Orphanage Foundation

The Orphan Foundation was established on June 10, 2017, in Istanbul on World Orphans Day. Its founding rationale was to reduce the rights deprivation experienced by children worldwide who are classified as orphans, parentless, abandoned, or socially orphaned, and to ensure their lives meet humane standards. The foundation was specifically formed following agreements to rescue 47 orphaned children trapped in an orphanage during the siege of Aleppo, focusing particularly on mitigating the destructive impact of conflict zones on children.

Definition and Scope

The foundation interprets the concept of “orphan” broadly, encompassing not only children who have lost their father, but also those who have lost their mother (motherless), those who have lost both parents, those who have been abandoned, those whose families are unknown, and socially orphaned children. Social orphans refer to children whose parents are alive but who lack essential support such as love, attention, and basic care.

Mission

The foundation’s core mission is to support the holistic development of orphaned children—physically and emotionally—within an environment of love and compassion, ensuring they are never left alone and providing continuous support from childhood through adulthood.

Vision

The Orphan Foundation aims to become a pioneering and reference institution in the field of orphan care.

Values

The foundation’s fundamental principles are as follows:

• Transparency: Open and accountable communication processes, with financial reports published publicly.
• Justice: Assistance provided solely based on need, without regard to ethnic, religious, or linguistic distinctions.
• Unity: Collaborative action grounded in stakeholder engagement, team work, and a culture of consultation.
• Leadership: Development of innovative and effective solutions to needs, based on a holistic development model.
• Development: Ensuring sustainable growth of institutional capacity and staff development.

Operational Model

The foundation’s operational model is based on the principle of “holistic development.” This approach addresses not only children’s physical needs but also their psychosocial development, education and vocational training, and relationships with family and community. Support extends not only to orphaned children but also to their mothers and families.

Activities and Services

The Orphan Foundation provides various services to meet children’s needs in education, health, shelter, and psychological support.

Education and Learning

• Scholarships from preschool through higher education.
• Training courses and vocational programs.
• Construction of schools and dormitories.

Psychosocial Support

• Psychological counseling and support services.
• Workshops in art, skill, and play therapy.
• Support and awareness programs for mothers.

Emergency Aid and Shelter

• Emergency food, shelter, and healthcare services in conflict and disaster zones.
• Temporary shelter centers, logistics storage facilities, and social service units.

Organizational Structure and Administrative Bodies

Various councils participate in the foundation’s decision-making processes:

• Board of Trustees: The highest decision-making body.
• Management Board: Responsible for planning and implementing activities.
• Audit Board: Ensures financial and administrative oversight.
• Advisory Council: Composed of experts in relevant fields, providing recommendations and contributions.

Facilities and Operational Centers

The Orphan Foundation operates multiple service points in Türkiye and beyond:

• Istanbul Headquarters: Central hub for administrative units and social assistance coordination.
• Aksaray Psychosocial Support Center: Offers psychological counseling, individual and group sessions, art therapy, and educational support.
• Ümraniye Representative Office: Regional center for delivering in-kind, cash, and spiritual aid.
• Küçükçekmece Logistics Center: Storage facility for emergency aid and operational supplies.
• Ankara Sincan: Provides psychosocial support, education, and workshops for women.
• Hatay Reyhanlı: Center for psychological support, education, and vocational development for Syrian refugee children and mothers.
• Kilis Social Service Center and Preschool: Offers psychological support and social integration programs.
• Syria Babıska Social Service Center: Implements social integration, psychological support, and educational activities in the Idlib region.

Key Projects Undertaken by the Orphan Foundation

Sibling Family Project

The Sibling Family Project is a model designed to promote the growth of orphaned children within a family unit. The target group consists of 1,000 families who have lost either a father or both parents. Under this project, compassionate families are matched with orphaned families. Assistance includes not only material support but also emotional care. Rooted in solidarity, this project aims to meet the basic needs of orphaned children and their families, support their struggle for survival, and foster the development of healthier, more resilient individuals.

Sibling Family Project - (Orphan Foundation)

Erasmus+ Projects

The Orphan Foundation has joined the European Union’s Erasmus+ program to participate in international youth exchange initiatives. Through Erasmus+ projects, the foundation seeks to support the psychological well-being of orphaned youth, enhance their vocational training and career opportunities, strengthen social awareness, and promote the development of inclusive social policies for orphaned young people.

Erasmus+ Project - (Orphan Foundation)

Orphan Sponsorship

This system is based on individual donors regularly covering a child’s monthly care expenses. Sponsorship ensures the consistent provision of food, clothing, healthcare, education, and shelter.

Orphan Sponsorship Project - (Orphan Foundation)

Wellness Stops

Functioning as psychosocial support centers, Wellness Stops aim to alleviate the psychological impact of loss experienced by orphaned children and their mothers. The project identifies the needs of its target group—orphans and socially orphaned children and their mothers—through objective methods and develops tailored programs in response. These include education, group therapy, cultural activities, and art workshops. Wellness Stops also organize public awareness campaigns to increase societal understanding of orphanhood.

Wellness Stops Project - Orphan Foundation)

Development Projects

These projects empower orphaned mothers or caregivers through skills training in handicrafts, sewing, embroidery, and cooperative models, supporting income-generating activities. The goal is to enable orphaned families to achieve stable income, improve their standard of living, and serve as productive role models for their children.

Development Project - (Orphanage Foundation)

Tax Exemption and Legal Status

The foundation was granted tax-exempt status by Presidential Decree on January 17, 2024. As such, it offers donors tax deductions and benefits from multiple legal advantages, including customs exemptions, VAT exemptions, and real estate tax exemptions. Additionally, under Law No. 2860 on Fundraising, the foundation has the authority to collect aid throughout Türkiye without requiring prior permission.

Media Policy and Privacy Principles

The foundation’s media policy is grounded in the protection of children’s rights and privacy. In all publications, children’s real names are not used, addresses are kept confidential, and content that promotes agitation or advertising is strictly avoided. Volunteers are informed about media sharing protocols, and no personal data is disclosed without explicit consent forms.