SINGAPORE, 29 June 2025 — Mercy Relief has deployed a team to Akçakale, Türkiye, from 29 June to 7 July 2025 to begin the next phase of its six-month recovery project supporting Syrian refugee children and their families.
The project follows the completion of a five-container school and community care centre constructed in the aftermath of the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake. It will benefit over 600 refugees by expanding access to vital education and livelihood support. The project also features psychosocial support services and a refugee-led cafeteria.
The Mercy Relief team is working alongside ground partners to oversee operational readiness of the school, support last-mile preparations, assess community needs for future programming, and directly participate in the distribution of food aid. The visit will also include capacity-building for local educators and community engagement.
“By restoring access to learning and income, we assist families to regain a sense of stability after years of displacement and loss,” said Muhammad Ashik, Executive Director, who is leading the ground mission. “This school reflects our commitment to sustainable community-led projects towards empowerment and resilience.”
Türkiye hosts more than 2.6 million Syrian refugees, many of whom face limited job opportunities and barriers to formal education.
The new school will serve children who have missed years of education due to poverty and conflict. The container school is designed to be inclusive, disaster-resilient, and aligned with the Turkish Ministry of Education curriculum. This mission builds on Mercy Relief’s initial earthquake response in 2023, which included the provision of emergency container shelters.
Mercy Relief extends heartfelt appreciation to all donors and partners who have made this project possible. Together, we are building stronger futures, from start to end, for communities affected by disasters.
To contribute to Mercy Relief’s ongoing mission and appeals, visit mercyrelief.org/donate.
