By Anastasiia Polonska | Project Leader
During each visit to the Torbali Camps in Izmir between September and January, our team focused on activities designed to build trust and meaningful connections with the children. These included cooperative games that involved holding hands, guided art sessions, and friendly soccer matches. Each activity was carefully chosen to promote teamwork, emotional expression, and positive social interaction within a safe and supportive environment.
Beyond the activities themselves, the most significant insight was the children’s deep need for individual attention. When volunteers sat at the children’s eye level, made eye contact, and engaged with them one-on-one, the children showed visible increases in self-confidence and enthusiasm. Many became more willing to participate, share their thoughts through art and play, and initiate interaction with both peers and adults.
While the children’s basic needs remain constant, there is a growing and urgent need for structured psychosocial support. Emotional safety, consistency, and opportunities for self-expression are essential to their well-being. Art and play continue to serve as powerful tools, allowing children to process complex emotions, express hope, and move closer to a sense of normalcy.
As our community liaison, Fatma, beautifully explains:
“The things we see most in children’s drawings are a longing for a warm home, hearts full of love, and colorful flowers. In reality, each of them is pouring their own definition of ‘happiness’ onto paper. That little house a child draws is actually them dreaming of the safest place in the world.”
With your support, we can continue to create safe spaces where children feel seen, heard, and valued. Donations help us provide art supplies, sports equipment, healthy snacks, educational materials, and consistent psychosocial activities that nurture emotional healing and resilience. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings these children one step closer to stability, confidence, and hope for the future.
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