BERJÎN KARA

Makhmour- Like all children, the children living in the Martyr Rustem Cudi Camp (Makhmour Refugee Camp) want to have a free life, full of games. Artistic activities have been carried out in the camp to build a different world for children.

“I wanted to form a folk dance group. When I told this to my friends, they wanted to join this group. We visited the Stêra Zêrîn Cultural Center and it supported us in forming our folk dance group. I like dancing folklore. I also teach children how to paint. Our group consists of our neighbors and my two sisters. Sometimes we dance folklore, sometimes we paint and sometimes we sing strans (songs). We do our best to learn new things. We learn the songs of singers such as Xecê Herdem and Mem Ararat and then sing them,” said Jiyan Unver, who teaches children how to paint in the camp.

 Children are happy when they spend time with their friends

Yaren Gungen, a child in the camp, told us that she had a great time when she played with her friends. “After waking up in the morning, I meet my friends and we paint, sing and dance folklore. I feel happy when I spend time with my friends but when I go home I get bored,” she said.

Efrin Sezek also enjoys playing games with her friends. “I enjoy playing games with my friends. I also study my lessons and learn new things every day. We practice folk dance of the Botan Region. We do not allow our friends to spend time on the phone because it is not good for their eyes. Children should paint to develop their imagination,” said Efrin Sezek.

Gulê Keklîk, another child in the camp, told us that they spent their time reading books. “Our parents do not allow us to spend time on the phone. Actually, we do not want to spend time on the phone. Instead of spending time on the phone, we spend our time reading and dancing folklore. Every year on February 15 and April 4, we draw pictures about leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan).”

Adar Keklik always wants to play games with her friends. “We have a great time when we play games together. I cannot paint very well so I want to be a doctor.”

Dîmen Unver told us they draw pictures on different subjects every year. “We always sing songs so that we can sing better at school.”