Southern Turkey and northern Syria were struck by two huge earthquakes, leading to the death of more than 50,000 people, with hundreds of thousands more injured and no shelter. Fondation de France’s call for donations raised more than 13 million euros. Ten months later, damage is still substantial in both countries and many initiatives are ongoing.
Fondation de France supports more than 50 projects across the two countries, by responding to the emergency. It also takes action for long-term assistance in the reconstruction of devastated areas and economic recovery. Priority aid is brought to the most vulnerable: children, women, people who are elderly or disabled and those from isolated or minority areas.
Providing emergency relief
In Jinderes, a town bordering Turkey which has become a very important place of refuge for many Syrians, local nonprofits work with the authorities to supply lighting in refugee camps. Fondation de France contributes to installing solar lampposts in 20 camps, where more than 2,000 families live. The 450 lighting units will be set up in main roads, tents and public facilities.
Access to water is still a key priority. In Northern Syria, Fondation de France supports a project with local authorities for the supply of drinking water in 39 surrounding villages. It will also make it easier for permanent water access, compared to a water tank.
In the Jisr-Alshughour countryside, in northwestern Syria, a local nonprofit distributes food baskets for the people displaced by the earthquake. 460 families are concerned (2,300 people, of which 1,200 are women and 650 are children).
Supporting the most vulnerable
For example, in order to reinforce Syrian women’s ability to act – which has been severely undermined by the earthquake – Fondation de France supports a project that benefits women living alone with their children in the town of Idleb. They attend workshops and training programs to engage lastingly in revenue-generating activities.
Syrian women following pottery classes to promote the return to work. © D.R.
To help some of the particularly vulnerable minorities, such as the people of Dom and Abdal who historically lived in Turkey, as well as refugees in Syria, NGO Kirkayak Kültür provides them with humanitarian aid. They receive food vouchers and toiletries and every effort is made to help them access public services.
More than 6 million children were affected by the two earthquakes (more than 2.5 million in Turkey, and 3.7 million in Syria). Because their needs are very important, particular attention is paid to them. Nonprofit Yeced works in particular with Syrian children refugees in Turkey, who are particularly vulnerable. Yeced brings psychological support and equipment for schools and a teaching framework. In the towns of Aleppo and Azaz, another nonprofit supported by Fondation de France offers psychosocial support to almost 70 children who have lost their parents after the earthquake. The aim is to help them overcome their trauma by way of various recreational activities, such as drawing, music or writing.
Psychological support, such as drawing sessions, offered to Syrian children. © D.R.
Contributing to rebuilding and supporting agriculture
Rebuilding is a priority to help people affected by the earthquake. Turkish NGO IBC is leading a building project of around 40 prefabricated houses in the town of Kirikhan. With the input of building professionals, families take part in building their home (carpentry, plastering, finishes etc.). Construction costs are handled by IBC and project beneficiaries will become the owners of their house. This project in Turkey is unique and pioneering and it has been undertaken together with public agencies.
In the area most affected by the earthquake in northwestern Syria, Fondation de France supports a food sovereignty program for the most vulnerable agricultural communities, and the preservation of the region’s agricultural heritage. The aim is to improve the resilience and food security of vulnerable populations thanks to the production and distribution of agricultural input.
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