People On the Move, Suspended Futures

Maha lived a simple life in Syria with her husband, Khalid, and their children. Khalid supported the family through beekeeping. As uncertainty in the country grew, life became increasingly difficult. Maha eventually came to Türkiye with her children, and her husband, Khalid, joined his family some time later.

In their first days in Türkiye, the family stayed with Maha’s brother, who had already settled in Hatay. They later moved into a small home of their own. Khalid began working as a painter, but at first, he could only find work one day a week. Even so, his income helped the family cover their children’s basic needs, such as diapers and formula.

Over the years in Türkiye, the family grew. Maha and Khalid built a new life in Hatay with their five children. However, the February 6 earthquakes once again disrupted the life they had worked so hard to build.

Forced to leave their damaged home, the family first lived in a tent and later moved into a container. For a while, the children were unable to attend school or spend time with their friends. The family faced uncertainty about where they would live and when the children would be able to return to school.

During this period, the family received support through the opportunities provided under projects implemented by the Association for Social Development and Aid Mobilization (ASAM). This assistance helped the family create a safer living environment in their new home and meet some of their daily needs. All children were enrolled in school and provided with school uniforms. 

Maha recalls this period, saying, “Whenever I needed help, I turned to the association’s staff. Every time I knocked on their door, they were there to support me. Knowing that they were by my side gave me strength.

Maha’s greatest wish is for her children to continue their education and build a future where they can stand on their own feet.

The family’s journey is not over yet.  However,  the children, who once did not know where they would live or when they would return to school, are now talking about their futures again. Their dreams, once put on hold, are coming back to life through education and the hopes they continue to build as they grow.

(Note: The real names of the beneficiaries have been changed.)