Light Steel Schools Project
In the February 6 earthquake, 210 schools were destroyed and 175 schools were reported as moderately damaged in Hatay province.
In Hatay province, where the February 6 earthquake caused the most destruction, 210 schools were destroyed and 175 schools were reported as moderately damaged. There are currently 398,000 students in Hatay who are obliged to attend school.
These students continue their education in schools that are not damaged because they do not have schools. Increasing class sizes and students coming to schools from different regions prevent them from getting a good education. Thousands of students attend schools via the transportation system and they continue their education and training life under very difficult conditions because public transportation does not work effectively yet. Students cannot enter reinforced concrete buildings because they have not yet overcome the fear of earthquakes.
After learning about the need for schools in the region, we signed a protocol with the local government for the construction of 21 schools in the first phase. But our aim is to increase the number of schools so that students can continue their education safely and without fear.
Throughout 2023, the aftershocks that continued at regular intervals in Hatay caused us to turn to light steel construction schools. We also built light steel construction houses in Gaziantep and Malatya.
As Ahbap, we prioritized the rebuilding of schools in our statements in the first days of the earthquake because rebuilding schools will both strengthen social solidarity and provide a better future for young generations.
Since the first moment of the earthquake, we have been working in an organized manner for 11 provinces. With the donations we received from both individuals and organizations, we have worked in areas such as basic needs, shelter, education and hygiene. The 16 prefabricated schools we built in Adıyaman, Gaziantep and Hatay started to serve in the second half of the 2022-2023 academic year. While we continue to build 2 prefabricated schools in Hatay, we signed a protocol for 21 light steel construction schools. Since light steel construction is the most reliable and permanent structure in the region, we continue the construction of our schools with this system.
Benefits of Schools for the Region
- They will have schools in areas close to students' living spaces.
- Students will no longer be absent.
- With the increase in the number of schools, education in schools will become better quality.
- Since the schools are single-storey and light steel construction, safe education will continue.
- Local migration will be prevented, families will not leave the cities.
- Professional development and employment opportunities will increase.
- For social development and a sustainable future, young generations need to be educated.
