Turkey Search & Rescue, Connectivity & Solar Power

SmartAID Turkey has established a robust partnership with social workers in Adana and Hatay Municipalities to enhance the delivery of critical social services to internally displaced people (IDP) affected by the devastating earthquakes in southern Türkiye in February 2023. This collaboration focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, residing in temporary camps in the earthquake-affected regions of Adana and Hatay. By integrating innovative technology, including the provision of over 50 additional tablets to social workers and medical professionals, SmartAID Turkey has significantly improved data collection, coordination, and service delivery. This initiative currently supports 175,000 monthly recipients, strengthening local capacity and fostering resilience among both service providers and the communities they serve.

Background

The earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye on February 6, 2023, caused unprecedented devastation, claiming over 50,000 lives and displacing 3.3 million people across 11 provinces, including Adana and Hatay. Hundreds of thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed, leaving many families in temporary camps with limited access to basic services. Social workers in Adana and Hatay Municipalities have been at the forefront of addressing the needs of these displaced populations, particularly focusing on the supervision and protection of vulnerable groups such as women and children. SmartAID Turkey, an organization specializing in leveraging technology for humanitarian aid, has partnered with these local social workers to enhance service delivery and ensure sustainable support for affected communities.

Collaboration with Social Workers

SmartAID Turkey’s collaboration with social workers in Adana and Hatay Municipalities is centered on providing comprehensive social services to IDPs living in temporary camps. Social workers play a critical role in supervising and supporting children and women, who face heightened risks of neglect, exploitation, and trauma in post-disaster settings. These services include psychosocial support, child protection activities, and gender-specific interventions to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls. In Hatay, where 80% of buildings were heavily damaged or destroyed, social workers are addressing acute humanitarian needs, including access to safe spaces and essential resources.

SmartAID Turkey has worked closely with municipal social workers to streamline operations and improve coordination. A key component of this partnership is the establishment of a centralized coordination center in Adana, which serves as a hub for collecting, processing, and analyzing data gathered by social workers in the field. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that services are tailored to the specific needs of camp residents.

Technology Integration and Capacity Building

A cornerstone of SmartAID Turkey’s intervention is its emphasis on integrating technology to enhance the capacity of local service providers. Recognizing the challenges faced by social workers and medical professionals in managing large caseloads, SmartAID has provided over 50 additional tablets to these frontline workers. These devices enable real-time data entry, case management, and communication with the Adana coordination center, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of service delivery. The tablets facilitate the collection of critical data on the needs of IDPs, including health, education, and protection requirements, which is then integrated into a centralized system for analysis and response planning.

This technological support has had a transformative impact on local service providers. Social workers and medical professionals can now track cases more effectively, monitor the well-being of children and women in temporary camps, and coordinate with other agencies to address gaps in services. The tablets also allow for remote training and access to digital resources, further enhancing the skills and capabilities of local staff. By equipping service providers with these tools, SmartAID Turkey has strengthened their ability to respond to the complex needs of IDPs, ensuring that assistance is both timely and targeted.

Impact on Service Providers and Communities

The integration of technology has significantly enhanced the capacity of social workers and medical professionals in Adana and Hatay. The use of tablets has reduced administrative burdens, allowing service providers to focus more on direct engagement with IDPs. Real-time data integration has also improved coordination between municipal authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders, fostering a more cohesive response to the crisis. Social workers report increased efficiency in case management and a greater ability to identify and address urgent needs, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and women.

For the communities receiving aid, the impact is equally profound. Currently, SmartAID Turkey’s initiatives, in collaboration with local social workers, reach approximately 175,000 people each month across Adana and Hatay. These individuals benefit from improved access to social services, including psychosocial support, child-friendly spaces, and protection programs. The supervision of children and women in temporary camps has helped mitigate risks such as gender-based violence and child exploitation, while also providing safe environments for emotional and psychological recovery. The data-driven approach ensures that aid is distributed equitably, reaching those who need it most and reducing duplication of efforts.

Case Study: Support in Hatay

In Hatay, where the destruction was particularly severe, SmartAID Turkey’s collaboration with the Hatay-Samandag Municipality has been instrumental in supporting IDPs. For example, the provision of tablets to social workers has facilitated the delivery of prosthetic and orthotic interventions to earthquake-related amputees, with logistical support from the municipality enhancing the efficiency of these efforts. This initiative, part of the broader “Collective Solution” project with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Alternative Life Association (AYDER), demonstrates how technology can be paired with local expertise to achieve meaningful outcomes. By enabling social workers to collect and share data seamlessly, SmartAID has helped ensure that vulnerable individuals receive timely and appropriate support.