Üsküdar Family in the Earthquake Region During Ramadan…

Üsküdar University, which continues its support and efforts in the region after the century's disaster, which occurred on February 6th centered in Kahramanmaraş and caused devastating results in 11 provinces, is once again in the earthquake region. Üsküdar University members, who delivered the aid they collected to earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay during Ramadan, spent a long time with the earthquake survivors. Üsküdar University members also brought gifts to children who felt the pain of the earthquake most deeply, alleviating their suffering, if only a little, with colorful and fun events they organized.

Following the earthquakes that affected 11 provinces and were described as the disaster of the century, earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay were visited under the leadership of Üsküdar University's Health, Culture and Sports (SKS) Department and the 'Haydi Tut Elimi' (Come On, Hold My Hand) Association. During the visit, where food and clothing aid was provided, young children were not forgotten.

Academic and administrative staff, along with students of Üsküdar University, delivered the aid they collected to earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay. 

Üsküdar University members visited Dedeler Primary and Middle School in Türkoğlu, Kahramanmaraş, Reyhanlı Education Campus in Hatay, and the tent cities. 
The event was attended by SKS Manager Sadık Paksoy, Üsküdar University Young Brains Academy Director Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, SKS Specialist Selman Utku, Haydi Tut Elimi Association Secretary Ayşe Banu Güngenci, Board Members Serpil Tarhan and Ayşegül Şekli, and students.
Within the scope of the visit, the residents of Türkoğlu district of Kahramanmaraş were also visited. Türkoğlu Mayor Osman Okumuş, Dedeler Village Headman Kahraman Güneş, Dedeler Primary and Middle School Principal Mustafa Bozdoğan, Dedeler Primary and Middle School teaching staff, the village's council of elders, and village residents warmly welcomed the Üsküdar University members.  

Defying the devastating pain of the earthquake, they all painted together…

A team of 30 people visiting Dedeler Primary and Middle School in Türkoğlu district of Kahramanmaraş organized activities with children and provided clothing and food aid. 
The volunteers created beautiful and meaningful memories with the children. 
Magic and clown shows were performed, children's faces were painted, and candies and balloons were distributed. 

The team, met with great interest, also experienced emotional moments from time to time.

Sadık Paksoy: “You will come back and teach at this school…”

Sadık Paksoy, SKS Manager and a native of Kahramanmaraş, informed the team about the history of the province and conveyed his wishes for recovery to the earthquake-affected children and families. Chatting with the children, Paksoy said; “I was born in this village. I hope you will also study like us and come to universities. You will become great engineers, doctors, economists, bankers, and teachers. You will come back and teach in these schools. May Allah never let us see such earthquakes again.”
The residents of Türkoğlu Dedeler Village, who conveyed their thanks for the visit, hosted the team at a rich iftar (fast-breaking) dinner table consisting of local dishes.

Reyhanlı Education Campus Visited

After Kahramanmaraş, the team stopped in Hatay. They visited Reyhanlı Education Campus, an international educational institution. Later, they visited the tent cities in central Antakya and offered treats to the children there.

News: Ebranur Özdemir
Photos: Kaan Güzeltepe