The following message was shared by BSD’s SWANA Affinity Group to show support for families impacted by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The SWANA group consists of BSD staff who have connections to Southwest Asia, North Africa, or the Arabic language.
On February 6, back-to-back earthquakes struck Southeastern Turkey and Northern Syria, causing unimaginable devastation and loss of life. More than 40,000 men, women and children have perished; tens of thousands have been injured and hospitalized. Millions of people in both countries are homeless and surviving in sub-zero temperatures.
Here at BSD, we have a diverse learning community which includes staff, families and students with ties to the region affected by the earthquakes. The natural disaster turned humanitarian crisis is deeply personal and profoundly tragic for these staff and families. It goes without saying that the suffering and heartache happening halfway around the world is causing suffering in our hallways and homes, too.
In our shared humanity, we are called to recognize those with connections to and family in the region. They need our show of support and compassion. Demonstrating that support begins by asking some questions that will help us get to the breadth and depth of this event at home. First, how many students, families, teachers and staff have been impacted by this natural disaster? Second, what might the BSD community do to support individuals here who need help coping with this tragedy? Third, what resources can we provide to individuals who want to provide help to the earthquake-struck region and victims? And fourth, could affected teachers, staff, families and students benefit from communications with information about local, national and international groups involved in providing relief and aid?
Resources for Supporting the Well-Being of Families and Children
- Talking to Children about Earthquakes & Other Natural Disasters (American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry)
- Managing Distress About an Earthquake from Afar (American Psychological Association)
NOTE: Before making a donation, especially to lesser-known organizations, individuals should do some research to make sure it is reputable. Sites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar grade nonprofits based on transparency and effectiveness.
National and international organizations are helping.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund or UNICEF, said it is in Syria and prioritizing water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition and also focusing on helping unaccompanied children locate their families. UNICEF is accepting donations.
Global Giving, which helps local nonprofit agencies, is collecting donations to help fund emergency medical workers’ ability to provide food, shelter and medicine, among other necessities. As needs in Turkey and Syria change, the organization will focus on long-term assistance, it said.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is requesting donations for its Disaster Response Emergency Fund so it can send “immediate cash assistance.”
OXFAM, an international organization that fights poverty, said it is working with women’s cooperatives in Turkey to determine an appropriate immediate and long-term response plan. It is accepting donations.
CARE, an organization that works with impoverished communities, is accepting donations that will go toward food, shelter and hygiene kits, among other items.
Doctors Without Borders, which responds to medical emergencies around the world, is collecting donations.
The Syrian American Medical Society, a United States-based humanitarian group that supplies medical care in Syria and nearby countries, is collecting donations to deliver emergency aid. At least one of its hospitals in northwestern Syria, Al Dana, received major damage.
Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children’s Emergency Fund, which will help provide children with food, shelter and warm clothing.
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, which since 2012 has provided medical relief and health care services inside Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey, is collecting money.