Scout solidarity in Türkiye and Syria
Thousands of Scouts are active on the ground in Türkiye and Syria supporting relief efforts and joining search and rescue operations following earthquakes which have claimed the lives of tens of thousands and have left millions homeless.
The scale of destruction is almost unfathomable, yet the Scouts remain undeterred, digging, preparing and delivering supplies to those in need, managing large-scale logistics, caring for traumatised children and providing them with meaningful activities. Watch this video.
And thanks to the generosity of BP Fellows and Scout supporters worldwide, who have already contributed more than USD 80,000, we have been able to transfer vital funding to boost their efforts.
Scouts on the ground in Türkiye
Turkish Scouts from the Türkiye Izcilik Federasyonu mobilised immediately when the earthquakes struck. 850 Scouts joined the relief, search and rescue efforts and the numbers soon swelled to well over 1000, and continue to grow. They are providing and preparing meals and hot drinks to people affected by the earthquakes and are preparing and distributing emergency and medical supplies.
Early support via a World Scouting emergency grant helped to equip scout volunteers with cutting shears, hammer drills and work gloves, provide transportation to the affected areas, run generators and cover the costs of SIM cards and internet routers for emergency communications, and continued support from the Emergency Fund will help to sustain Scouts' action.
The Scouts swiftly partnered with the Red Crescent National Society and AFAD, the Interior Ministry for Disaster Response and got to work, moving rubble, digging, clearing large areas and providing robust support for search and rescue. Just two days ago, Scouts were part of the team that pulled 27-year-old Mohamad from the rubble. They refuse to give up hope and are living their Scout Promise to do their best and serve others in the harshest of circumstances.
Scouts of Syria
In Syria, the situation is further compounded by ongoing conflict in the affected region, yet the Scouts remain resolute in their aim to assist survivors. Around 1000 adult Scout leaders and Rovers are active preparing and distributing emergency supplies, providing psychological support to children in shelters, supporting the distribution of food and medical supplies and also helping to move rubble. They estimate that they have already been able to assist around 3000 community members and aim to at least double this with more support.
In Syria, as also in Türkiye, Scouts are able to provide meaningful activities for children and young people, left traumatised by immense loss, in the harshest of circumstances. Support from our BP Fellows and Scouts supporters is vital to continue these activities, which give children, and any family they still have, the briefest respite from their situation. Scouts are trusted to care for these children and support their well-being, and this is often a role that they can continue to offer in the long-term to those affected by the earthquakes.
And they are not alone! Scouts worldwide have joined in solidarity.
Scout volunteer groups from Azerbaijan and Lebanon and individual Scout leaders from the UK are onsite supporting the rescue efforts. These Scout groups are trained and equipped to support and have joined forces with those coordinating search and rescue.
In addition, Scouts from Greece, Japan, Malta, Montenegro, Serbia, the General Association of Scouts of China (Taiwan) have contributed emergency supplies, clothing, sleeping bags and tents and are managing additional fundraising efforts.
