A year ago, a seismic tragedy struck the hearts of communities in Türkiye, leaving behind ruins and suffering. Despite the pain and destruction, the flame of hope was not extinguished. Amidst the chaos, people and charities came together to rebuild the lives of the affected victims. In this context, ADRA and its partners have become the messengers of hope, offering not only food and necessities for daily living, but also a message of hope for those affected. Today, as the light at the end of the tunnel begins to shine, the story of resilience and solidarity continues to inspire, proving that, together, we can turn tragedy into something positive with time, effort, and continued commitment.

Between February 26 and March 1, 2024, two representatives of the ADRA team traveled to Hatay, Türkiye, for the implementation and monitoring activities of the ‘Hope for Türkiye’ and ‘Hope for Syria’ projects, together with local partners. Also, the two regional ADRA representatives were joined by representatives of the ADRA International office, representatives from MENA (Middle East and North Africa), the ‘Red Crescent’ NGO, and the local authorities, all for the smooth running of the activities that would provide support to the earthquake survivors.

"I saw the dusty hands of those who can't stop freeing the city from concrete, I saw the tears of a mother who fed her children only water and sugar in the last days, and the hugs of the parents of children with special needs,” said Valentina Sturzu-Cozorici, program director of ADRA Romania. “Although a year has passed, the situation of the survivors remains tragic, and the project's activities greatly help vulnerable people. More than 1,000 families will have received financial assistance by the end of March, which will lead to an improvement in the standard of living and unexpected help for people vulnerable to last year's earthquake," concluded Sturzu-Cozorici.

The ADRA Romania team participated in providing financial assistance by distributing value cards for at least 1,000 families and vulnerable people affected by the earthquake. The focus was on the elderly, large families, single mothers, and the disabled. Also, the students of the Mihai Ionescu school, in partnership with ADRA Romania, provided food for 200 families affected by the earthquake in Türkiye. Through an exceptional mobilization, they carried out their own fundraising activity with the aim of providing support to the children affected by the earthquake.

"Among the ruins of the buildings destroyed by the earthquake, among the lives of loved ones ended in an instant, hope still remains!” said Cristina Roșu, ADRA Romania project manager. “People who hug you, with tears in their eyes, without words, so that this hope materializes in an unexpected support, coming as if from nowhere, but certainly at the right time,” continued Rosu. “For a mother who cares for the remaining loved ones, receiving such a box of food means much more than providing a few meals, it means hope, strength, and joy. It is the assurance that they are not forgotten, that there are people, unknown, far away, who feel with them. It is the materialization of the hope that she clings to with every thread of strength left, namely, that despite the difficulties, everything will be fine, and life can move forward," concluded Roșu. 

The described humanitarian action is only a part of ADRA's activity in Türkiye. With gratitude to all involved – sponsors, partners, volunteers and beneficiaries – ADRA Romania remains determined to continue fulfilling its mission and bring transformation to the lives of those who need our help.

"One year after the devastating earthquake, thousands of people are still living in temporary shelters,” said Kelly Dowling, ADRA International emergency manager.

“It was inspiring to see the resilience of people creating a reimagined future out of the rubble. Providing the basic necessities we all need to get through the day allows ADRA and partners to offer a practical expression of hope and remind them that they are not alone," concluded Dowling.

More About ADRA Romania

Since 1990, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Romania - ADRA Romania - has been particularly involved in development projects that benefit the entire population. Conducting itself in the projects undertaken according to the motto ‘Justice, Compassion, Love’, ADRA Romania brings joy and hope to the lives of beneficiaries by promoting a better future, values, ​​and human dignity. 

As an accredited social service provider, ADRA Romania is part of the ADRA International network, the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, one of the most widespread non-governmental organizations in the world. ADRA International is active in 118 countries and is based on a philosophy that combines compassion with a practical spirit, reaching out to people in need, without racial, ethnic, political or religious distinctions, with the aim of serving humanity so that all may live together as God intended.

This article was published on the Inter-European Division news site.