UCF Centre - Sanliurfa

I have spent 2 weeks at the centre in 2024. One week in February and one week in July.
The centre serves Syrian refugee families. It was initially set up to provide physiotherapy to disabled refugee children.
Over the years it has become a part of the local Syrian refugee community.
There are a variety of activities happening there - English lessons for children ranging from 5 years to 15 years. Lessons in classrooms and lessons online. Food distributions. Counselling and support for widows and struggling families. Activities for children. Dental check-ups for children from a visiting dentist.
The Syrian refugees in Sanliurfa have very little help or support and many are struggling financially. They have limited access to education or healthcare. Many don't have even their basic needs met.
The UCF Centre has become an essential part of the local refugee community.
Staff are friendly and welcoming. Anna is present at most times to provide support to the volunteers. Other staff speak a reasonable level of english.
During my time there, I helped in teaching the children and interacting with the families.
I also helped with the food distribution and organising parties and activities for the children. I was also able to practice my Arabic with everyone at the centre.
It was a very rewarding experience and I felt valued as a volunteer.
Sanliurfa is a safe city and we walked and took local transport to explore the sights.
There are nice tourist places to visit and a couple of shopping centres as well.
I was very happy with my time there and will be going back in the future.