After the devastating Marmara earthquake which took place on August 17th 1999, AÇEV was actively involved in the post-earthquake relief efforts in the area.

İzmit Rehabilitation Center (IRC)
AÇEV’s largest contribution to the post-earthquake relief efforts was through the establishment of a rehabilitation center in the region. The aim of this center which is realized with the contributions of native and foreign institutions (such as Project Hope) is to treat physical, psychological and social trauma after earthquake. At the same time, IRC, for the past 2 years served as training center where locals could attend AÇEV’s Mother Child Education Program, Father Support Program and Functional Adult Literacy Program.

The Municipality of Izmit and Kocaeli University are local partners of IRC. The building which was constructed by Metro AG was built on land donated by the Municipality.
In IRC there is a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. It is a health center which integrates physical, psychological and social rehabilitation units. Psychiatrists, physiotherapists, psychologists and prosthesis and orthesis technicians are continually working as a team to provide patients with a comprehensive treatment approach.

Since it opened, more than 1000 people have received care at from the psychology and psychiatry unit, 3400 people have received care from the rehabilitation unit and 600 people have been given care through the prosthesis and orthesis unit.

Teacher Training
After such a devastating earthquake which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and homes, there arose an urgent need for psychological intervention. Especially children in the region were in need of support to recover from the psychological trauma. As a result, a ‘Psychological Support Program for Students’ was developed by AÇEV. Through this program, 1000 teachers were trained in order to help children living in this area to cope with the aftermath of this event and to start functioning normally again.

Teacher Support Handbook/ Family Support Booklets
20.000 copies of a handbook entitled “Post-Disaster Psychological Support Program for Students” was published by AÇEV and distributed to teachers via the ministry. Additionally, 10.000 booklets featuring information about the psychological effects of earthquakes on children and its solutions were published by AÇEV.

“We are getting ready for the earthquake by Barış” Book
In September 2000, with the contribution of Lale Manço, wife of the legendary Turkish artist Barış Manço, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mete Işıkara, a leading seismologist, a book named “We are getting ready for the earthquake with Barış” was prepared and published by AÇEV. This book was distributed to primary school students for free.