On February 6 2023 a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey, followed by multiple aftershocks that devastated regions and cities across Turkey and Syria.

There were over 60,000 deaths in those countries, followed by mass migration (of over a million IDPs) and uncertainty (560,000+ in IDP camps).

The Operation Orphan Crisis Response Team was activated at the invitation of, and partnership with the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services, and deployed to various towns in the Hatay region, including Antakya, Samandag, and Arsuz. Through local links and using our ability to get outside the refugee camps, we were able to identify new orphans, ensure their safety and security, and begin to provide for their long-term care through social services or family support.

During the Turkey mission, Operation Orphan visited over 30 families and provided immediate emotional support, coupled with child-friendly blankets, water filters, tents, and cash stipends to support 62 children and their carers.

This number has increased to over 80 children as some returned from hospitals having recovered from their injuries.

For each family/community we visited, we provided the following humanitarian aid:

Tent
Water filter
Operation Orphan hand-knitted blankets
Solar-powered lights
Toiletries
Cleaning supplies
Toys
Cash stipend

Our in-country team is made up of:

Fehmi Ecer, a social worker from the Ministry of Family and Social Services, and
Yasemin Culha Korkmaz, a local teacher

Fehmi and Yesemin represent Operation Orphan in the region, and we have set up Yesemin as a project coordinator that will help coordinate aid and supplies to our sponsored children and families.

Please read the stories from this project to understand what we are doing in providing ongoing support as they recover and rebuild their lives.

See all stories from this project

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