Kahramanmaraş depremi sonrası yetişkin eğitimcilerinin yaşadığı zorluklar, ihtiyaçlar ve başa çıkma mekanizmaları

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of adult educators working at İskenderun Public Education Center after the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, the difficulties they encountered, and their coping mechanisms with these difficulties. The study was conducted using phenomenological research design, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The participants of the research consisted of 10 adult educators working at İskenderun Public Education Center, who were selected through purposive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis method. According to the findings, public education centers and adult educators were negatively affected by the earthquake; they faced difficulties after the disaster and new needs emerged. Based on the experiences of adult educators, themes emerged: difficulties and needs experienced by adult educators, ways to cope with challenges, and suggestions for preparing for similar disasters. Research findings also indicate that adult educators experienced physical, financial, and psychological difficulties after the earthquake. This study highlights the importance of identifying and providing the support adult educators need after major disasters such as earthquakes. The study contributes to the literature as well as to the development of educational policies and the creation of support mechanisms for adult educators after the disaster.