SWTJ carpenters hard at work!
Tsukidate Post-Disaster Community Space in the hills of Kesennuma
This is the very coldest season of the year!
Tsukidate community space under construction next to Tsukidate temporary housing
Yes, temperatures are below zero! But the SWTJ carpenter team cannot waste any time. The evacuee community in the neighboring temporary housing is quite isolated, and has currently no space where they can freely gather, and where they can mingle with locals, volunteers, and other visitors. The bus to downtown Kesennuma runs very infrequently. It is cold, and lonely. Some of the evacuees who now have neither a car nor a job tend to stay in their rooms at all time.
At work: SWTJ Representative Yoshikawa (left) and SWTJ Kesennuma Branch Head Tamura
Adding the windows
Saturday Feb. 11: Windows fixed!
Charcoal Kiln:
Behind the Tsukidate community site under construction, Mr. Tamura is currently fixing the roof of a new charcoal kiln, a project of the local Yasse Forest Education School 'Yasse Mori no Gakko.' Charcoal has been produced in Yasse for centuries. Mr. Tamura, who is also the SWTJ local representative in Kesennuma, is a local charcoal maker and expert, an educator on regional natural resources, and an ecotourism leader. The charcoal will be put to good use in the new Tsukidate community space.
Mr. Tamura on the roof of the charcoal kiln
Mr. S. and Mr. Y. from the temporary housing site help the SWTJ construction team. Thanks! ((February 13th)
SWTJ's Yasuo Yoshikawa says: "I'm so glad that people from the temporary housing actually come out of their rooms to help us build the space. After work, we often share a meal. Many locals also come by regularly to see how work advances. Everybody is looking forward to the completion of the space!"
Text by Beatrix Yoshikawa, SWTJ
SWTJ still needs funds and donations in kind for the Tsukidate community space. If you are interested in taking part, find more information on what is needed here:
Tomorrow, February 14th, is the start of the SWTJ Valentine Activity Week! Look out for our blogs on Valentine chocolate-making workshops in child centers and temporary housing complexes in the disaster area during the next few days.
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