Hope Bridge Supports Emotional Stability for Children Affected by Earthquake in Turkey

A child affected by the earthquake, residing in a temporary shelter in Turkey, is holding a hand-drawn Taegeukgi and posing for a photo. Provided by Hope Bridge

The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association (Chairman Song Pil-ho) announced on the 5th that it has selected the Korea International Hunger Relief Organization as the implementing agency for the "Korean Village Cultural Center Operation Public Project" for disaster victims in the ?skenderun region of Turkey and delivered project funds of 320 million KRW.

The Korean Village Cultural Center, a community facility of 330㎡ (approximately 100 pyeong), was established last January to provide emotional stability and help children and adolescents affected by the earthquake overcome trauma. Through this project, Hope Bridge will operate various programs for children and adolescents from the Korean Village and nearby disaster-affected households, including ▲emotional support programs ▲Korean language classes ▲computer education.

Shin Hoon, Secretary General of Hope Bridge (left), is taking a commemorative photo with Choi Chang-nam, Chairman of the Korea International Hunger Relief Organization, after the handover ceremony of the "Turkey Korea Village Cultural Center Operation Project." Photo by Hope Bridge

Since the initial earthquake occurrence, Hope Bridge has invested about 2.5 billion KRW (1.88 million USD) to support 200 temporary housing units, home appliances such as heaters, furniture, and emergency relief supplies.

Shin Hoon, Secretary General of Hope Bridge, said, "We hope that through this project, children and adolescents who experienced the earthquake will forget their painful memories and embrace hope for the recovery of their daily lives," adding, "Hope Bridge will continue to monitor the living conditions of disaster victims and provide necessary support."