Prosthetic Support for Children Who Lost Limbs in Earthquakes

In Aydın, metal parts made from waste materials were sold to provide prosthetic support to children who lost limbs in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes. Çukurova University Child Welfare Center, which provides services to children affected by the earthquake, hosted the presentation and sale of artworks from the "Let It Not Remain Incomplete Collection" project, led by businesswoman Özlem Erkul and HAUS Centrifuge Technologies. Journalist and author Belkıs Kamut Aktürk told participants the story of 20 artworks made entirely from waste materials. The proceeds from the sales will be used to purchase prosthetics for children who lost limbs in the earthquake. Artist Sema Akbel told journalists that she was very happy to be part of such a meaningful project. Akbel explained, "We actually started out thinking it would be 6 artworks total. But the scope and generosity of the help was so great that we didn't stop at 6 – we have 20 separate pieces here now. We made them all from waste materials, and each one was transformed into a different artwork." Özlem Erkul said, "We said our children there should not be left incomplete, and we wanted to extend our hand from here. We collected waste from all the companies in our industrial sector. We want this to be a beginning, we want it to be sustainable, and not just on days when we commemorate these events. We want to show our children that we are there for them whenever they need us." Çukurova University Rector Prof. Meryem Tuncel stated that they are taking part in a highly meaningful project for the children. Tuncel said, "Wherever it is in Turkey, our biggest goal is to do these things and we are working on it. We currently have 142 children in our system. We want to reach more children from outside Adana and from other provinces affected by the earthquake. That is our greatest wish. It is very important for us that all our children know about the existence of such a center." İsmail Temiz, Technical Director of the Amputee Football National Team and a supporter of the project, said he was present to provide moral support to the children. Source