On the 6th February 2023, the world that 9-year-old Asli* knew ended. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed her home, took the lives of her grandparents, and took away her routine, her security, and even her favourite toys – her barbie lies under the rubble.
Every day, children like Asli and their families around the world lose everything to conflicts and natural disasters. Save the Children is there, in the most frightening times, working with local partners and experts to provide what can’t be packed in a bag – both in the immediate aftermath and throughout the recovery.
Ten months after the earthquakes and still living in a makeshift tent, Asli and her family were extremely concerned about winter. Their village is in a rural area, surrounded by mountains. In harsh winter conditions, the roads to this village can even be cut off. Temperatures in this area often drop below freezing, which can be dangerous – particularly for children like Asli living in tents. Save the Children provided them with a comprehensive winter kit to support their resilience and safety, including ovens, carpets, blankets, rechargeable lights, electric heaters, fire extinguishers and more. Upon receiving these items, the family was relieved, thankful and especially excited about the heaters and blankets to help keep them warm.
Today, Asli is in the 3rd grade and loves mathematics. She enthusiastically opened the winter kit and gave a particularly big smile when taking out the blankets. She told us about her favourite barbie doll and her favourite bag, both of which are still under the rubble. But she also excitedly introduced us to the doll she now plays with daily. She tries to take it everywhere with her, but it’s a little big! She dreams of having her home back, but for now, equipped with ways to keep warm, she’s excited about playing in the snow.
*Names have been changed to protect identity.