What is the purpose of this project?
The project aims to help children become more resilient and hopeful in the face of challenges they experience after disasters and calamities. Through stories, these events are reframed in children’s minds, emphasizing healing and hope. This contributes to the recovery process for children.
Who developed the project?
The stories were written by Mehmet Teber following the major earthquake in Turkey on February 6, 2023. They were later updated to cover a broader range of disasters and calamities. The animations were adapted by Aisha Selime Kundakçı and narrated by Merve Gülcemal.
How can stories be healing for children?
Children love stories. They can understand and make sense of the complex events of real life through them. Stories help shift their focus from the negative and anxious aspects of their experiences to a more positive outlook. They can replace the distortions caused by real-life events in their thought processes with new, positive ideas. For these reasons, stories are widely used in both children’s education and psychotherapy.
What age group are the stories suitable for?
The stories on this site are suitable for children aged 4 and above. Adults may also benefit from them when appropriate.
How should the stories be read?
You can read the stories to children individually or in groups. For individual readings, it is recommended to read them in the evening before bedtime, repeating for 2–3 nights. They can be read more frequently if the child requests it. In group settings, such as schools, after reading the story, you can ask children to draw a picture related to it. If reading the story to a child deeply affected by a disaster during therapy, it is recommended to read it before each session for three consecutive weeks.
Can the stories be modified?
Therapists and educators working in the field can make adjustments to the stories based on time, season, and location differences in disaster and calamity scenarios. Brief guidance for such modifications is provided with each story.
Can the stories be used in projects?
The stories are copyrighted by Mehmet Teber. They can be used in all projects following disasters and calamities, provided proper credit is given. However, commercial use and sharing of the stories are prohibited.