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FETHIYE CHARITY FILLS HOLES IN DISABILITY SAFETY NET.

At the tender age of three, Mehmet-Arda Olaş has faced more difficulties than most people do in a lifetime. Born with a serious frontal skull abnormality, as his health worsened his mother took him from one doctor to another, only for the unusual condition to be repeatedly misdiagnosed.

But at the end of last year Mehmet was given, as his mother puts it, “a life-saving second chance that will never be forgotten”. Almost two months following a major operation he has finally started to enjoy his childhood.

Mehmet, whose spirits are high, despite having just had 41-stitches removed from his forehead and he together with his 28 year-old mother, Nevin Olaş are a happy pair but their problems soon become apparent.

Nevin, from Kayaköy near Fethiye has surmounted the multiple hurdles of her son’s disability, her husband’s tragic death soon after Mehmet’s birth, inevitable economic difficulties of life as a single parent and her journey through bureaucratic mazes.

Her present circumstances are tough. “I work seasonally as a cleaner and can’t afford to have my own house so we live in my parents home with my mother, father and younger sister.”

She explains that before the operation, Mehmet was partially blind. Pressure from the unusual growth of his skull affected his vision, making it difficult for him to walk and move. He also dribbled and had breathing problems, which affected his sleep. But since the operation she says Mehmet “is more active, more talkative and receptive. Hopefully he will soon catch up with other children his age.” 

“Now, he is an entirely different person.” Nevin looks at her son with admiration. 

A mother’s instinct.

When Mehmet was 5-months old, Nevin observed changes in the size of his forehead. She immediately sought medical advice, first in Fethiye then in Antalya.

“We went from one doctor to the other. Initially we were told there was nothing to be concerned about and that his head would grow back into shape. But my gut instinct told me otherwise, so despite that advice I was doing weekly measurements of Mehmet’s head.”

Her concerns grew, as did Mehmet’s skull. This time the family went to Izmir to seek help.

“The doctor we saw there insensitively said that Mehmet would be bedridden for life but 1500TL could fix 25% of the problem. That equalled three times our monthly income. At that point I stopped lactating from all the stress.”

Soon after Mehmet’s father Alim tragically died in a work related accident.

“He was a caring father and did everything he could to help Mehmet. It was a difficult time for all of us emotionally and financially, as he was the bread winner.”

“Here [Turkey] money talks. If you have money, you can have your health - it’s as simple as that,” she adds.

FIG provides a safety net.

Finally, concerned members of the community put her in touch with Fethiye International Group (FIG), a charity that assists children in the Fethiye region.

“The big hearts of these people gave Mehmet a life-saving second chance that will never be forgotten,” she says, visibly emotional.

Chairperson and founder of FIG Sue Tekin said that it was just a matter of putting the right people in touch with each other.

“We wanted to see if medical intervention could help Mehmet. Following a special appeal, we found a sponsor who paid for the family’s expenses to travel to and from Izmir and for tests and check-ups that expedited the operation, which was covered by the family’s Green Card. Also, I had a contact in Izmir who was able to find the right doctor for Mehmet,” she said.

Tekin has lived in Turkey for many years. “From my experience, medical support for children like Mehmet is improving although still with inadequacies. Children with disability from disadvantaged families have limited access to health care, and if their parents are unemployed or have not been able to pay their social security or Bağ Kür they are not covered, regardless of need. Furthermore, getting a Green card is very difficult,” she said.

Mehmet does not qualify for a mental disability pension because according to tests he has 80 per cent mental ability. But generally children with special needs can get some treatment and therapy funded by the Education department.

 “Unfortunately some cases still fall through the safety net, whether due to lack of finances, status in society or medical condition as with Mehmet’s case.”

Acceptance is important.

Nevin keeps up an easy dialogue with her son, always facing the reality of their situation.

She asks him, “What did the doctors do to your head?” and Mehmet mimics stitching, making his mother laugh.

“Some people who lock their children up at home like they are ashamed of them; the way people look at them because they are different. I think they should be ashamed at their ignorance and lack of sensitivity,” she exclaims throwing her arms in the air.

