Concern efforts in Türkiye continue to benefit the lives of refugees: Responding to the on-going crisis in Syria

Concern Worldwide initiated its activities in Türkiye in 2013 to alleviate the economic, social and psychological effects of the Syrian War on refugees. At the time of inception, Concern aimed to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees who were displaced. Now, Concern continues to offer support with livelihood, protection and education activities.

Concern Türkiye's education activities, which are funded by EU Humanitarian Aid, seek to engage children aged between five and 18, as well as their parents or guardians. These measures include a range of practical and psychosocial supports.

‘Before going (back) to school, I didn’t know my future. After I went back, I set goals, I have ambitions.’ says programme participant Ahmad. ‘I learned many things, especially Turkish.’  More than 3,000 children like Ahmad have accessed formal schooling, following enrollment support. The programme also provides Turkish language support for school age children as well as the provision of essentials such as stationery. These are common barriers refugee children face when entering education in a new country.

Access to education is a priority for many parents arriving in Türkiye. During caregiver engagement session, caregivers are given tools to promote their child’s education and wellbeing that extends beyond the classroom. ‘I was treating my children at home as if we were in a strict military household. ’says Sham’s father, Omar.

‘All these things like playing and entertaining children, sitting and talking with them, I was not used to doing them.’

Accessing public services in a new country can present many challenges. Refugees resettling in Türkiye and looking to access these services can receive support from Concern's protection programme, funded by EU Humanitarian Aid. This programme aims to assist refugees with individual protection support including case management, legal advice, translation services, and accompaniment and transportation to government services. The programme also offers information sessions focusing on subjects such as 'Rights and Responsibilities in Family Law', and 'Access to Temporary and Internationally Protected Rights and Workers' Rights.' These sessions aim to provide refugees with information to confidently navigate life in a new country.

Concern has successfully provided support to more than 15,500 refugees with case management and individual protection assistance. Additionally, at least 8,200 have been reached through information sessions. Members of the refugee and host communities have formed committees to provide feedback on the design and implementation of Concern's current and future activities.

Many refugees arriving in Türkiye seek out new opportunities for work to support their livelihoods. Concern seeks to support these job seekers in work permit support and providing job referrals from a livelihoods case management approach provided through FORSA Trade Union funding. To date, the program has helped 220 individuals begin their journey towards a sustainable livelihood.

Concern also offers information activities for job holders and business owners to clarify risks associated with informal employment. Topics include how to formalise a business, as well as workers' rights in Türkiye. All these efforts result in increased job security and contribute to the inclusion of refugees in society.

Concern has worked for almost a decade in southeast Türkiye. During this time, the organisation has worked to ensure refugees are provided support to access essential services. This programme is designed to help beneficiaries fully realise their rights and contribute to society in a way that is meaningful to them. With the on-going crisis in Syria, Concern is committed to responding in a way that is localised, sustainable, and puts the wellbeing of refugees at its core.