Projects
In January 2024, the Zeru Inc. proudly hosted the "Empowering Women to Shape the Future: Child Caregiver/Parent partner Training" Gaziantep, Turkiye.
This first phase of the program brought 16 dedicated educators who generously shared their expertise with 30 courageous women who have survived the Feb 6th 2023 earthquake in Gaziantep Türkiye.
Program Highlights:
- Focus Areas:
Participants received comprehensive training in essential areas, including:
- Childrearing practices
- Early brain development
- Early relational health
- Supporting relationships
- Nurturing holistic, trauma-informed growth for children and families
- Holistic Approach:
The program emphasized the physical and mental well-being of both children and mothers. It also addressed critical aspects of:
- Community building
- Leadership development
- Economic independence for women
A Platform for Connection:
This training program was not only about acquiring new skills; it was a powerful platform for sharing experiences, wisdom, and stories. The participants enriched each other's lives, contributing to a collective journey of resilience and empowerment.
Special Exhibit:
At this exhibit, you’ll find beautiful scarves and handmade edge lace, crafted by these incredible women. We invite you to explore their stories, shared through various media, to gain deeper insights into their journeys.
Our Mission in Action:
A seed of empowerment was sown during this inaugural endeavor, and it is already flourishing, nurtured by the very hands that once sought guidance. This program embodies the essence of Zeru Inc.'s mission:
"Cultivating Resilient Communities; one child, one woman, one family at a time!."
Echoes of Resilience: Unveiling Stories of Devastation, Survival and Hope
​After the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023, survivors continue to face mounting challenges. Despite initial aid efforts, their struggles persist, their traumas are unimaginable, and their voices often go unheard. They feel already forgotten.
Zeru co-founders visited the area five months after the earthquake and again around the time of its anniversary and witnessed that these survivors have stories to tell. They want to be heard. Zeru Foundation, in collaboration with courageous women from the heart of the devastation, is bringing their stories to the world, one exhibit at a time. Mark your calendars for August 26-November 9, 2024. Plymouth State University Silver Center for the Arts hosts our first exhibit, as we unveil tales of strength, vulnerability, and unwavering hope. Witness firsthand the artifacts and narratives that showcase the invincible spirit of those affected by the earthquake. Together, let's ensure these stories are not forgotten; stand in solidarity with the survivors; and amplify their voices across borders.
Mapping Turkish and Syrian Refugee Mothers Vulnerability to Post-Earthquake Traumatic Stress in Gaziantep
The Zeru Foundation, in partnership with the University of California, Davis Ulysses Refugee Health Research and Gaziantep University, has been awarded the Richard F. Walters Seed Grant for International Activities by Global Affairs at UC Davis. This collaborative effort involves five faculty members specializing in public health, social medicine, adult and child psychiatry, adolescent psychiatry, and political science. Doctor Beril Bulucu and Prof Filiz Ruhm, two co-founders of Zeru In will provided specialized consultation on psychiatric, social, political, and cultural aspects.
Our project aims to develop a novel intervention for Turkish and Syrian refugee mothers traumatized by the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquake in Turkey. Our objectives include gathering data on maternal and child mortality rates, assessing needs in maternal, infant, and child health, mapping the vulnerability and resilience of mothers to depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and examining burnout among healthcare providers using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology.
We aim to develop tailored interventions to mitigate vulnerability and enhance resilience among mothers, as well as training programs for earthquake response personnel focusing on improving maternal and child health, addressing social determinants of health, and reducing burnout among medical staff.
Given the recurring nature of earthquakes in Eastern Anatolia, it is crucial for government agencies and local communities to have rapid-response data collection tools in place. The data collected and mapped in the field will enable Gaziantep health systems, community leaders, and first responders to swiftly respond to future post-disaster situations. These pilot studies will inform decision-making regarding the location and allocation of new health resources, management of existing resources, design of actions for mental trauma, and implementation of prevention, surveillance, and control programs.
Finally, the project aims to create and distribute digital educational materials on trauma prevention and management in Turkish and Arabic, catering to both Gaziantep's native and refugee populations.
Gaziantep Model: Integrated Mother-Child Healthcare for Post-Disaster Healthy Communities (in Collaboration with Gaziantep University, Gaziantep Provincial Health Directorate and Gaziantep Municipality)
Zeru Foundation, in collaboration with Gaziantep University, Provincial Health Directorate and Municipality, developed a post-disaster healthcare model with the aim to contribute to the creation of a collaborative and effective healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of children, families, and healthcare professionals. With the help of a hybrid structure (combining mobile and fixed healthcare services) the project approaches public health from a holistic physical and mental health perspective. While the initial goal is post-disaster relief, the long-term objectives include contributing to overall public health of communities.
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The integrative model aspires to achieve the following objectives:
1. Foster collaboration among various agencies and nonprofit organizations within the community.
2. Support a comprehensive healthcare system that includes both mobile and fixed units, as well as well-trained staff.
3. Collect data on maternal and child mortality rates and identify the needs in areas of maternal, infant, child health.
4.Assess relevant healthcare staff burnout.
5. Develop targeted interventions and training programs that focus on improving maternal and child health, address social determinants of health, and reduce burnout among medical personnel.
6. Carry out these initiatives in partnership with local institutions, national and international agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
