"Forging Resilience: Hassnaa Building a New Life after the Earthquake"
Hassnaa, originally from Aleppo, Syria, she is 30 years old and migrated to Turkey a decade ago due to the ongoing conflict in her homeland. Residing in Gaziantep. The city provided stability and a peaceful living environment. Hassnaa fondly recalled the beautiful days before the earthquake, when everything seemed to be going well.
Hassnaa says, “Everything changed after the earthquake struck the region.” Her life and her family’s lives were profoundly impacted by this catastrophe. Her 10-year-old son, especially, bore the brunt of the earthquake that occurred on February 6th. The ground shook violently, prompting them to swiftly take to the streets in search of a safe haven. The frigid air and heavy snowfall only added to the fear, creating a truly terrifying scenario.
"Forging Resilience: Hassnaa Building a New Life after the Earthquake"
It wasn’t long before they began searching for a safe shelter outside their damaged home. Battling the freezing cold and snow, the entire family persevered to find safety. They set up a temporary tent and called it home for an entire month within a city park camp. Throughout this time, they faced numerous challenges and endured harsh conditions.
During this period, Hassnaa learned from friends about a link for aid and registered to receive financial assistance. Soon after, she received a call from Maram Foundation’s team, who provided the much-needed financial support.
In a short period, financial aid of 9000 Turkish Lira was deposited into her bank account. This assistance had a significant impact on her life, allowing her to improve her living conditions, cover rent and utility bills, and finally purchase essential items.
It’s worth noting that Maram Foundation is currently aiding earthquake-affected families through support from Give Directly. They’ve assisted 750 affected families, providing 9000 Turkish Lira per family. Additionally, the foundation extended aid to 41 businesses affected by the earthquake, offering each 18000 Turkish Lira.
Over the following weeks, the financial assistance visibly transformed their lives. They managed to enhance their living conditions and surmount daily challenges. The tangible assistance had a clear, positive impact on their lives, empowering them to face adversities.
Hassnaa affirms, “We greatly benefited from the 9000 Turkish Lira financial assistance, enabling us to purchase essential household items. We rented a new home to provide a secure place for my family. Our lives gradually improved after receiving this aid.”
Maram Foundation wasn’t merely a contributor to this narrative; it was a catalyst for change. The foundation continued to support families affected by earthquakes through its partnership with “Give Directly.” The foundation provided hope and opportunities for those affected to start anew.
Hassnaa hopes for the recurrence of such aid for earthquake survivors and calls for an end to the war in Syria, envisioning the return of everyone to their homes and normal lives. Her story remains a testament to resilience and solidarity in the face of challenges.