One year on: Türkiye and Syria Scout action

On 6 February 2023, a deadly earthquake struck in central Türkiye and northern Syria, causing tens of thousands of fatalities and directly impacting millions of people who lost everything — their families, homes and livelihoods. Amidst the devastation, communities, relief agencies and emergency services rallied together in a race against time to rescue survivors and coordinate shelter and relief efforts in the harshest of conditions.

Thousands of Scouts mobilised immediately, assisting with search and rescue and mass-scale logistics, providing support for traumatised children and their families, and serving their local communities with enormous compassion. 

Thanks to their training and values, Scouts are so often at the forefront of humanitarian action, ready to step-up, and support when their communities most need it. Scouts are key partners in the delivery and provision of immediate assistance as well as long-term solutions and ongoing support. In total, 10,000 Scouts in Türkiye and 6,000 Scouts in Syria volunteered during the initial relief efforts and longer-term initiatives that lasted throughout 2023.

And our global community of Scouts and supporters came together in solidarity, generously donating to an emergency appeal to sustain and amplify Scout actions on the ground. Thank you to all who donated to boost the immediate and long-term Scout response by Türkiye İzcilik Federasyonu (Scouting and Guiding Federation of Türkiye) and Scouts of Syria.

Scout action for immediate needs

Scouts in both countries immediately put their extensive leadership and life skills — as learned and honed in Scouting — into action, to help with the most urgent needs. Key activities in partnership with local partners including local Ministries, UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and local healthcare workers included:

• Management of mass-scale logistics and warehouse deliveries.
• The provision of meals, water and hot beverages to people affected by the earthquakes.
• Delivery and set up of tents to shelter affected families.
• Sourcing and distribution of life-saving emergency supplies (flashlights, tents, blankets, first-aid kit, etc.).
• Transport and equipment for volunteers involved in search and rescue.
• Support for the removal of rubble and logistics in the affected areas.
• Assistance with funeral services.
• Procurement of SIM cards and internet routers for vital emergency communications.
• General care and services for lost children.
• Training for over 300 mental health team members.
• Psycho-social support for traumatised children and young people.

A long-term promise to serve

The skills and experience gained in Scouting lay a solid groundwork for long-term assistance in a variety of contexts, from rapid-onset disasters to protracted emergencies. They extend beyond immediate relief efforts. Scouts are active citizens and members of the communities they serve. Recognising the long-term effects on the mental well-being of young survivors, Scouts in Türkiye and Syria have proven their sustained commitment to supporting the psychological well-being of families with a particular focus on children

In Damascus city, Syria, local Scouts are in the initial phase of establishing a permanent centre that specialises in the training of trainers to respond to natural and humanitarian disasters. The centre will also serve as a safe space to implement Scouting activities for affected children. The Scout communities in both countries continue to provide emotional support, counselling, and cultural integration activities to help children cope with the lasting trauma associated with the earthquake. The commitment to a sustained response creates a basis for the healing and recovery process, emphasising the importance of a holistic recovery while contributing to the resilience of the communities they serve.

Emergency Funding

Funds allocated to Türkiye: USD 70,000
Funds allocated to Syria: USD 40,000

The balance of emergency funding and additional contributions collected following the closing of the appeal will be allocated as per the agreement of the Joint Executive Committee (World Scout Foundation and World Scout Bureau) for future emergency grants, including for projects related to Scouting’s preparation and delivery of humanitarian action in emergencies.

Take action

Please consider setting up a regular donation to World Scouting and/or to our Emergency Fund.

Your support enables more quality Scouting for more young people worldwide, allowing us to provide resources to boost Scouts’ actions where help is needed most. Specific support to our Emergency Fund will allow us to develop and sustain training programmes to help Scouts prepare for the unexpected and to ensure they are well-equipped to support humanitarian responses in their communities when disaster strikes.

As always, any contributions by BP Fellows will be counted towards ongoing Fellowship of the World Scout Foundation.

Photo credits: Azerbaycan Skautlar Assosiasiyasi, Scouts of Syria and Türkiye İzcilik Federasyonu.