Founded in 1973 by renowned writer Aziz Nesin, the Nesin Foundation (Nesin Vakfı) has long championed children’s right to education in Türkiye. In response to the February 2023 earthquakes, the foundation expanded its mission to create safe, healing spaces for earthquake-affected children in Hatay, fostering resilience and well-being through engaging activities.
Our Support
With funding from our Regional Recovery Support Program, under the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, the Nesin Foundation has been running a series of workshops in culture, arts, design, music, and nature. These sessions are designed to improve children’s psychosocial well-being, supporting them as they process trauma and rebuild a sense of hope.
With over 330 workshops have reached more than 1,600 children aged 7 to 18 in remote villages and container cities. Led by psychologists and experts, the workshops help children build crucial skills like self-expression, concentration, and decision-making, with games and activities to develop coordination, creativity, and reflexes.
Holistic Support for Children and Educators
In addition to supporting children, Professor Ali Nesin led workshops for teachers focused on post-earthquake reconstruction, along with a mathematics workshop for children. Psychologists work closely with the foundation to prevent secondary trauma, ensuring both children and staff feel safe and supported.
The project, Aziz Dede’nin Gezgin Atölyesi, follows a child rights-focused, inclusive, gender-sensitive, and nature-friendly approach, emphasising safe boundaries and a sensitive, healing-focused environment.
Our grant enabled the foundation to employ expert staff who coordinate and deliver these essential field activities, directly impacting the lives of countless children.
“We’ve been to over 15 villages and temporary settlements and reached over 1,600 children. It’s the first time we’ve reached out to children outside our own community. We learned so much from this experience.”
Thank You to Our Donors
We thank all our donors for their generosity. Together, we are helping to create a brighter future for the children. To learn more about the Nesin Foundation and their work with children in Hatay, watch our video interview.
