Türkiye – Welcome to Ummah Care Foundation

CONTEXT

Ummah Care Foundation (UCF) began its work in Türkiye in response to the Syrian conflict, which since 2011 has displaced millions and left lasting social and economic challenges. Today, Türkiye hosts more than 2 million registered Syrian refugees – one of the largest refugee populations in the world, according to the United Nations. Many continue to face barriers to education, livelihoods, and wellbeing.

Recognising the need for long-term, community-driven solutions, UCF established a community centre in Şanlıurfa in 2022 to serve both children and parents. The centre provides education, psychosocial support, and empowerment programmes designed to strengthen resilience and help families rebuild their lives with dignity.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

In Şanlıurfa, the Ummah Care Foundation (UCF), in partnership with the German Foundation World of Peace, runs a range of social, educational, and wellness programmes that strengthen community ties and improve daily life. Through this partnership, UCF is able to leverage additional resources, expertise, and global experience, enhancing the quality and reach of its initiatives. Children and youth benefit from creative learning and confidence-building activities that nurture their personal growth, while physiotherapy and mobility support enables those living with disabilities to thrive and participate fully in their communities. By working together, UCF and the World of Peace Foundation amplify their impact, fostering inclusion, resilience, and long-term community development.

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND MOBILITY SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN

At Ummah Care Foundation’s community centre in Şanlıurfa, children living with disabilities receive free physiotherapy and mobility support from trained and qualified Syrian physiotherapists. Each child’s treatment is tailored to their individual needs, helping them improve movement, strength, and confidence in a safe and caring environment. Because many of the staff are also from Syria, they share the children’s language and experiences, creating a deep sense of trust and understanding. This emotional connection is vital, as it allows children not only to heal physically but also to feel seen, supported, and connected. At a time when access to treatment for Syrian refugees in Türkiye can be limited, UCF’s centre provides an essential lifeline – offering compassionate, high-quality care that helps children rebuild their wellbeing and sense of possibility.

EDUCATING CHILDREN

UCF aims to ensure basic education is made accessible, engaging, and inclusive for children who continue to face significant barriers. Many refugee children in Türkiye struggle at school or have missed crucial lessons due to displacement, language barriers, or limited resources. The centre in Şanlıurfa offers free Arabic and English classes each week to help children strengthen their language skills and support their everyday schooling. Sessions are interactive and relaxed, incorporating games, art, and play to make education enjoyable. For many, the centre is more than a classroom – it is a safe, familiar space where they can grow and thrive among people who share their language, culture, and experiences, fostering both confidence and a sense of belonging.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

At the centre in Şanlıurfa, families find a welcoming space where they can pause, connect, and recharge amid the many challenges of daily life. Parents gather for wellness days to share stories, exchange advice, and support one another, while children enjoy moments of joy—from film nights to playful activities that let them relax and socialise. The centre is more than a place for services—it is a safe haven where families can feel understood, cared for, and part of a supportive community. Here, they can breathe, build friendships, and find a sense of belonging and hope together.

THE WOMEN POWERING PROGRESS

Want to know more? Their names hold the stories.

At the heart of this centre are three remarkable women — Raneem Al Mohammed, Njma Alhamohs and Feyrouz Ahmed — each bringing her own story of courage, loss, and hope to the work she does.

Together, they manage the centre’s daily operations, lead therapy sessions, and provide support for mothers who are learning to care for their children in difficult circumstances. Beyond medical care, the centre offers something more profound: connection. Whether it’s Njma teaching Arabic to help Syrian children stay engaged in school, Raneem guiding parents through therapy with empathy born of her own experiences, or Feyrouz helping children rediscover movement and laughter, their work transforms lives — quietly, patiently, and with immense compassion.