Education Versus Lost Generation!

Following Turkey’s declaration of 28 February 2020 that it would no longer prevent those wishing to leave the country, 14,000 irregular migrants, asylum seekers and refugees set off to the border regions, motivated by the dream of finally being able to cross into European countries. Bearing in mind the fact that sea crossings would more likely pose a life-threatening risk, a majority of irregular migrants preferred moving towards the Edirne Pazarkule and Ipsala border gates located on the areas where Turkey shares land borders with Greece. During the weeks-long wait on the Greece border, Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (SGDD-ASAM), as an NGO, mobilized all its resources to produce solutions for the problems experienced as regards the access to legal assistance, humanitarian aid, healthcare services and food in the region...

These photographs, taken by SGDD-ASAM during the mobility in the border region that lasted until 27 March 2020, are of a nature that might be considered as a documentary shedding light on this historical period...

Turkey territory, which has witnessed numerous historic mass movements throughout ages due to its special position on migration routes, has once again witnessed significant moments during this period and has made a note on its own historical period during the “quest” of persons.

On the stop of this “quest” during this nearly 1-month period, SGDD-ASAM, with its more than 150 staff members, became a part of this very journey and gained significant experience at all phases. With the support and direct help of SGDD-ASAM team during this timeframe, vulnerable persons were identified, comprehensive works in health, food, hygiene and similar areas were carried out in collaboration with public institutions and organizations, international organizations, United Nations entities and non-governmental organizations, and a total of 1.080.580 units of items were distributed, out of which 626.014 being food items, 128.948 being hygiene items, 249,083 being beverage items and 76.535 being other supplementary items.

With these photographs, SGDD-ASAM does not aim to repeat what is visible but aims to provide visibility.

From Iraq to Ankara Children's Council

2 Iraqi refugee girls selected for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Children's Council

Ehlem and Fatma, are 13 years old two daughters who fled with their families from the war in Iraq came to Turkey. First, they started school in Turkey and learned Turkish. Now with their peers, they work and help for the children and nature in the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Children's Council.

The path of Ehlem and Fatma crossed at the Children's Commission which established 1.5 years ago at the Ankara Community Center in Mamak of the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants. The Children's Council authorities, who recently visited the commission, encouraged children to be candidates for parliamentary membership. Ehlem and Fatma, who were candidates in the elections held on November 3, became two of the three refugee children in the assembly when the results were announced.

Ehlem who is the youngest of her family came to Turkey with her parents and five siblings six years ago. Her favorite lectures are painting, music, and Turkish. Her future dream job is to become a brain surgeon. Ehlem says she wonders about the structure of the brain and adds that “ I witnessed people's diseases caused by tumors in the brain, I read in magazines too. I want to help them and cure them for free.”

Fatma fled from the war in Iraq and came to Turkey 4 years ago with her mother and 5 siblings, her father is still in Iraq. She is also the youngest of the family and her favorite lectures are painting and math. Fatma’s dream job is to become a Turkish Teacher. The two girls say that the election of the membership of the Children's Council, in which they were uneasy, was very excited. Ehlem and Fatma are proud to succeed in the election with the support they receive from other children.

During her tenure, Fatma wants to work to prevent animals from being treated badly. On the other hand, Ehlem plans to work to keep nature and playgrounds clean. The common agenda of the two is to make studies that will raise awareness for children with autism.

Ehlem says that “Children with disadvantages such as autism and disability have dreams that cannot be realized. I'm sure we don't have, but I don't say they have more. Let's not ignore them. If I want to be here it is for to make theirs and our dreams come true.”

Regarding the World Children's Day on November 20, Fatma points out children's right to play. Fatma says that “When I was in Iraq, we did not have any playgrounds near us. After our arrival in Turkey thanks to ASAM I have gained too many friends. With my friends, I learned to go to playgrounds, play games, and have fun. I’m calling out to parents, help and support our children. Let them play outside, do not let them stick to technology too much.”

Ehlem thinks that the most important right of children is their protection of health. Ehlem says that “A children, cannot use their rights without being healthy. We can see child labor is spread all around the world. They collect garbage. This issue has to be dwelled on. Parents who encourage children to work in younger ages should be charged”

With your support and help, children like Ehlem and Fatma can enroll in the school programs and raise their voices in society.

Thank you.

We would like to share a case story of one of our beneficiaries with you…

Hadeel, who is 22 years old, aims to finish her school and to become a successful businesswoman by climbing up the ladder of success step by step.

