7 bright young SPARK students and entrepreneurs lost their lives during the earthquakes. We commemorate them.

With great sadness, SPARK has learned that at least seven young students and entrepreneurs that participated in our programmes have lost their lives in the earthquakes in Türkiye.
These young, ambitious men and women were living, studying and working in the cities of Hatay, Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, which were worst-affected by the earthquakes that first struck in the early hours of 6th February.
We are incredibly saddened by this news. It is a huge tragedy that so many young, talented people have lost their lives. Our deepest sympathies are with their families and loved ones at this difficult time, as well as with all those that have suffered losses in the earthquakes.
SPARK is working to support all Syrian and Turkish students and entrepreneurs affected by the earthquakes by providing assistance and initiating efforts to restore higher education institutions to full capacity, support the existing entrepreneurial ecosystems and provide services for youth to rebuild their careers and companies.
We applaud the enormous efforts of humanitarian and relief organisations, as well as grassroots initiatives, that continue to support affected communities with immediate relief. As rescue efforts turn to reconstruction, we are working together with government, civil society organisations and local partners to coordinate support for affected Syrian refugees, IDPs and Turkish citizens in southern Türkiye and northern Syria.
Learn more about the work of our partners, the expected economic impact for the region and SPARK’s next steps for reconstruction.
Related news
-
News
Enhancing Trauma Awareness and Psychosocial Support in Türkiye’s Earthquake Zone
-
News
21 new youth-led startups launch in earthquake-affected region
Six months on from the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye, 21 new startups are launched after support from Gaziantep Technopark and…
-
News
Training Türkiye’s academic staff in Human Rights and Refugee Law
SPARK organised a four-day Training of Trainers programme (ToT) for academic and administrative staff at its partner universities in Türkiye…
-
Event
Uniting Turkish and Syrian Youth at Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial
“While witnessing history, we had the chance to meet new people and make new friends.” A social cohesion trip brought…
-
News
SPARK’s Director visits Türkiye’s earthquake-affected provinces: Green and Inclusive Recovery
-
News
How credit score training leads to wider reach
Reem attended SPARK’s Findex training funded by the European Union. Learning about how to increase her Findex score enabled her…
-
News
Container classrooms will help earthquake-affected students resume education
-
News
How we work towards women’s economic inclusion in the Middle East
Gender equality is a goal in its own right but also a critical element for driving economic growth and diversity….
-
News
Antakya’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce on recovering the city’s post-earthquake economy
After the earthquakes, Antakya needs a thriving SME environment to encourage the city’s commercial activities to resume. In conversation with…
-
Entrepreneurs picking up the pieces after the deadly earthquake. Economic reconstruction needed now.
-
Re:coded: Empowering youth in Türkiye with tech skills
-
Higher Education Across Borders: Iraqi government ministers and university professors visit Türkiye
-
How entrepreneurship curricula can increase graduates employment opportunities