STUDENTS at the University of Reading have raised funds for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
More than £2,000 was raised in three days by the university’s Turkish Society, who set up a stall outside the students’ union building on Wednesday selling cakes, sweets and Turkish treats.
Two major earthquakes, which measured at 7.8 and 7.5 on the magnitude scale, took place on Monday, February 6, leaving more than 30,000 people dead.
Diyar Ulgur, a second year quantity surveying student, has given his support to the society in recent days. His parents grew up in Pazarcik, Kahramanmaras, near the site of the earthquake in Turkey.
He visits the city with his parents most summers where they had a house that is now uninhabitable. Diyar and his family know several people, including relatives, who have been impacted by the disaster.
Diyar said: “All I feel is heartache, there isn’t any other way to describe it. It’s not just random people who have been impacted, for me it’s people I’ve had conversations with, people I’ve had tea with.
“In Turkey, one person’s struggle is everyone’s struggle.”
Arda Basara, a second year psychology student, said: “It’s terrible knowing that people are underneath the rubble, trapped and cold and waiting to be rescued when you can go back to your warm house and live normally.
“We’re all living in the same world, we’re all human. I think we should be at each other’s sides when we need help in any kind of situation. Even though it’s far away, even a small donation will definitely help organisations to provide support.”
The University of Reading has more than 100 students from Turkey and between 20-30 from Syria. A number of academic and professional staff also have personal links with the affected areas.
Students who have been affected by the disaster are being directed to a range of practical, emotional and financial support, which can be accessed via the Me@Reading portal.
Prof Parveen Yaqoob, the university’s deputy vice-chancellor, said: “On behalf of the University of Reading community, I express my deepest condolences to all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
“I know that the university community stands in solidarity with the Turkish and Syrian people and all those who have been impacted by this tragedy.
“The resilience and determination displayed by Reading students and colleagues in recent days, working to encourage people to make much-needed donations and showing their solidarity is to be applauded.
“I am sure every pound raised will help to make a difference to the lives of those people who are currently urgently in need of our help.”