When asked about what her goal is in terms of education and career, Hadeel says the following in response: “Finishing my school and becoming a successful businesswoman by climbing up the ladder of success step by step, and even having a company of my own.”

Hadeel was going to 10th grade in Syria. Once arrived in Turkey in 2013, she resumed her education, enrolling in 11th grade; however, she missed the re-registration process during the change of curriculum in the last grade, and therefore had to suspend her education. Beginning to work in factories during the period she did not attend school, Hadeel did not give up on her school life, decided to go to school once again the next year, and completed her open high school education. Hadeel is currently a freshman student at Istanbul University and is very happy for continuing her education.

When asked what kind of challenges they mostly face in their daily lives, Hadeel points out that the greatest challenges are language barrier and finding a job. In regards to her Turkish neighbors and friends, she says, “we have been living in Istanbul for 5 years now, our neighbors are good people. Even though we don’t speak the same language, we’re able to get along with a smile”.

Hadeel expresses that obtaining a certificate through the vocational course she is attending simultaneously will help her to find a qualified job. Indicating that she now believes there are job opportunities for herself and her family, Hadeel says that her greatest dream is “to do a master’s degree after graduation; to raise my and my family’s living standards by constantly progressing in my education and career”.

Having come to Istanbul in 2013, Hadeel mentions that language barrier was the biggest difficulty she had faced at the beginning. Hadeel says, “the greatest difficulty for me was not knowing the language; first I had to overcome that problem and I needed money for that. I had to find a job. Even if it was difficult, I managed to find a job at factories, I was fatigued but I never gave up, I kept working. Eventually, I saved money and attended a language course. I took a major step towards my school life by receiving a B2 level Turkish language certificate.”

Pointing out that being aware of her success in works she took new steps towards despite all difficulties and indicating that taking more determined steps in achieving her dreams motivates her, Hadeel says that she feels very lucky for having heard about the vocational training and for having participated in it. Hadeel goes on to say, “I’m a student and I have dreams. I’ve come across another step to achieve them. I’m learning the job and I’m earning money. This situation gives me great joy. I’m very happy to be sharing the same environment, talking and learning together with Turkish people in our course”.

With the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming 18 December as International Migrants Day in year 2000, it was aimed for migrant rights to be known worldwide and for awareness to be raised on the problems experienced by migrants.

Due to conflicts, economic problems and political reasons in many regions of the world, millions of individuals all over the world have started seeking migration routes, leaving behind their families, homes, lives in pursuit of better conditions.

Presently, the number of persons living in a country other than their country of birth is greater than ever before. The number of migrants in the world has reached 272 million in 2019. The global population of forcibly displaced persons have nearly exceeded 70 million at the end of 2018. Approximately 26 million of this population consists of refugees, while 3.5 million consists of asylum seekers. Today, one out of every 33 persons in the world comes from a migrant background.

Unfortunately, negative opinions and statements concerning migrants is rising due to increasing intolerant statements about them throughout the world. However, the positive contributions of migrants on the community and country to which they migrate; in other words, the strong connection between migration and development should never be ignored and steps should be taken to further strengthen this connection.

In such a period, Turkey has set an example for the world with its works conducted in this regard and has always welcomed migrants and has never left those in need to deal with such a difficult situation on their own. It has fulfilled the responsibility of being aware that remaining indifferent to one of the most significant problems globally experienced by humanity means contributing to violations of human rights increasing and living conditions in poor countries worsening.

Based on our 25 years of experience as ASAM on migration and refugees, with the understanding that migration does not only mean arriving at someplace and should be addressed as a process, we focus on raising awareness on the challenges encountered by migrants and asylum seekers during migration and on providing assistance by coming up with solutions for the problems experienced.

Calling upon creating a world where human rights and human dignity are protected, we wish you a happy International Migrants Day.

A new school year has begun!

In Turkey, schools start in September. Now, children have a lot to learn. Let's spend a year full of love, excitement, solidarity, and hope.

What did we do in the meantime? Wait for to schools to open? Of course not...

We gathered strength before school year begins, and prepared activities for all of our children.

ASAM Çorum Multi Service Support Center came together with children at the ''Back to School'' event. The faces were smiling, preparations were completed.

ASAM’s Yalova Sustainable Living Center, organized activities for improving the sensory and motor skills of children during the preparation for school events. Yalova Sustainable Living Center continues its efforts to strengthen the children's hand and eye coordination. On the other hand, playing games that improve Turkish language skills is the children's main source of amusement. 

Your donations are making these events possible.

On behalf of all of our organization.

Thank you.