ISTANBUL, MAY 12: At least 1,000 Syrian orphans will be placed in a new village that will be opened by Turkish humanitarian team in the southern part part of the country on May 19, reported a news agency, Turki Anadolu (AA).
The village, a result of collaboration between the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, Sheikh Thani Ibn Abdullah Foundation, Qatar Humanitarian Services (RAF) and the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policies, can accommodate 990 children and is located on a 100-acre land in Reyhanli district in Hatay which borders Syria.
The intent is to provide all necessities in terms of health, rehabilitation, food, clothes and psychological support in a homely environment.
IHH Orphanage Department Head, Murat Yilmaz said 250 children will be staying first and the targeted number will be achieved within one year.
Besides working with Qatar, he mentioned that Non-Governmental Institutions (NGO) from Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Poland and Britain had also contributed to the project which cost 80 million lira (USD22.2 million).
He added that the monthly operating cost will be approximately 1.5 million lira (USD416,838) which will be funded by benefactors, NGOs and Turkish government.
He also added that the Education Ministry will be responsible for hiring teachers and other cost relating to education
Each villa in the centre will house 18 children based on age-group and gender, each unit will also be equipped with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining space, study room, reading room and playroom.
Six certified officers will be assigned to take care of each villa and the total number of officers are 330 people for 55 villas.
The village also has one mosque, three primary and secondary schools, a rehabilitation centre, medical clinic, meeting centre, indoor and outdoor sports complex, social services centre including staff quarters and guesthouse.
On security, Yilmaz said there is 24-hours security and surrounding area has been installed with cameras to allow the children to play in the open park.
So far, Turkey has spent USD25 billion to help and protect Syrian refugees since the civil war in Syria – Bernama.
New village to place 1,000 Syrians orphans
