Schoolchildren In Isolated Turkish Village Warm Up To Clothing And Stationery Contribution

In most remote areas of Turkey, the lack of or poorly-managed physical and social infrastructure like roads and schools has exacerbated rural people’s isolation. This seclusion often affects children the most. In addition, harsh winter conditions can make life in these far-removed locations more challenging. With that in mind, QNET Turkey resolved to contribute much-needed winter clothes like coats, sweaters, and shoes to children from Zumrut Primary School in Zumrut village. The village is in Viransehir, a district in the Sanliurfa province more than 900km from Istanbul. QNET personnel involved in the Staff Social Responsibility (SSR) effort spent days preparing and packing the contributions, including bags, water bottles and stationery for the children’s schooling needs. Getting to the village was not easy. The team first took a two-hour flight to the nearest airport in Mardin, followed by a 90-minute journey by road through rugged terrain. Nevertheless, observing the children’s excitement when they received the contributions made the travels worth the time and effort. “Seeing the difficulties the children face reminded me that we need to understand better the value of what we have. We take so much for granted,” one team member said. The team also spent a part of the day with the children and teachers in painting and colouring activities.