International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation (IBC) continues “Child Friendly Spaces” project with the cooperation of UNHCR for Syrian refugees. Within the context of this project IBC has established a new center (consist of 8 tents) in Gaziantep, Islahiye. Center’s opening ceremony was held on 13 November 2014.
The main aim of this center is to give educational and psychosocial support for children who had to leave their homeland because of the civil war. Besides, center also provides a safe place for refugee children who lives in Islahiye city center or in refugee camp.
Opening ceremony was held with the participation of Islahiye Subgovernor Ünal Çakıcı, Islahiye Mayor Kemal Vural, International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation Vice President Muzaffer Baca, representatives of UNHCR and Syrian refugee children and parents.
Islahiye Subgovernor Ünal Çakıcı stated that with the cooperation of UNHCR, IBC “Child Friendly Spaces” project will make huge assistance to remediate the psychological conditions of children whose families were forced to migrate to Turkey.
International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation Vice President Muzaffer Baca also highlighted that as a result of this center approximately 1200 children is going to receive psychological and educational support. He also mentioned that “From now on these children are also our children and their comfort is also our biggest responsibility.”
OPENING CEREMONY DETAILS
After the speeches, opening ceremony continued with songs and dances. Hundreds of Syrian children and their parents expressed their gratitude about the center.
Sahra is one of these children who expresses her happiness. She came to Islahiye one year ago with her parents. She goes to school in a temporary building which has no playground. She said that “This center is very beautiful because now I can play with my friends as long as I like. Also I can reach to all of the materials that I need for my education.”
