march-2012

One Year On
This month marks the anniversary of the devastating
earthquake and tsunami in Japan and one year on,
World Vision is still helping communities recover
Without warning, the
earth jolted. A vast
wall of water engulfed
homes, cars and
buildings. Desperate families
searched for missing loved ones.
Many were never found. And then,
a nuclear emergency. Freezing
weather conditions. No food, power
or running water. Destruction.
Devastation. Japan, one year ago.
QUICK ACTION IN A CRISIS
World Vision responded
immediately to provide relief.
Thanks to the support of StarKids
and the Australian and international
community, World Vision assisted
more than 84,000 people in the
most severely affected areas in
northern Japan.
For people who had lost
everything, essential items like
blankets, clothing, nappies, hygiene
kits, bottled water, kitchen utensils
and bedding brought some much
needed relief. World Vision also
provided food through community
kitchen projects.
Mrs Saijo and her 16-monthold
daughter Kouka stayed in an
evacuation centre supported by
World Vision. “We adults can bear
going without meals and clean
clothes for a couple of days,” she
said. “But it’s really diffi cult for
small children without milk and
nappies. So it was very helpful that
nappies were supplied in
this centre.
“Thank you very much. I lost my
084
house, possessions and everything
else, but I am so grateful to
everyone who is helping us,”
she said.
PROTECTING CHILDREN
Following the disaster, many
children who lost family, friends,
homes and schools showed signs of
stress and sleeping problems.
World Vision set up seven Child
Friendly Spaces to support children
affected by the disaster. Children
could play and learn in a safe
environment and were reassured
by a normal routine. World
Vision also helped schools with
educational supplies, uniforms,
gym equipment, temporary
classrooms and a school bus to help children return
to school.
Tokura Primary School was washed away by the
tsunami. A World Vision Child Friendly Space gave the
evacuated children a place to play games, study and do
art and craft activities. When classes fi nally resumed
the students were given notebooks and pencils. Mr
Asokawa, the school’s head teacher, was glad the
children could move on. “This is a really big step for
us in rebuilding our lives. We really appreciate World
Vision for supporting us,” he said.
THE RECOVERY CONTINUES
One year on, World Vision continues to help rebuild
lives through Child Friendly Spaces, assistance for the
elderly and support for local fi shing industries. Friday,
11 March 2011 was a dark day for Japan, but thanks to
support from World Vision and StarKids, the sun will
rise again in the land of the rising sun.