The initial plan was to build solar-powered homes, but when we learned about
a school facing constant power outages, it became clear we needed to pivot.
By Aylin Yardımcı, PhD
When Derin Lowe talks about his story of installing solar panels in Hatay, one of Türkiye’s cities most affected by the devastating earthquake, his enthusiasm is contagious. At just 18, this Turkish American teenager from Charlotte, North Carolina, has not only embraced his dual cultural identity but is channeling it to create meaningful impact.
“I have always been interested in sustainable technologies,” Derin says. “Over the past four years, I have worked on solar detection systems and even studied how to reduce carbonization in boiler systems in the northern US. But after the earthquake, I wanted to do something meaningful for Türkiye.”
The earthquake, which struck in early 2023, caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands and crippling critical infrastructure. As we mark the second anniversary of this tragedy, Derin’s innovative and heartfelt response stands out: a solar panel project designed to bring reliable power to a music school in Hatay, where rolling outages disrupted classes and left children without essential resources.
Turning an Idea into Action
Derin’s journey began with an internship project in Kansas, where he studied the feasibility of installing solar panels on a power plant roof. The experience sparked an idea: why not apply similar technologies to rebuild sustainably in Türkiye? He reached out to the Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) and found an enthusiastic partner to bring his vision to life.
“The initial plan was to build solar-powered homes,” explains Derin. “But when we learned about a school facing constant power outages, it became clear we needed to pivot.” The school’s needs were pressing. Frequent outages meant canceled computer and music classes, leaving students without critical learning opportunities.
Derin and his family worked closely with BTF and local partners to design and implement the project. They coordinated with companies in Türkiye to secure the best deals on solar panels and batteries, traveling to Hatay in December 2023 to oversee the installation.
A Firsthand Look at Resilience
Visiting Hatay left a lasting impression on Derin. “Even a year after the earthquake, there was still rubble everywhere. Seeing the scale of the destruction in person was shocking,” he recalls. “But what stood out the most were the kids. Despite everything, they were so positive and eager to learn. It made all the work worth it.”
The new solar power system has transformed the school. With reliable energy, classes can continue uninterrupted, and the children have access to music and computer programming lessons once again. “It is not just about sustainability,” Derin emphasizes. “It is about giving these kids a sense of normalcy and hope for the future.”
Fundraising for Change
Raising the funds for the project was no small feat. Derin set up a donation page through BTF and launched an email campaign, reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors. “It was a lot of work,” he admits. “But people were incredibly supportive. They appreciated the tangible impact and that it combined my interest in engineering with a humanitarian mission.”
While most of the campaign was conducted online, Derin also took a hands-on approach, going door-to-door in his community to share his vision. The response was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the power of grassroots efforts in creating change.
Building a Legacy
Derin’s project is a testament to the impact young people can have when they combine passion with purpose. Through the BTF Youth Program, he has not only raised funds to give back to Türkiye but also gained hands-on experience in sustainability and project management.
“I’d love to do more projects like this in the future,” Derin says. “It is a lot of work, but it is incredibly rewarding.” His story is a reminder that rebuilding does not always mean replacing what was lost; it is an opportunity to create something better and more sustainable. ■
What is BTF Youth?
Bridge to Türkiye Fund’s (BTF) Youth Program empowers young Turkish Americans to make a difference in their communities and Türkiye. Through volunteering opportunities, and support for fundraising projects, the program fosters a strong sense of cultural identity and civic responsibility. Whether raising funds for earthquake relief or leading sustainability initiatives, BTF Youth provides the tools and platform for young leaders to create meaningful change.
Discover the Bridge to Türkiye Fund
Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) brings together communities worldwide in a shared commitment to building a brighter future for Türkiye. Acting as a bridge, we connect innovative ideas with vital resources to empower Türkiye’s next generations. Since 2003, with 22 giving circles across the US and over 40,000 donors from 92 countries, we have raised more than $20 million, supporting over 850,000 students in Türkiye. Follow us on social media to join our mission and stay connected!
www.bridgetoturkiye.org
Aylin Yardımcı is communications director at the Bridge to Türkiye Fund. She holds a PhD in international relations and political science from Koç University and an MSc from the London School of Economics. Prior to joining BTF, Aylin was the foreign relations coordinator in the office of the mayor of Istanbul and previously worked as a broadcast journalist at Medyascope. She also led Istanbul’s award-winning Askıda Fatura project as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2021 Global Mayors Challenge. In 2024, Aylin was invited to take part in the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program on Sustainable Cities.