“I take Mehmet out everywhere I go. But, I constantly argue with people! It is a very typical Turkish trait to stare and express sorrow. Mehmet doesn’t need their sympathy. I don’t want my son growing up to feel less human than anyone else.”

What will the future hold for Mehmet?

“Of course I’m worried about the future but now he is still oblivious of the way people stare.”

“I’m afraid that when he starts school other kids will call him names and pick on him for his obvious physical difference. I think to myself, what if he gets depressed or deeply scarred by this? He also does not have a father as male guidance. Honestly, these thoughts keep me awake at night.”

“I am proud of my son and would never lock him up. Society has to adapt to accept those who have a physical or mental disability. But this will not happen if we hide these people behind closed doors - they need to be out there and among us.”

She is considering whether Mehmet should have surgery in the future, which could ameliorate his facial disfigurement – but according to doctors that will have to wait until he is at least seven years old. In the meantime she wants to teach him to be happy with himself as he is.

 

 

Fethiye’s expat group celebrates fifth birthday  Dec 2008

 

FETHIYE - After being started by a few British women thinking what they could do for the town they love, the Fethiye International Group is now celebrating its fifth birthday. One of its founders and now chairwoman of the group, Susan Tekin, reflects on its birth and subsequent developments.

Sometimes people have good ideas but until they come across the catalyst that can transform the idea into an inspirational plan, it often remains nothing more than thought.
So it was with a group of British women in Fethiye. All, in their own way, had been mulling over what they could do for the town they had grown to love. As is so often the way, each had their own strength but together they had much more to offer.

Clarissa Reynolds, who died August 16, 2008 according to chairwoman of Fethiye International Group, or FIG, Sue Tekin, was their catalyst and was instrumental in their group’s inception.

She must take credit for the subsequent success of FIG and its ongoing achievements are a tribute to her memory.

Highly successful events organized

Sue Tekin, with 30 years of experience in Turkey, excellent language skills, and respect from local people was an immediate choice for the committee and became an invaluable (and irreplaceable) chairwoman. Her background also made her a remarkable spokesperson and diplomat.

Reynolds, Tekin and others wanted to raise money and awareness about local children and their education for both Turkish and foreign residents and to work with Turkish organizations.

They were fortunate in being able to create FIG under the auspices of FETAV Vakfı, a charitable organization set up by the local authority and chaired by the Muğla Governor’s representative in Fethiye, the Kamakam. FIG was finally born in December 2003 and after some initial teething problems the committee produced a constitution that gave the group solidity and purpose. With guidance from FETAV and other local organizations, they were able to start raising money and distributing it as necessary.

With the help of Dilek Dinçer, the manager of FETAV, premises were found and a highly successful second-hand clothing and book sale was launched. For many in Fethiye at the time, it was the only outlet for European fashion. Also other opportunities we offered for local people to come together, while raising money, such as cookery courses, coffee mornings and Turkish lessons.

With the proceeds from this enterprise, books were bought for schools and later uniforms and shoes for underprivileged children. As FIG grew its funds were used to provide bursaries for university students and treatment and equipment for ill or handicapped youngsters. The projects are always organized together with the education manager for Fethiye and other appropriate organizations.

Everybody in the group works voluntarily

FIG has now left home. During 2008 the building where it spent its formative years was refurbished and so FIG had to pack its bags and find new premises. This meant that for the first time it has had to pay its way in the world. Rent and other overheads now mean that outgoings are up to 15 percent of income as opposed to 5 or 7 percent.

Nevertheless, and this is a very important aspect of FIG, everybody works voluntarily. No one takes a salary and often pay for sundry items such as photocopying out of their own packets.

Five years old and FIG is an example to us all. It is transparent in its day-to-day running its accounts are published online and as an exercise in community and social service it is an increasingly valuable venture.

To date, fundraising has meant that an excess of 100,000 Turkish liras have been awarded to community projects, individuals and businesses. Tekin recognizes that the current team is crucial to the future of FIG and she thanks them all with her whole heart.

Fethiye International Group