We have also provided 300 winter clothing kits to help children cope with the harsh winter conditions.
• 150 children have participated in our psychosocial support activities, which include therapeutic play, art, and counseling, offering a safe space for children to express their emotions and process the trauma they have experienced.

Despite the hardships, our commitment to supporting the well-being of every child remains strong. We are dedicated to fostering resilience and stability within the communities, particularly through the continuation of our service and material programs, which offer a sense of normalcy and joy to children in the aftermath of the disaster.

Your contribution has made it possible to reach thousands of children, offering them not only physical support but also the emotional tools they need to heal. We are proud to have you as a partner in this critical work and look forward to continuing our efforts with you in the months ahead.

Once again, we thank you for your generosity. Your support is instrumental to the success of this recovery, and together, we will ensure that these communities rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.

With heartfelt thanks,
MaviKalem Team

Links:

• Mavi Kalem Winter Bulletin