We strengthened local cooperation for children and families in Hatay.
As part of the “Cooperation Network for Children” Project, contract number IPA III/2023/449-256, directly supported by the European Commission, we held the first of our planned Round Table Meetings on July 2, 2026, at the Here We Are Hatay Association's center in Defne.
In the meeting organized under the coordination of the Koruncuk Foundation, we brought together 16 participants from 10 organizations working in the field of children and families in Hatay. We evaluated the current needs, existing services, and potential areas of cooperation in the region with organizations working in different fields ranging from education and psychosocial support to child protection, sports, and social assistance.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that the needs of children and families after a disaster continue to change in interconnected areas such as education, transportation, housing, privacy, psychosocial well-being, and economic conditions. It was highlighted that strengthening regular communication, accurate guidance, and follow-up mechanisms between institutions is necessary to respond more effectively to these needs.
The case studies conducted during the meeting highlighted the importance of addressing the diverse needs of a family by bringing together the expertise of different institutions. Accordingly, it was suggested that a service map be developed to make existing services visible, and that a secure coordination structure be established to ensure follow-up after referral.
The outcomes of the meeting once again demonstrated that creating a more accessible, holistic, and sustainable support network for children and families is possible only when institutions get to know each other, communicate at the right time, and utilize their expertise in a complementary manner.
As Koruncuk Foundation, we would like to thank all the institutions and participants who contributed to the meeting with their knowledge, experience, and perspectives; and we continue to strengthen inter-institutional communication and local collaborations within the framework of the Cooperation Network for Children.
Detailed information about the project Collaboration Network for Children You can access it from the page.
