Volunteer youth of Haydi Tut Elimi Association, chaired by Uskudar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, went to Hatay, affected by the February 6 earthquakes in its first year, creating a smile on the faces of children during Hatay's challenging post-earthquake period.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “Silent goodness is the highest quality and supreme form of goodness”
Haydi Tut Elimi Association, a beacon of hope for children and families living in Hatay, affected by the February 6 earthquakes, once again demonstrated the power of social solidarity. The association's volunteer youth offered much more than financial support, creating smiles on the faces of children during Hatay's challenging post-earthquake period.
Uskudar University Founding Rector and Haydi Tut Elimi Association Board Chairman Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, “Silent goodness is the highest quality and supreme form of goodness.”
Tarhan stated that the power of social solidarity has always been one of humanity's most important values, noting that one of the most concrete examples of these values is the aid work carried out by Haydi Tut Elimi Association in cooperation with Uskudar University for children and families in Hatay.
“Economic difficulties and social problems experienced after the earthquake made life harder for many families”
Stating that these efforts not only provided financial support but also represented an important step towards a future filled with hope and love, Tarhan continued:
“Hatay is a city that stands out with its geographical location and cultural richness. However, the economic difficulties and social problems experienced after the earthquake, dubbed the disaster of the century, made life harder for many families. It was at this very point that the goodwill ambassadors of Haydi Tut Elimi Association stepped in, taking action to support families and children in need.
“The moral support offered by the goodwill ambassadors touched the hearts of everyone living in Hatay”
Haydi Tut Elimi Association became a glimmer of hope for the daily lives of families in need in Hatay, providing food, clothing, and cash card support to children and families living there. However, beyond these aids, the moral support and sense of humanity offered by the goodwill ambassadors, predominantly young people, touched the hearts of everyone living in Hatay.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan noted that the charitable efforts not only helped those in need but also reinforced feelings of unity and solidarity in society. He added, “The love and support shown enabled everyone living in Hatay to embrace each other more tightly and look to the future with hope.”
Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar: “In Hatay, we embraced each other, we became strong together”
Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar, Director of Uskudar University's Young Brains Academy, also stated that volunteer youth worked with love in Hatay, saying, “In Hatay, we embraced each other, we became strong together.”
Not a single person said 'I'm tired'…
A. Banu Güngenci, Secretary General of Haydi Tut Elimi Association, expressed that the volunteer youth united and rushed to Hatay without a moment's hesitation or thought, saying, “They put in great effort and achieved the impossible. Not a single person said, ‘I’m tired.’ They asked, ‘What more can I do?’ As long as my country has such magnificent young people, we will always stand strong.”
Ayşegül Şekli: “With the energy and talents of the youth, we became a drop of joy in little hearts”
Ayşegül Şekli, a Board Member of the Association, also stated that they wanted to bring tiny hopes and happiness to the earthquake zone where suffering, losses, and difficulties were immense, saying, “When we set out, there was concern about what kind of support we would provide, but small steps grew like an avalanche. We saw that unity, mutual aid, and positive solidarity overcame all problems. When the importance of teamwork combined with the energy and talents of the youth, we became a drop of joy in little hearts.”
Serpil Tarhan, a Board Member of the Association, expressed her feelings: “Our valuable young people, who carry love in every cell and are wonderful at connecting with people, we were honored to be with you at a fantastic event. We thank all of you very much for adding individual value to our community and for being by our side with all your strength, despite the difficult conditions.”
Volunteer youth shared their feelings
From the volunteer youth, Elif Zehra Erdem said, “May my Lord accept your good deeds; hopefully, we will meet in many more events together.”
Kamile Güneş said, “The February 6 earthquake, the disaster of the century, is a common wound for all of us. We have been trying to heal our wounds together since the very first moment of the earthquake, and we must not forget that we need to continue until we stand back on our feet.”
Yunus Altanhan, “Hopefully, we will continue to be together in many beautiful trainings, events, and projects in the future”
Dicle Kocakaplan said, “It was a very valuable event for all of us. Even if we don’t have the power to rebuild the destroyed buildings there, I believe that by coordinating together, we have at least somewhat rebuilt the hopes, joys, happy togetherness, and much more for the children there.”
Hamoud Haba said, “This was a truly wonderful experience for me, and I hope to be a part of future events and projects.”
Zühre Nur Aktaş said, “Being by children's side during their difficult days has been my dream since childhood. This event provided an opportunity to meet children who were together under many challenging circumstances. Their happiness gave me life as well…”
Gizem Sarıal also expressed her feelings, saying, “I thank everyone, especially my teachers who managed the project, and all who participated and contributed their hearts, efforts, and love to this project.”
Children from Hatay had fun at the Children's Festival
A. Banu Güngenci, Secretary General of Haydi Tut Elimi Association, providing information about their activities in the region, said: “Haydi Tut Elimi Association volunteers went to Suvatlı and Saçaklı Villages in Hatay Antakya and Akçaova in Antakya, distributing coats, trousers, and socks to children there. A children’s festival was also held. (Face painting, hand painting, activities with a clown, jump rope, songs, dances, science workshop, astronomy workshop, fun with snow spray and confetti.) Shopping cards were distributed as food aid. Additionally, women's packages, hygiene kits, and clothing for women, men, and children, along with shoes, were distributed. In the 3 schools visited during the event, teachers were presented with Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan’s books ‘Being a Conscious Youth’ and ‘Family: The Last Refuge’.”