In Hatay, our grantee partner, the Teacher’s Network (Öğretmen Ağı), has turned challenges into opportunities. Teachers came together to rebuild hope and critically support students, parents, and schools. Through art workshops, nature walks, and academic support, they’ve reached 1,728 children and 71 parents through the efforts of 43 dedicated teachers in earthquake-affected areas.
Our Support
The devastating earthquakes left teachers in Hatay facing immense difficulties. Many were displaced, living in container housing with limited privacy and little opportunity for social interaction. The emotional toll was overwhelming.
Through our Regional Recovery Support Program, launched under the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, the Teacher’s Network introduced a transformative initiative to empower educators and strengthen their ability to lead during crises.
The program offered workshops and training sessions that promoted well-being and equipped teachers to meet the needs of their students, including:
- Critical thinking and reading workshops to foster creativity and engagement.
- Drama, games, and expressive arts activities to boost students’ morale and motivation.
- Nature walks and outdoor activities to help teachers reconnect with their environment and find moments of healing.
Field implementation expanded to eight centres in Adıyaman, Adana, Kahramanmaraş, and Hatay, where volunteers received training to conduct academic and psychosocial support activities. Collaborative efforts with the Ministry of National Education significantly enhanced the project’s impact.
A Space to Heal and Grow
This project has profoundly impacted not only teachers but also the students, parents, and school communities they support. By sharing experiences and strategies, teachers have addressed challenges such as students struggling with focus, skipping school, or coping with emotional trauma. These workshops have been crucial in improving student well-being and fostering a renewed sense of community.
The activities were carefully monitored and evaluated using a value-based framework. Surveys, observation notes, and participant feedback were analysed with discourse analysis techniques to assess the initiative’s impact and ensure continuous improvement.
Beyond the classroom, the initiative has created solidarity among educators, building a network of mutual support. It has helped teachers return to their schools stronger, more motivated, and ready to inspire change.
For many, this program has become a much-needed “place to breathe” amidst the chaos. One participant shared, “Without this project, many teachers would feel breathless. It has given us the strength to keep going as agents of change.”
Thank You to Our Donors
The incredible impact of the “Teachers in the Rebuilding of Life” project would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. Your support helps us partner with organisations like the Teacher’s Network, empowering educators to rebuild lives and inspire hope.
Watch the video to hear directly from teachers on the ground and see how your contributions are making a difference. Together, we’re fostering resilience and shaping brighter futures.
