Today is International Day of the Girl! Around the globe, Save the Children is helping young girls overcome obstacles and thrive through hardship. Support from people like you is making a difference and paving the way for them to succeed in the future.

Today, we share the story of an inspiring 8th-grade student in Türkiye. 

Alya* is a 13-year-old girl who loves cycling, painting and listening to music.

After the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye in 2023, Alya lost her home and has been living in a container city,  where schools, houses and other infrastructure are built with repurposed shipping containers. She and her family have had to face many challenges – including adapting to temporary living conditions and losing access to food, water and education. 

This catastrophe in Türkiye was not only physically challenging but also mentally challenging. It destroyed children's routines, delayed their social and emotional development as they’ve been separated from their communities and weakened their problem-solving skills due to a lack of resources. 

Thankfully, Save the Children was able to respond. The commitment and generosity of our community enabled us to establish a child-friendly space near Alya’s home, providing psychosocial support. 
 

Fueled by an ambition to learn and grow, Alya studies with her friend at a child-friendly space.

With support from people like you, our team has been able to run sessions helping children like Alya improve their focus, self-confidence and communication skills. Alya has also learned how to protect herself and stand up against bullying. 

“Before, I couldn’t talk back or respond if someone said something to me. Now, I can protect myself,” Alya said. “I even taught my siblings the three rules: call for help, don’t be alone and take a stand”. 

Save the Children provides girls — and boys — with the tools to protect themselves, become more engaged and feel empowered to speak up for the people around them. 

For over 100 years, we’ve been advocating for the rights of girls everywhere. In some places, we’re helping them break free from harmful traditions like child marriage. In other places, we're getting rid of social stigma and helping women play sports. 

Alya’s story is one example of the impact you’re making for young girls. She’s passionate about equality and justice and dreams of becoming a pediatrician or a veterinarian because of her love for both children and animals.

On International Day of the Girl, learn more about how supporters like you are transforming lives in Türkiye — and how we’re paving the way for a better future together.

With appreciation, 

Save the Children