Suna’nın Kızları initiative, launched under the umbrella of the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation in 2021 with the aim of preserving and advancing the educational efforts, values, goals, and vision of the businesswoman Suna Kıraç, has taken action to create safe and supportive environments for the development of children in earthquake-affected areas, and to ensure that the unique needs of girls are met during the reconstruction process.
From March 9 to 12, 2023, a team consisting of Suna's Daughters' staff and consultants conducted field visits in Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, and Gaziantep, which were among the provinces most affected by earthquakes. During these field visits, temporary shelter areas were examined with a girl-focused design approach. The findings of this examination were compiled into a report by Suna's Daughters.
The report listed the following primary needs:
Immediately following the publication of the report, İpek Kıraç, the founder of Suna’nın Kızları initiative, who visited the field, mentioned that they observed providing safe spaces for adolescents to continue their learning journeys and socialize with their peers has become an even more crucial issue. Kıraç provided the following information in her statement regarding the matter:
"The impression I got from the people we met during our visits to the field is that the normalization process will take time. It is very important not to overlook the unique needs of children during this period. As we solve for vital basic needs, as mentioned in our report, creating safe spaces for children aged 12-18 to not fall behind in school and to support their emotional and physical well-being should be our focus. Of course, alongside this, having time for fun and relaxation is also part of this healing process. With our Children's Life Centers, the first of which we established in Pazarcık, we aim to holistically meet the developmental needs of children."
İpek Kıraç continued her words:"In temporary shelter areas, inclusive spaces that consider the unique needs of children aged 12-18, especially girls, are very limited. In our centers, there is a multipurpose hall and workshop where programs supporting the physical and emotional well-being of especially this age group will be implemented, as well as a consultation room where they can access psychological support, a quiet room to enable them to spend time alone, and a cafeteria where they can socialize with their peers."
The first Children's Life Center established by Suna's Daughters in Pazarcık is supported by the Turkish Philanthropy Funds. The next Children's Life Center will be established in Hatay, again within the framework of the cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Family and Social Services.
The Children's Life Centers begin their activities with a special program designed to contribute to the well-being of children aged 12 - 18. It is intended that the children who complete this program will actively participate in workshops and support programs organized by the Solution and Support Community Participants of Suna's Daughters, in line with their needs and expectations.
The centers also provide the opportunity for civil society organizations to work both together and in coordination with the services of the Ministry of Family and Social Services.
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