For Zahir, change didn't begin suddenly, but with small realizations. While trying to establish a new life with his family in Turkey, leaving behind his unfinished life in Syria, he hadn't realized for a long time that the majority of the responsibility for the house and children rested on his wife's shoulders. He worked in the fields, and when he came home, he would rest to recover from his fatigue. The time he spent with his children was limited; he had never thought about how he could contribute to their development. Zahir is having dinner with his wife and daughter. Mardin, 2026 – TKV – Şerif ARSLAN
With his participation in Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) sessions, Zahir realized that children's early learning processes are shaped not only at school, but also at home and in daily life. He learned how crucial the interaction with parents is in children's development. Seeing that almost all the responsibilities at home belonged to his wife during the basket activity was a turning point for him. But this realization led him not only to participate in housework, but also to learn together with his children. He remembers being ashamed at one time because people would say, "Can a father do housework?" But today, he says he's not alone when he enters the kitchen. Because now his children are with him. While cooking, they wash the vegetables together, set the table together, and sometimes knead the dough. During these times spent together, the children try to teach Zahir the Turkish they learned at school. Zahir also helps his children with their homework. These little moments are no longer just housework for Zahir; they are a strong bond he has formed with his children, a contribution to their development, and his own. In this process, his children both have fun, learn, and teach. At the same time, while taking on small tasks, their hand-eye coordination improves, their fine motor skills strengthen, and their problem-solving skills increase. They also learn to take responsibility, cooperate, and express themselves. Zahir cooks with his wife and daughter, cooking detail. Mardin, 2026 – TKV – Şerif ARSLAN
Zahir notices that these moments, especially those he spends with his daughters, boost their self-confidence. Now, his children talk to him more, ask more questions, and eagerly anticipate the time they spend together. This change transforms not only Zahir but the entire family. The home is no longer just a living space; it becomes a place where they learn, explore, and strengthen together. Zahir and his family smile for a family photo in front of the house. Mardin, 2026 – TKV – Şerif ARSLAN
For Zahir, parenthood is no longer just about taking responsibility; it means supporting his children's development every day, learning with them, and being one of the most important guides in their lives. This transformation is a concrete example of the impact of the Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) program in the field.
