Stories
January 29, 2025 • 3 min read
The 2023 earthquakes devastated over nine million people across 11 provinces in southern Türkiye, leaving over 53,000 dead and an estimated three million displaced within the country – many of whom had already been living in displacement as refugees from Syria. This is Aisha's story.
Surviving the earthquake but faced with displacement – again.
It was almost two years ago when Aisha’s world was shattered. At 4:16 a.m. on February 6, 2023, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake ripped through south-eastern Türkiye, waking her family into chaos.
With no time to escape, they were trapped under the rubble of their collapsed building. Aisha, 32, and her family were miraculously rescued by the AFAD team but did not escape unscathed. They each suffered injuries but were grateful to have survived.
Aisha’s family was among those already living in displacement before the earthquake struck. Having sought refuge in Hatay as Syrian refugees, they spent over a decade rebuilding their lives. However, the devastating earthquake forced them to uproot once more, initially relocating to Antalya for safety and stability. After spending a year there, they eventually moved to Gaziantep in search of work and a sense of security.
Displaced mother of three, Aisha, welcoming GOAL into her home with EU-funded aid.
The struggles faced by mothers in displacement and GOAL’s response
Aisha’s need for support became even more critical last year as she prepared to welcome a new baby into her family. That’s when she learned about GOAL through a relative.
Aisha, with her two young children, speaks with a GOALie.
Shortly after reaching out, GOAL swiftly prepared to help Aisha, her husband, and their three children—including their recently welcomed baby.
As part of this help, Aisha was overjoyed to receive a newborn kit from GOAL containing essentials like an infant carrier, baby blankets, diapers, clothing, shampoo, and more.
Aisha receives new born kit from GOAL.
“Getting by is very difficult,” Aisha shares.
“Everything is very expensive, and we have a baby.” The kit has been a lifeline for her family.
Beyond physical aid
Beyond the newborn kit, GOAL, with funding from the European Union, provided the young family with hygiene supplies and market cards and helped arrange hospital appointments during her pregnancy.
GOAL is also helping Aisha register her address, which will enable her to access rent support and enrol her children in psychosocial support sessions – support desperately needed after the traumatic impact of displacement and the earthquake on the children.
Aisha and her young daughter smile as they use aid delivered by GOAL.
Reflecting on the support she received, Aisha shares,
“GOAL is great. They have been very helpful. I can reach out to them all the time.”
In her modest kitchen, Aisha smiles, anticipating the moment she’ll share the good news with her husband—she can’t wait to show him the infant carrier. Her husband, Jamal, works tirelessly harvesting olives, peppers, and other seasonal vegetables, earning just €20 a day. This is meagre pay for such labourer’s work and simply not enough to meet the young family’s needs.
The young family pictured in their modest home, visited by a GOALie.
Thanks to the EU
Thanks to the funding provided by the EU through its Humanitarian Aid Operations, GOAL has been able to provide vital assistance to over 290,000 individuals like Aisha and her family for over 5 years, helping them rebuild their lives in the aftermath of unimaginable loss and upheaval. For Aisha, GOAL’s support has brought not only tangible relief but also a great sense of emotional support, allowing her to rebuild with hope and dignity.
