BECAUSE - Help Refugees in Turkey
Dearest friends,
There are over 800,000 refugees in Istanbul. 470,000 of them are children. Only 20% of them are in school due to financial barriers. We can change that.
Our focus is the Al-Nokhba School (aka One World Academy), a registered refugee school in Fatih, Istanbul. This school has a morning and afternoon program for 400 Syrian refugee children , a community center for their families, and a clinic on the first floor.
What began as a temporary shelter 3 years ago, recently morphed into a school when Khaled Azeez (the founder) realized the majority of the children were not pursuing any education and begging for money on the streets to keep their families afloat. Knowing this was no way to create a generation that will be potentially rebuilding their country, former Syrian teachers stepped up to the plate and began teaching the children. They now have 400 students, 28 teachers, 5 administrators and a doctor on location. All Syrian refugees, all working to better their future under the One World Academy.
To learn more about the school, click here.
100% of the money donated will be used and prioritized in this way:
1. Operation- $3,500/month covers rent, electicity and water for the school. Our goal is to cover 3 months worth of operational costs. This money will not go toward salaries.
2. Food Program- The majority of the children came without meals and when food was inquired about, many stated they had only 1 meal a day or found food on the street. By offering the students a breakfast and lunch program, not only will more be inclined to attend on a daily basis, but keep the kids healthy and well-nourished. During the last trip, we met with food suppliers and negotiated prices. A breakfast and lunch program would cost $2,500/month for 400 students.
3. School and Art Supplies- Textbooks (1st-3rd grade highly needed), notebooks, pencils, pens, paper, coloring pencils/crayons, scissors. Essentially all the basics. $1,000 for to provide supplies to every student.
4. Sport and Music activities- This actually comes in the form of VOLUNTEERS. We need individuals willing to volunteer at the school and do workshops with the children. Any remaining funds will be applied to purchasing sport and music supplies (soccer balls, jump ropes, recorders, etc). For more information about volunteering, please message us here .
All receipts will be posted on this page to ensure transparency and completion. Please note that this goal covers only 3 months and we hope to continue these programs for much longer.
We are here laying the foundation for more individuals to volunteer and to raise funds to support Syrian refugees that are struggling. We are also actively looking for sponsors for the school.
Why should you donate?
Because they need us.
Because we care.
Because we can.
Because its the right thing to do.
Because if we were in the same situation, we would need the same love and support.
Because those children are the future.
One love.
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Background:
Sam Hamoui is a Syrian-American who recently volunteered in Lesvos, Greece to assist with the interception of refugees. Following his trip, he proceeded to Istanbul where he came across the Al-Nokhba school and fell in love after witnessing firsthand the determination and ambition to create a better future for Syrian refugee children and their families.
Including the boy that we affectionatly call "Rocket Boy." Filmed at the school in February 2016.
Sam hopes to return to the school at the end of March to implement the aforementioned programs. All travel and accomodation is self-supported by himself and his family.