6 February 2025, Malatya, Türkiye – In the second anniversary of the devastating February 6 Earthquakes, CIFAL Istanbul, in collaboration with the Bright Futures Foundation, and with the support of Bahçeşehir University and UNITAR, carried out a four-day impactful field visit to Malatya, one of the most affected regions. Between February 3rd and 6th, the CIFAL Istanbul team visited schools and temporary accommodation centers to support the educational and emotional recovery of children affected by the disaster.
Throughout the visit, a wide array of hands-on workshops and interactive activities were conducted to empower children through science, environmental awareness, and creativity. At Beydağı Temporary Accommodation Center, the team spent quality time with Syrian children affected by the earthquake, painting, talking, and organizing art-based activities inside the container homes, offering moments of joy and connection.
On 4 February, CIFAL Istanbul and Bright Futures Foundation, in collaboration with the BilimSenOl Platform, visited Yenice Secondary School in Darende and hosted science workshops introducing children to basic chemistry through natural hand-sanitizer experiments made from essential oils and vinegar. These workshops not only fostered creativity but also demonstrated the practical use of science in daily life, sparking hope and enthusiasm.
On 5 February, CIFAL Istanbul and Bright Futures Foundation visited Şehit Aytaç Altunörs Primary and Secondary School, where they carried out a multifaceted day of support. With the partnership of Bahçeşehir University, books were donated to help enrich the school’s library—offering children expanded access to learning resources, imagination, and healing. On the same day, a Seed Ball Workshop was organized using recycled newspaper, flower seeds, soil, and cinnamon powder. Following this, students planted saplings in the schoolyard, strengthening their bond with the environment and learning about biodiversity, waste reduction, and eco-friendly production methods. These activities reinforced SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting both academic growth and sustainability awareness.
The event series also included team games, sustainability-themed discussions, and meaningful conversations with students and teachers about the road ahead. These collective experiences emphasized the importance of unity, empathy, and shared responsibility in recovery and rebuilding processes.
“The solidarity shown in the face of the February 6 Earthquakes reminds us that building a better future begins with unity, empathy, and shared action—first at the individual level, and then globally.”
CIFAL Istanbul extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, educators, students, and especially to the Bright Futures Foundation, Bahçeşehir University, and UNITAR for their unwavering support. These efforts underline CIFAL Istanbul’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable development and empowering children through education, creativity, and compassion.
This field visit reflected CIFAL Istanbul’s belief in building hope through education, sustainability, and solidarity—planting the seeds of a stronger future, one child at a time.
