ABOUT US

Qnushyo is made up of a group of local and international volunteers who have come together to make a difference in the lives of refugees in Istanbul.  We are a gathering place created to provide a space of community and learning for refugees arriving in Istanbul from surrounding countries, predominately from Syria.

Our aim is to assist refugees through activities, workshops and trainings that focus on skills development, local knowledge and integration, and the promotion of well-being.

We conduct activities under three main categories:

1.  Educational Guidance                                                                                    

We offer guidance to help families register their children in school.  In 2017, ninety-six refugee children were registered in Turkish kindergarten, primary and secondary school.  We also provide personal development opportunities for refugee children through art, music, sport and cultural activities.

2.  Community                                                                                                           

Qnushyo strives to establish an energizing gathering place for people from different backgrounds and beliefs.  At our Yedikule "home", refugees from diverse backgrounds can meet and network with local Turkish people and volunteers from around the world.  It's a place where people support each other and find access to different resources.  We also collaborate with different NGOs in order to provide guidance to refugees on skills development, employment opportunities and personal well-being.

3.  Women's Empowerment                                                                                     

Qnushyo supports women to realize their full potential.  We organize skills development activities and assist with domestic problems as women establish their lives in Istanbul.  

The center has enabled refugees to develop and utilize their skills, talents and professions, while first and foremost helping to meet their basic needs.  By doing this, Qnushyo enables the community to not only support themselves, but to live a full life during their period of transit from one country to another.

BACKGROUND STORY

Over 5.4 million people have fled Syria since 2011, with 3.5 million registered Syrian refugees seeking safety in Turkey. Although many are living in government-managed refugee camps, the vast majority are living in urban areas with little or no support.

Many Syrian refugees, especially those of Assyrian background, ended up in Istanbul's Yedikule neighborhood. During the first years of the Syrian refugee crisis, the Yedikule community had no outreach programs or activities, and the children didn't attend any school or have any structured activities. In addition there were no mental health resources for a community that suffered from the effects of war and migration, who exhibited symptoms of trauma, depressive behavior and a sense of hopelessness. 

Qnushyo's founders Yakup Atuğ and Önver Çetrez saw the need in Yedikule and began to organize the community – creating programs, educational opportunities and various means of support, giving this vulnerable but dynamic community a second chance at life. 

HOW TO SUPPORT

If you would like to provide monetary or non-monetary support (such as books, school supplies, clothing, household items and volunteer time) please contact us at: info.qnushyo@gmail.com