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The ramifications of disasters on children, youths, teachers and schools are multifaceted and persist over an extended duration. Recent global and regional events, including COVID-19 pandemic, forest fires, floods and earthquakes have severely disrupted educational processes, particularly in regions such as certain parts of the world and Turkiye (Tunca et al., 2022). It is acknowledged that the prevalence and severity of such disasters are likely to augment, due to the ongoing climatic and biodiversity crises (Pörtner et al., 2022). The Turkish Ministry of National Education (MoNE) persists in the enactment of the Post-Earthquake Psychological Support Action Plan promulgated on February 10, 2023. It was divulged that 1,419,570 persons received psychosocial support facilitated by preschool teachers, psychologists and guidance counselors within 416 tents designated for psychosocial assistance, recreational and interactive activities across 10 provinces affected by the earthquakes. UNICEF has instituted "Together" centers to bolster children, youths and their families impacted by the earthquakes. As of May 4, 2023, a composite of 45 support zones for children, youths and families, inclusive of 7 mobile units have been established in these provinces. It is also observable that a variety of NGOs were undertaking psychosocial support initiatives within the region. One contemplates the fate of the children and youth compelled to migrate from these affected areas. But what of the children and youth forced to migrate from the region?
Subsequent to these earthquakes, students registered in schools within the earthquake zone were permitted to transfer to equivalent types of schools nationwide, irrespective of their residence address and without any conditions. The statistical data released by MoNE indicates that the number of students reallocated to schools outside the earthquake zone was 252,829 in March (MoNE, 2023). The earthquake broadly impacted the Syrian population residing in Turkiye; affecting approximately half of them estimatedly 1.7 million were living in these 10 provinces. Following the disaster, rural areas experienced significant migration. The presence of low-rise buildings, sparse distribution of buildings, natural earthquake gathering areas and relatively easy access to heating and nutritional needs turned into preferred settlement areas in the post-earthquake period (Pala, 2023). However, families of children and youth relocating to rural areas have not been able to leave behind their fears, anguish and grief behind. Swell in population subsequent to the earthquake, the question of how to respond to the psychosocial support needs of schools, teachers, children, youth and families in rural areas becomes of great importance.
Subsequent to these earthquakes, students registered in schools within the earthquake zone were permitted to transfer to equivalent types of schools nationwide, irrespective of their residence address and without any conditions. The statistical data released by MoNE indicates that the number of students reallocated to schools outside the earthquake zone was 252,829 in March (MoNE, 2023). The earthquake broadly impacted the Syrian population residing in Turkiye; affecting approximately half of them estimatedly 1.7 million were living in these 10 provinces. Following the disaster, rural areas experienced significant migration. The presence of low-rise buildings, sparse distribution of buildings, natural earthquake gathering areas and relatively easy access to heating and nutritional needs turned into preferred settlement areas in the post-earthquake period (Pala, 2023). However, families of children and youth relocating to rural areas have not been able to leave behind their fears, anguish and grief behind. Swell in population subsequent to the earthquake, the question of how to respond to the psychosocial support needs of schools, teachers, children, youth and families in rural areas becomes of great importance.
