Habitat for Humanity Japan is set to recruit more volunteers from within the country this weekend to work in earthquake-hit Iwate Prefecture. The second and third teams of volunteers are expected to travel to badly affected Ofunato city in June. More details on habitatjp.org.
During Japan’s ‘Golden Week’ national holidays more than two weeks ago, 12 Habitat volunteers from university campuses across Japan traveled to Ofunato to help clear debris and repair houses. They pulled out wet floor insulation and tatami mats (traditional Japanese flooring) and cleared mud from houses, among other works. Ofunato, in northern Iwate Prefecture, about 500 km. north of Tokyo, was one of the three areas most affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami on 11th March. Subsequent teams of Habitat volunteers from within Japan are also expected to work in Ofunato in June. Isako Matsuoka, 20, was among the first team of Habitat volunteers. She wrote in a volunteer diary: “I now feel that I have a tie to Ofunato and the home-owners I have worked alongside. I think the message that I will pass on is that the situation is not helpless and we can do something for the people affected.” Read more of her diary.
One local resident who only wanted to be known by his family name Hosoya, related how he escaped death by going out to sea together with his neighbor, a fisherman. “After the tsunami I had no money, house, or anything to eat. But people unknown to me sent food and clothes. They wanted to help us. Do not forget that you are living in a world with others that care and wanted to support you.” He added: “I never imagined that I would smile again, or feel love again.” Habitat for Humanity will be helping survivors in both Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures alongside partners, like United States-based non-profit organization All Hands Volunteers.
More family stories, volunteer diaries, an aid worker’s account and photos on Habitat’s Facebook. Click here for more information on Habitat’s response in Japan.
Story from Habitat for Humanity International - www.habitat.org
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