Visit the area devastated by the earthquake near the Syrian border

At 3:30am, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim had a two-hour conversation with a local activist about the current situation in Syria, today’s visit to the earthquake-stricken area, and what happened in the process of distributing relief goods. At 8:30am, he departed for the governor’s office in the border area. After driving for 2 hours, he arrived at the office at 10:30am.

Sunim said, “I heard that Turkiye is having a hard time due to the earthquake, but it is even harder in Syria. How can we help? If the Turkiye government allows the aid to Syria, we would like to build a school for children in the earthquake-stricken area or help repair facilities.”

The local activist said, “Thank you. There was a large school nearby but it was completely destroyed by the earthquake. It would be great if you consider helping after visiting the area.”

After the conversation, Sunim visited the earthquake-stricken area with Turkiye government education officials.

He first explored the place that used to be the largest school in the village. The school had a collapsed roof and crumbling walls. The interior of the school was also in disrepair. However, they had set up a temporary greenhouse behind the school to conduct classes.

The local activist said, “This school had 3,500 students attending. When the earthquake struck, 150 students and 10 teachers died.”

“With this amount of damage, the children may have experienced trauma. We need to not only provide education but also heal the children’s trauma.”

Guided by the White Helmet volunteers, Sunim also visited the Mobile Health Clinic. He expressed his admiration for the activities of the clinic’s staff.

“How shocked you must have been when the earthquake struck this area? If expectant mothers are depressed, it is not good for the health of the fetus. Please take good care of the mental health of the expectant mothers. When I return to Korea, I will discuss how I can be of help to all of you.”

While continuing the inspection, the governor of the affected area came to meet Venerable Pomnyun Sunim. After exchanging greetings, they traveled for about an hour and visited the next school. This school was undergoing reconstruction work by the ‘White Helmets’.

However, the workers at the construction site were working without helmets or protective gear.  Sunim emphasized the importance of using safety equipment by the workers at the construction site.

“You should indeed wear helmets since the organization is called ‘White Helmets.” It is risky to work without protective gear.” (Laughs)

This time, Sunim went to the tent village of the earthquake victims.

“We had purchased this site in the past to build a school, but now it is being used as a refugee tent village.”

“If we were to build a school here, would these people have a place to go?”

“Yes, of course.”

There were many children in the tent village.  Sunim asked them if they were currently attending school and inquired about their grade level.

After completing the inspection up to this point, Sunim moved to the White Helmet headquarters since the staff wanted to meet him. He had a conversation with the staff at the headquarters.

Sunim shared stories about the schools they had visited earlier that day and listened to stories shared by the White Helmet members.

“First, let’s try building one school together, and if it goes well, we can further expand our efforts.”

“Sincerely, thank you. We will cooperate throughout the process.”

“At JTS, we do whatever is necessary regardless of religion, nationality, or gender.”

“The White Helmets work the same way.”

“It sounds great.”

After finishing the conversation with the staff, Sunim took a group photo with them.

He then got back in the car and traveled for three hours to return to his room and have dinner. As he was finishing dinner, the representative from White Helmets visited him. They discussed how to proceed with the construction and renovation of the schools.

“The children need to study, so let’s start the school construction as soon as possible. Also, when I visited the site, it seemed that the workers lacked sufficient protective gear. If support is needed, I would like to provide protective gear for them.”

“Yes, that would be great. Thank you for your support.”

After concluding the discussion with the White Helmet representative, Sunim returned to his room at 11pm.