Projects

Earthquake Region

Immediately after the Earthquake

HRDF has started working in Gölcük immediately after the earthquake. These activities were generally related with the urgent needs of the population right after the earthquake. HRDF volunteers helped the international teams to rescue people, they distributed food and clothes and opened laundry and showers. In the mean time, an outpatient clinic was opened; group and individual therapy sessions for adults and children were held; the students who were in need of support were matched with those individuals or companies who would like to provide the scholarships. The activities to provide social and psychological rehabilitation started in the tents and barracks. Then gradually two youth centers, two child day care centers and a woman center were opened in different neighborhoods of Gölcük.


Ihsaniye Social Center

All the activities mentioned above have been gathered under the same roof of a community center since 2001. In the establishment of the Center, Kessa Dimitra (a Greek NGO) has provided the funds for the construction of the building and Municipality of Ýhsaniye has constructed the infrastructure.
Today, in this Center, there are units for children, women, youth and elderly. Psychological support services, provided by two psychologists continue under the supervision of HRDF. The regular courses held in the Center are; English Language, PC, ethnic dances, saz and guitar, handicraft and drawing, sewing and embroidery. Full time day care for children and activities for elderly are among the daily activities that take place at Center. The center’ operational costs are met by CRS and UMCOR.


Reproductive Health Training for Children and Parents in Gölcük


The training sessions on reproductive health were held in 2000-2001, for children and parents who had participated in social activities and rehabilitation program in Gölcük. JOICFP, a Japanese international NGO provided financial support for this program.


Reproductive Health and Support Program


HRDF implemented a program in 2000, with the support of ECHO/UNFPA. Mobile health care units provided health and counseling services for women and men; contraceptive materials and iron pills were distributed. The health service providers checked the elderly people as well, for the first time in the area. Their needs were defined; vitamin and calcium pills were distributed.


Parents and School Collaboration Program


HRDF, Caritas Turkey and International Blue Crescent have started a program with the support of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to support schools in the earthquake region to become agents of social development in their community. The main objectives of the program is: to build the organizational capacity of the Parent Teacher Councils at the school level for effective involvement in the resolution of child and school related issues; to enhance parental skills and; to increase teachers' capacity to involve parents in education of their children.