Emine Erdoğan, the First Lady of Turkey, recently emphasized the crucial importance of providing a nurturing environment for children, especially those in Gaza, filled with security, peace, and love. Her powerful message was delivered during an iftar dinner in Ankara, showcasing Turkey’s dedication to extending its support beyond its borders, particularly in aiding the children of Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. The event also highlighted the Heart Ambassadors Project, a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the foster care system in Turkey, with over 8,300 foster families actively participating in the program.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza was a focal point of the First Lady’s speech, shedding light on the dire circumstances faced by the children in the region due to relentless Israeli attacks, resulting in numerous casualties, including a high number of children. The conflict has exacerbated food shortages and malnutrition, making Turkey’s humanitarian aid and foster care efforts even more vital. Emine Erdoğan’s advocacy for the children of Gaza underscores the global need for peace and the protection of innocent lives.
The Heart Ambassadors Project, launched in 2012, exemplifies Turkey’s commitment to ensuring that children under state protection are raised in caring and secure environments. The First Lady highlighted the project’s success, with close to 10,000 children currently benefiting from foster care. She also announced the establishment of Foster Family Day on June 30th, with the aim of raising awareness and garnering support for the foster care system. This initiative showcases Turkey’s holistic approach to child welfare, including educational and support programs for foster families, along with the Mentor Foster Parenthood Application to facilitate knowledge sharing.
Emine Erdoğan further emphasized Turkey’s commitment to supporting individuals beyond childhood, mentioning employment opportunities in both public institutions and the private sector for those transitioning out of the foster care system. The Aftercare Monitoring and Guidance Units, available across all 81 provinces, ensure that ongoing support is readily accessible when needed. The First Lady also highlighted the nation’s spirit of volunteerism, showcasing the collective efforts to aid in times of crisis, such as the response to the devastating earthquakes last year, which saw a significant rise in applications from prospective foster families.
