Serinyol El Ele Dayansma Dernegi (SEDYAD) is a community-based, non-governmental organization established in Hatay, Turkiye, in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkiye and northern Syria in 2023. Rooted in the values of solidarity, compassion, and accountability, SEDYAD's mission is to strengthen local communities through collective action, support disaster-affected families, and contribute to a just and sustainable recovery process that prioritizes human dignity. The association was born from the collective will of residents in Serinyol, a district severely impacted by the earthquakes, who came together to respond to urgent humanitarian needs when traditional aid systems were overwhelmed. What began as a grassroots effort to provide food, shelter, and psychological support quickly evolved into a structured, legally recognized organization dedicated to long-term community resilience. SEDYAD's mission extends far beyond immediate relief. It envisions a society where local communities lead their own recovery, where women, children, and marginalized groups are empowered to shape their futures, and where solidarity serves as the foundation for social justice and sustainable development. The organization works to ensure that recovery is not just about rebuilding infrastructure but about restoring lives, hope, and trust within the community. Our Strategic Approach SEDYAD operates through a holistic approach that integrates humanitarian response, social support, education, and community development. Our guiding principles are: Local Leadership and Community Ownership Every project we implement begins with the people directly affected. SEDYAD believes that sustainable recovery must be locally led. Through participatory needs assessments and open community dialogues, we design programs that reflect real priorities rather than external agendas. Transparency and Accountability As a registered and active civil society organization, SEDYAD conducts all its activities with full transparency. All resources, donations, and expenditures are monitored and documented to ensure public trust and institutional integrity. Women and Youth Empowerment The participation of women and young people is at the heart of our work. We support women's cooperatives, create safe spaces for children, and encourage young volunteers to take leadership roles in rebuilding community life. Collaboration and Partnerships SEDYAD collaborates with national and international organizations including the Ministry of National Education, Turkish Red Crescent (Kzlay), Support to Life Foundation, and the Karsu Foundation. These collaborations allow us to extend our reach, improve program quality, and build bridges between local efforts and global solidarity. Sustainability and Capacity Building Our goal is not only to meet today's needs but to strengthen communities for tomorrow. We focus on livelihood restoration, vocational training, and social entrepreneurship to help families regain independence and security. Humanitarian Principles and Inclusion We uphold humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence in all our work. We serve everyone in need-regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or political affiliation-ensuring that assistance is delivered fairly and respectfully. Programs and Impact Since its establishment, SEDYAD has implemented a variety of initiatives in Hatay and surrounding areas: Emergency Response: Distribution of food packages, hygiene kits, and basic supplies to thousands of families affected by the 2023 earthquakes. Shelter and Livelihood Support: Coordination of temporary housing assistance, small grants, and in-kind support to help families restart their lives. Education and Child Welfare: Partnership with the Ministry of National Education to provide educational materials and psychosocial support to children returning to school after displacement. Community Kitchens and Food Security: Operation of communal kitchens in coordination with local volunteers and partner NGOs to provide daily meals to vulnerable households. Women's Empowerment Programs: Training and mentoring initiatives enabling women to develop new skills, generate income, and actively participate in community decision-making. Vision for the Future SEDYAD's long-term vision is to transform the spirit of post-disaster solidarity into a model of sustainable community resilience that can inspire other regions of Turkiye and beyond. We are working to develop stronger local institutions, expand partnerships, and integrate innovative tools such as digital mapping, data collection, and storytelling to make community voices visible to the world. Through our work, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind in recovery. By empowering communities to lead, we believe that collective healing and transformation can replace loss and despair. SEDYAD stands as a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and local initiative - proving that even in times of great devastation, hope can be rebuilt from the ground up.

Serinyol Elele Dayanisma Dernegi (SEDYAD)

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