Stories
August 30, 2024 • 3 min read
On February 6, 2023, Amina, her husband and their seven children experienced a major change in their lives. At that time, the family had already been struggling to cope with severe socio-economic conditions, including poverty, lack of access to education, and ongoing threats from their exploitative landlord. The earthquake added another layer of hardship to the displaced family.
Coping with Displacement
Speaking about the compounded struggles of displacement, Amina said:
“We came to Türkiye in 2013 after our house was bombed in Syria, and my children were injured. Life was extremely difficult due to my husband’s illness and his inability to work, compounded by exploitation and mistreatment from our landlord.”
Amina’s children were relentlessly bullied at school because their family’s financial insecurity meant they lacked basic essentials such as uniforms and footwear. This had a significant emotional impact on the family, which was also battling a precarious housing situation due to a difficult landlord.
Amina pictured in her home in Türkiye.
Critical Intervention of GOAL Türkiye
The family’s situation was brought to GOAL Türkiye in January 2024, and the protection team conducted a thorough assessment of their needs. Acknowledging the immediate risk to their safety and wellbeing, the GOAL team swiftly developed a comprehensive intervention plan.
GOAL referred Amina and her children for psychosocial support, which helped them rebuild their emotional resilience.
Meanwhile, GOAL Türkiye worked closely with local schools to provide uniforms and footwear, allowing the children to return to school and continue their education without fear of ridicule.
Finding Strength on the Road to Resilience
The family received critical legal support. Amina gained the knowledge to assert her tenancy rights, alleviating the pressures caused by her landlord.
Speaking about the impact of the support from GOAL, Amina shared:
“I felt incredibly lonely, especially since I had no family or relatives nearby. The support from GOAL Türkiye was a beacon of hope for me. When I met with the team, I felt as though there were people truly standing by my side. My children were overwhelmed with happiness to return to school and study again, thanks to the organisation’s help.”
Six-month rent support was also provided, stabilising their housing situation and leading to the return of the European Union-funded ESSN card that the landlord had unjustly confiscated.
This intervention enabled the family to recover until Amina’s husband – who was suffering from a debilitating injury – hospital treatment was complete.
Healthcare access for Amina’s husband was facilitated, ensuring he received the necessary medical care and documentation. Administrative support was provided to update personal records, safeguarding the family’s access to essential services.
“The support from GOAL Türkiye has been a lifeline, bringing stability and care when we needed it most,” shared Amina.
GOAL’s Plans for Continued Impact
Today, the children thrive in school, the family’s housing is secure, and Amina has regained her strength and confidence.
Amina’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of comprehensive support and the resilience of those who, despite overwhelming odds, can rebuild their lives with the right help.
GOAL Türkiye is proud to support Amina’s family, marking a significant milestone in their journey from crisis to stability.
With kind support from the European Union, GOAL Türkiye can continue to reach families like Amina, who are living in displacement and navigating life after compounded crises.
