Following the devastating earthquakes in Hatay, Türkiye, many children were displaced, and their education was disrupted. Alper*, a 9-year-old student in the fourth grade, attends a school that suffered minor damages but became overcrowded after most of the surrounding schools were damaged, resulting in the transfer of many students.
After the earthquake his family built a prefabricated home and continue to live there. His academic life was also affected. Almost two years after the earthquakes, challenges in education still persist, but the introduction of Save the Children’s temporary learning spaces brought a sense of normality and security. Alper* described how the container classrooms were initially a new experience but became a place where he felt comfortable and able to focus on his studies. He enjoys activities with his friends, especially physical education, football, and drawing. His favourite subject is Turkish, and he loves engaging in lessons with his teachers. The container classrooms helped him understand the lessons better and improved his learning experience.
Alper* dreams of becoming a pilot, a goal he's had since he was very young. His mother Sevde*, who is 30 years old, supports his dreams. She highlights how important education is for their children’s future, particularly in these challenging times. She explained that the temporary learning spaces have significantly improved the educational environment for her son. In the overcrowded classrooms before the containers arrived, her child struggled to concentrate and fully absorb the lessons. The container classrooms have provided a solution, with fewer children in each class, allowing for better engagement with the teacher and a more comfortable learning experience.
Sevde* mentions that Alper* often comes home expressing how much more at ease he feels in the container classroom, as he can hear the teacher clearly and understand the lessons more effectively. The sense of safety and comfort that the containers provide has been invaluable for both the children and their parents. The mother emphasized that without education, there is no future for the children, and the containers have offered the necessary support during these challenging times.
The establishment of temporary learning spaces in Hatay has been an important step in ensuring that children like Alper* can continue to learn, dream, and work towards a future despite the challenges they face. These spaces have not only provided physical space but also a sense of safety and hope for the children and their families. Ayşe Nur Gençalp / Save the Children Türkiye
