Headlines from around the world MISH lends a hand in Turkey and Syria

hen nature takes on humanity; kindness prevails. On Feb. 6, citizens in Turkey and Syria were awoken by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Thousands of people were killed and there was destruction across Turkey and Syria. As the Masters community heard about this devastating event, questions on how the school help arose. Elena Olivieri, the faculty advisor of MISH, heard about the earthquakes and knew that MISH and the Masters community had to get involved; however, she struggled to think about how. She said “We want a culture of being a power for good, and we want everybody involved in service work.”

WOlivieri frst decided to write a newsletter talking about the earthquakes and gave everyone a list of organizations that the community could donate to. An organization highlighted in the newsletter was AFYA.

Oliveri recently led a weekend trip to AFYA, an organization that donates critical medical supplies to underserved health systems globally. Originally, Olivieri was supposed to drive the bus that dropped Masters’ volunteers off at AFYA’s warehouse, but she decided to join the volunteers inside. Olivieri quickly formed a relationship with the founder, Danielle Butin. After word of the earthquake, Olivieri’s relationship with the founder inspired her to rally our community to donate. “If it has to be monetary, at least we know where the money is going. We know it’s a trusted organization”

After the second earthquake in Turkey and Syria, Charlie Manzano, the president this year is to strengthen the connection between the Masters School and the foundations and allow for more engagement on Masters’ part.”

A bake sale is planned to raise money for those impacted by the Earthquake.

Olivieri said that the easiest way is to volunteer at places like AFYA. One can also lend support to students in our community who may be impacted by this event . Peter Newcomb, head of The Upper School, recently led a moment of silence in solidarity to those impacted at Morning Meeting. Oliveri said, “It doesn’t need to be a $1,000

Turkish government plays a role in earthquake death toll

ment, and lack of safety for many Turkish citizens.

Alumni have been carrying the school’s mission statement post graduation. Nil Sera Gungor ‘20, a college senior at Babson College, said, “I don’t think it’s gotten nearly the amount of media attention it should,” She’s passionate about the cause because she has many family members from Turkey. Though her family wasn’t directly affected, she said “If one person feels pain, we all feel it.” Gungor believes that the death toll of the earthquake could’ve been lowered if Turkey had earthquake proof buildings. She believes that the best way our Masters community can help is spreading awareness