Archives
May 31, 2011
Volunteer Shibata Ayako herself lost much of her family in the tsunami. "As a volunteer you are 'apart' from the survivors...I feel it is important to bridge this gap."
These photos represent the city at its current state, 2 wo months since the tsunami. Shops have slowly begun to open their doors for business, yet full recovery is still a long way away.
May 30, 2011
"Every bit helps. All you need is empathy, to put yourself in the shoes of the survivors," says Peace Boat staff Ueshima Yasuhiro. “Alone, people become despondent....but together, they gain courage."
In 2004, Sri Lanka experienced a tsunami, and now 15 Sri Lankans are volunteering in Ishinomaki. “We experienced the same tragedy, so we understand the needs of the survivors.”
May 25, 2011
"It is important to make sure that efforts are sustainable – to guarantee meals not only today, but also tomorrow."
May 24, 2011
"Although the lives of the town and people will never go back to as it was, the community is working together to create new life. I really hope that I can continue to contribute in some way to this."
Peace Boat staff Ueshima Yasuhiro has been coordinating the 2000 volunteers that Peace Boat has dispatched to Ishinomaki over the past two months.
May 19, 2011
"I didn't think I could make it through, but then I saw Peace Boat volunteers, with their boundless energy, partaking in sludge and debris removal. They gave me courage and the drive not to give up."
Over 180 'International Volunteers,' have joined Peace Boat's relief activities. The international community's presence is needed so that the devastation is not forgotten, and rebuilding can continue.
May 17, 2011
Torii Kenta went to Ishinomaki on April 8, and over 3 weeks found that volunteer work in the station area markedly improved the situation over that time.
Peace Boat stores all donated relief goods such as food, sanitary goods, household items and cleaning equipment at the indoor sports hall of the Ishinomaki Senshu University.
May 11, 2011
The delivery team is responsible for the safe distribution of thousands of hot meals prepared daily by the kitchen team to eight areas throughout the region.
May 10, 2011
The tsunami demolished a large fish processing factory located 1 km from Ishinomaki, and volunteers are now working to retrieve the huge numbers of fish which were strewn all over the town.
May 9, 2011
The volunteer Kitchen team is responsible for preparing thousands of hot meals each day for distribution to people in evacuation centres and elsewhere.
May 5, 2011
Peace Boat launched the “Smile Project” with the Social Welfare Council, ap bank and Megumi Japan to clear mud and debris from over 200 individually-owned residences and businesses.
May 2, 2011
The winter is slowly turning into spring, and many schools in Ishinomaki which Peace Boat has been supporting are opening for classes. In late April entrance ceremonies were held for the new students.
It is now Golden Week, with many public holidays in Japan. Many people use this vacation time to volunteer in affected areas, and Peace Boat is coordinating 660 volunteers this week.