After the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, Nazih* and his family moved between temporary settlements while facing ongoing barriers to education. Three years after the earthquakes, during their transition from temporary shelter to urban life, we supported the family in re-establishing a stable and safe living environment with the support of the European Union. Through comprehensive financial, educational, and psychosocial support, alongside child protection services, the children have successfully continued their schooling and are looking ahead with renewed confidence.
Following the 2023 earthquakes, Nazih* and his family of nine spent months moving between temporary shelters in Adıyaman. As they began transitioning into urban life, they faced challenges, from housing and health concerns to disrupted schooling for their children.
Ensuring his children’s continued access to education remained a top priority for Nazih, who places strong value on their learning and future. However, logistical steps such as arranging school transportation, acquiring school supplies, and completing enrollment procedures in a new district required extra effort and careful planning.
With the support of the European Union, Save the Children Türkiye and its partner Pikolo Association provided an integrated package of assistance, including multipurpose cash support, education and protection services, and mental health and psychosocial support. This approach helped the family cover essential needs such as rent, food, and medical expenses, while also supporting children’s return to school.
“The pressure eased, and I felt much more at peace,” Nazih says. “My children were happy because I was happy.”
Empowering Children Through Education and Wellbeing
All school-aged children are now attending regularly. Mahsoon* (13) has regained his motivation to learn and is building friendships, while Gulnas* (14) has reconnected with her passion for drawing. They were supported to enrol in school, with cash assistance enabling the purchase of school supplies such as books, notebooks, and bags.
Alongside educational support, the family participated in psychosocial sessions that strengthened emotional wellbeing, improved communication, and supported positive parenting. For the children, structured group activities created safe spaces to play, learn, and rebuild confidence.
Today, while challenges remain, the family is experiencing stability and a renewed sense of normalcy. With children back in school, strengthened family relationships, and improved emotional wellbeing, they are gradually rebuilding their daily lives.
About the Project:
With the financial support of the European Union, Save the Children Türkiye, in collaboration with the Pikolo Association, implemented a comprehensive support programme in Adıyaman for families navigating their transition from temporary container settlements to urban housing. The project provided 208 households with integrated multi-purpose cash and winterization assistance, addressing urgent financial and seasonal needs. Educational continuity was a core priority, achieved by delivering cash for education support and rigorous monitoring for 150 children at risk of dropping out. Furthermore, the initiative strengthened local protection systems by providing specialized case management, counseling, and structured psychosocial sessions for over 400 children and caregivers. By combining these multi-sectoral interventions with the establishment of youth clubs, the programme successfully strengthened long-term resilience for families navigating their relocation.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
Ayşe Nur Gençalp / Save the Children Türkiye
