Elif Hanım’s life in Syria was built around a simple routine she had created with her family. Her husband made a living through beekeeping, and they had built a life together with their children. However, as uncertainties in the country increased, it was no longer possible to maintain this way of living. Her brother’s presence, who had previously settled in Hatay, became a way out for them.
Elif Hanım took her two children, one just six months old and the other a year and a half, and came to Türkiye with her husband’s family. Her husband joined them a while later. They spent their first days in the country at her brother’s home. It was crowded, but they felt safe. Soon after, they moved into a small house. Their means were limited, but they were not left on their own. With the support of their landlord and neighbors, the children’s basic needs were met.
Elif Hanım’s husband, Samir Bey*, began contributing to the family’s livelihood by working as a painter. At first, he was only able to work once a week. But even that one day was enough to make changes at home. Being able to meet their children’s needs for baby formula and diapers alone had brought some relief to the family.
“Simply surviving wasn’t enough; I had to keep moving one step forward for the sake of my children” says Elif Hanım while recalling those days.
Life Under Changing Conditions
With the February 6 earthquakes, life changed once again. Their home was damaged. They first started living in a tent, and then in a container. The children remained out of school for a certain period. They spent their days trying to reorganize their lives amid uncertainty.
During that period, they came across the project implemented by Save the Children Türkiye and ASAM. The financial support they received simply created a breathing space for the family. Through this support, they were able to form a safer living environment in their new home. Children were referred back to school. School uniforms were purchased for the five children who were enrolled in school, and they were also provided with special outfits so they could take part in the April 23 events.
Elif Hanım describes this period as follows:
“Whenever I found myself in a difficult situation, I ran to the heroes in red vests. They helped me every time I knocked on their door. Each time, they made things a little easier. Knowing they were by my side gave me strength”. For her, this support was not only financial; it also provided a strong sense of reassurance that she was not alone.
Growing Dreams at Home
Today, the struggle to make ends meet in that home is gradually easing, while dreams continue to grow.
8-year-old Lina* dreams of becoming a stage actress. She takes on different characters while playing at home and says her favorite actress is Hande Erçel. She dreams of meeting her favorite actress one day.
7-year-old Ömer* wants to become a football player. He looks up to Arda Güler, never misses his matches, and is always playing football. He models his game on him. In fact, he believes that the goal he scored last week was just like Arda Güler’s free kick goal. against Bayern Munich.
Those who manage to stay happy despite challenges never give up on their dreams. Perhaps this is where the true strength of this story lies. Despite everything they have been through, a child can still dream, and a mother can still hold on to hope… The real cape is not only worn by heroes in fairy tales; it also rests on the shoulders of those who never give up on their dreams, even in their most difficult moments.