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Save the Children - Strengthening Children's Resilience in Türkiye

People

Eight-year-old Elif¹ lives in Istanbul and is in the second grade. She enjoys drawing and reading, practices Kung Fu, and dreams of becoming a doctor or a sports trainer. Through the “Climate Awareness and Resilience for Emergencies & Sustainability (CARES)” project, she learns more about climate issues and emergency preparedness – becoming more confident and resilient in the process.

The partnership between tesa and Save the Children began in 2020 and has continued to grow ever since. Today this successful collaboration is being extended with an additional donation of 1.146 million euros through the end of 2025. Under the motto “A Strong Bond for Education – Together Worldwide,” tesa supports selected education and emergency aid projects in Germany, Vietnam, Türkiye, Venezuela, and other countries.

The partnership, which began during the Corona pandemic, remains dedicated to combating educational inequality and supporting children globally in crisis and emergency situations. In this article, we report on how Save the Children is helping children in Türkiye prepare for climate change and natural disasters through the CARES project, while also strengthening their resilience.

The goal of the CARES-Project group activities is to inspire a sense of connection and responsibility toward the environment.
^©Onur Onat / Save the Children

Learning through Play in the CARES Project

Trkiye_SB2SL_CARES_Project_Trainings_c_Onur_Onat_and_Save_the_Children_(20) — Elif and her mother walk to the youth center in Istanbul.
^©Onur Onat / Save the Children

Elif and many other children aged four to eight learn about complex climate issues through games, stories, and puppet theater in the CARES project. They discover what the atmosphere is, why environmental protection matters, and how to prepare for emergencies – all in an age-appropriate and playful manner.

“School means future to me. Learning means future. Because if we learn something, we become quite knowledgeable.” – Elif, 8 years old

The CARES project targets children in areas at risk for natural disasters. Teachers in disadvantaged areas are trained to integrate the content permanently into their curriculum. Since the project brings together children from refugee and host communities, it also fosters social cohesion.

Through the puppet character “Pingu,” Elif learns about climate issues in a playful way. She now understands the importance of protecting the Earth. Her mother Nehir¹ (48 years old), an art teacher at the center, observes positive changes: “She tells her brother and friends about what she’s learned and even repeats the activities at home,” Nehir shared. “She learned new words like ‘atmosphere’ and truly understood what climate means, all through games. First and foremost, the happiness of these children is more important than anything. Having more projects like this frequently, I think, would contribute more to our children's development and self-improvement.”more to our children's development and self-improvement.

“First and foremost, the happiness of these children is more important than anything. Having more projects like this frequently, I think, would contribute more to our children's development and self-improvement.” – Nehir, Elif’s mother.

Support in Challenging Times

Trkiye_SB2SL_CARES_Project_Trainings_c_Onur_Onat_and_Save_the_Children_(4) — Children listen to a song about climate.
^©Onur Onat / Save the Children

The Covid-19 pandemic and the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye have particularly affected children in disadvantaged communities. Education systems must therefore become more resilient – against pandemics, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change.

“Our project helps children recognize risks and learn to respond correctly through age-appropriate and inclusive content. CARES has the potential to make a significant long-term difference both individually and socially.” - Yeşim Hancı Kaya, Education and Psychosocial Support Specialist, Save the Children.

The CARES project by Save the Children creates safe learning spaces in Istanbul for children aged four to eight. They learn about climate, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness in a playful way – without developing fear. The focus is on strengthening their resilience, as children are particularly vulnerable during crises.

Learning with Lasting Impact

Trkiye_SB2SL_CARES_Project_Trainings_c_Onur_Onat_and_Save_the_Children_(3) — Save the Children staff and trainers discuss the training in a meeting held prior to the session.
^©Onur Onat / Save the Children

Through creative tools such as games, stories, puppet theater, and art, children learn age-appropriate lessons about climate change, natural disasters, and emergency measures. This also enhances their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence.

To reach more people, the project provides materials for families and uses digital platforms. The “Train the Trainer” concept allows communities, NGOs, and schools to apply and pass on the methods themselves.

The project raises awareness and strengthens children’s resilience, enabling them to actively contribute to a fairer future.

Together for a Sustainable Future

With the support of tesa, the CARES project will reach over 10,600 people in Türkiye. Children like Elif learn in a playful way how to deal with climate change and natural disasters. In a country frequently affected by natural disasters, this knowledge is particularly valuable for their future.

^₁Names have been changed to protect privacy

Would you like to find out more about Save the Children? www.savethechildren.de