Food and recreation for kids in the disaster zone

July 28: SWTJ at Shinjo Elementary School

In the morning of July 28, a group of four SWTJ volunteers who worked with us on the ground for the first time were taken to the coast areas so that they could see where the evacuees are originally from. It is important for volunteers who enter the disaster area for the first time to be briefed on the disaster and on the current state of the areas from which the people we work with were evacuated.

Nearly five months after the disaster, wide stretches of land still look the same: boat washed into residential area (July 28, 2011)

Cleanup of debris will take a very long time (July 28, 2011)

In the early afternoon, we drove to the nearby Shinjo elementary school where the kids were already waiting for some rare treats and recreation

SWTJ on the way to Shinjo elementary school (July 28)

Unpacking of SWTJ gear in preparation of an afternoon of cooking and recreation for kids at Shinjo elementary school in Kesennuma, Miyagi prefecture. Today, our photographer Kanazawa Daisuke helps out in the kitchen!

SWTJ Yamanaka Junpei sets up the cotton candy machine

Soon, a lot of kids stood in line for the treat. 

Back left: SWTJ Head of Office Yamanaka Junpei

Back right: SWTJ Head of Kesennuma Branch Tamura Taiji.

Okonomiyaki pancakes made with and for the kids

After the food, the recreation! Kids gather around SWTJ soccer coach Kanazawa Ryo. Soon the soccer teams are ready to go.

Many kids commute to elementary school from evacuation centers or from tiny crammed temporary barracks. Recreation activities during the day are crucial for their well-being.

Ogawa Hayato, SWTJ member on the ground with SWTJ for the first time, says: 'It was tough to see the reality in the disaster zone this morning. I felt helpless in front of so much destruction. But working with the kids at the school this afternoon has given me a lot of motivation. We really can learn so much from the people here. I came with the intention to encourage the evacuees. But instead, they seem to have encouraged me. Heartfelt thanks to all the kind people at the Shinjo school!'

Photos: Ogawa Hayato

Photo text: Ogawa Hayato

(Edited for the English version by B.Y.)