11/03/2023
After the devastating earthquakes in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, a small group of friends came to Kahramanmaraş to provide immediate intervention and aid to those affected. In Sümer Mahallesi of Dulkadiroglu district, a junior high school and a basketball court were found surrounded by tents set up by the people.
It all began with building a field kitchen for the sole purpose of preparing and serving hot meals. Thereafter toilets were built and assembled to the sewage system directly which was found coincidentally underneath an agricultural land.
With tremendous support of the volunteers from various cities, the project expanded and later on; a workshop, a playground for children, a temporary cinema, and a social area for adults were built.
In the course of time, the basic infrastructure of our settlement began to improve .
With the help of the international and local NGOs; the supply chain and water systems were improved, a WASH system of 10.000 liter capacity was installed in order to filter the contaminated water.
By the integration of the locals; building, cooking, maintaining and organising the area, an incredible unity and solidarity was achieved. Throughout this continuum, our approach fostered the reanimation of the local community, enabled a harmonious team work and everyone involved became more committed and motivated.
Since February 9th, 2023 this grassroot organisation has been serving 10.000 hot meals per day. Future plans include mobilizing the local community to create a self-sufficient economy and reconstructing housing with an innovative, sustainable and solid approach while willing to offer mid-term employment in the field of agriculture and production in order to create micro-economic development in the area.
