ANTAKYA, TURKEY - Two siblings Hanan Arroi, 10, and his brother Adnan, 8, were always present in their Quran and Arabic lessons in the Hama Social Aid and Solidarity Association.
The Syrian siblings were bright students who had always brighten the atmosphere of the classes they were part of.
Hannan and Adnan had the interest in drawing with one of their art pieces hanging on the walls of the cabin classroom.
The recent earthquake that hit the country changed everything especially towards those in the community centre when Hanan and Adnan died.
The siblings failed to save themselves after being trapped in the rubble of their home not far from the community centre.
The community centre chief Ammar Alnjjar, 44, said other than Hanan and Adnan, their classmate Nizar Dubais, 9, and a teacher were part of the victims who died in the earthquake.
"When I received the news, I could not hold back my tears because these students were like my own children.
"Hanan and Adnan were very close to me. I don’t know how I can express my feelings at this time,” he said to Sinar while attempting to hold back his tears.
Ammar said the loss of the four individuals was felt by the Syria community here.
"The teacher was one of the teachers loved by 200 students here.
"Hanan and Adnan’s drawing will not be left behind. This drawing is the only thing that can mend our hearts,” he said.
The 7.8 Richter scale earthquake on Feb 6 had changed the community centre into a shelter for Syrians who lost their homes.
"In addition to learning classes this community centre also has a legal counsel service and a place for Syrian youth to play sports.
"The class that Hanan, Adnan and Nizar were placed in was made into a treatment facility,” he said.
Sinar with Syria Care and Task Emergency Medical Service (Tems) were currently in Turkey in their mission to hand out aid for the earthquake victims including those in Syria.
Those who wanted to take part of this mission and offer their aid towards the Sinar Karangkraf x Syria Care #BantuanBencana Care Funds can contribute through the Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd Maybank account 564276-529068.
The Contribution for the care fund could also be made through the website https://info.sinarharian.com.my/tabung-bantuanbencana-sinar-karangkraf-x-syria-care/