Operation Mercy was one of the first relief
organisations to assist the wounded and shocked people after the earthquake,
which hit Turkey in August. After the first emergency relief effort we
are now moving into the long-term rebuilding process. Together with our
partner organisations we are involved in several projects. The following
is an update from our project coordinator in Turkey.
Hasanpasa primary school
We were able to reach a good agreement with "Opal Prefabrik", a company in Ankara. I approved their drawing last week and they then sent an engineer to measure and prepare the ground. Many of the men in the village helped yesterday as the foundation was poured. The school will have five classrooms, a teacher's room, a kitchen and four toilets.
Hamidiye village
The last of the 30 prefabricated homes arrived this week and the last tent are being furnished. They are urging us to give them a date on which to plan their annual chestnut festival, where they want us to be their guests of honour!
Yuvacik village
We returned to deliver heaters to each of the twenty-five tents we erected here and the children's workers who had come from the States brought games and toys for the children. We continue to have good relationships and contacts in this very religious village. However, still haven't found a crane for the toilet/shower!
Derince camp
We abandoned the porches this week, in favor of erecting tents in Duzce. We are providing heaters for all 300 of the prefabricated homes. 26 kids from the Dutch Chapel youth group came last weekend and shoveled lots of gravel and dirt for us!
Thank you for your help,
P. - Operation Mercy
Earthquake Disaster Relief Coordinator