Save the Children Türkiye established a child friendly space and social center to the container city where Lale* (12) lives and has implemented MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) activities in the child-friendly space. As part of MHPSS activities, Lale* participates in the Children’s Committee, a program for children aged 6-17 that promotes awareness of their rights, emotional development, and community involvement. Through this initiative, children engage in fun, interactive activities to learn about safety, emotions, and responsibilities. They also contribute to creating group agreements, voice their needs, and suggest improvements for their living spaces. In the meetings girls and boys interacted with each other beyond their gender and nationality by recognizing their wholeness and potentials as equal individuals. Lale* feels encouraged to bring her authentic self to the committee meetings and to claim her economic empowerment which are both critical steps to promote the understanding of gender equality.
Lale*, 12, began living with her family in a container city in Islahiye, Gaziantep, following the devastating earthquakes happened in southern Türkiye in 2023. Currently in the 7th grade, Lale* is a bright, ambitious young girl passionate about volleyball and dreams of becoming a teacher. Her entire social environment and surroundings have been reshaped within the container city.
Save the Children Türkiye established a child friendly space and social center to the container city where Lale* lives and has implemented MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) activities in the child-friendly space. As part of MHPSS activities, Lale* participates in the Children’s Committee, a program for children aged 6-17 that promotes awareness of their rights, emotional development, and community involvement. Through this initiative, children engage in fun, interactive activities to learn about safety, emotions, and responsibilities. They also contribute to creating group agreements, voice their needs, and suggest improvements for their living spaces. In the meetings girls and boys interacted with each other beyond their gender and nationality by recognizing their wholeness and potentials as equal individuals. Lale* feels encouraged to bring her authentic self to the committee meetings and to claim her economic empowerment which are both critical steps to promote the understanding of gender equality.
Lale*, an active member of the committee, values the safe and inclusive environment it provides, where she can freely express her ideas. The discussions on children’s rights and emotional well-being have empowered her to become a confident advocate. A key topic in the committee discussed with children was the need for safe recreational spaces, like bicycle paths and volleyball courts, which Lale* believes are vital for children’s physical and emotional health. Lale* feels confident and ready to engage with a committee of adults, eager to share the important decisions made by the children’s committee.
Passionate about children’s rights, Lale* advocates for safe environments, especially for children and women. These activities have helped Lale* feel emotionally secure and resilient despite the challenges she’s faced, teaching her to express emotions in healthy ways.
Lale* aspires to help people in need, particularly those without homes, and to break societal prejudices, fostering empathy for others, especially women.
Supporting children like Lale* helps amplify children voices within their communities, empowering them to represent their peers, express themselves, and advocate for their rights. As Lale* mentioned, children best understand their own needs, so children who learn to express their needs effectively become essential voices in the rebuilding process, particularly in disaster-affected areas. Listening directly to children about their living spaces and giving them a voice is key to creating environments that promote safety and well-being. This approach serves as a guide for everyone in providing spaces where children’s rights and needs are addressed.
For this reason, Save the Children Türkiye encourages children's participation in decision-making processes. We integrate their ideas into our programs and shape our activities based on their feedback. We support children in expressing their needs and views freely through child-friendly feedback mechanisms. We create spaces, such as this committee, where children can raise their voices and establish platforms where they can express themselves.
*Names have been changed to protect identity
