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Four Months after the Earthquake
How are children from the area doing?
How are the children doing who have lost parents?
According to the Ministry of Education, as of May 1st, a total of 952 children have been moved quite a distance away from the affected area, to the regions of Kyushu, where Children’s Village Fukuoka is located, as well as to Yamaguchi and Okinawa. These children also have to live with the continuing physical and mental effects of the tsunamis and earthquake. At times, unable to go to school due to heavy rains, unable to have an appetite as usual and uncomfortable being around other people. In each region, it has been reported by care givers or school counselors, that upon remembering the earthquakes, they suddenly become uneasy, though otherwise acting bright and cheerful on the surface.
In the Northeastern area of Japan, there is a big gap between areas which have nearly been restored to pre-disaster conditions, as well as areas where little recovery has taken place. The tsunami has destroyed a train used to commute to school. With little progress being made, a high school gym is still used for emergency shelter. Many high school students are only able to return home on the weekends. Among them are many students studying for college entrance exams, encouraging each other to carry on with their studies.
As of July 11, the number of children who have lost both parents due to the disaster stands at 219, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health. The number increases greatly if including the number of children who have lost only one parent. According to the Ashinaga Organization (Literal translation: “Daddy-Long-Legs,” an orphan support organization), as of June 24, as many as 1447 people have made application to receive a special lump sum payment, for those who have lost one or both parents. Ashinaga reports that the ages of the orphan guardians range widely in age from 19 to 90 years old, half of them being single mothers and 40% being unemployed.
Professor Tetsuo Tsuzaki (Kyoto Prefectural University), an expert in Alternative Care of Child states, "Amid a national economic slowdown there is concern regarding the impact of the earthquake, as abuse, poverty and unemployment are closely related. An environment in which there is no relief from pressure causes a buildup of stress in children. I am concerned that the problem will be worse in the future.” Long term support care is necessary for both children and their caregivers, until the young children become adults.
From June 20 - 22, key members of the Children’s Village Fukuoka went to visit the Northeastern area of Japan. They met with members of the Foster Parent Association, local medical institutions, government agencies, and people from the business community.
In the future, in order to assist both the earthquakes orphans and the families that are raising them, we hope to establish an SOS Children’s Village in the Northeast area, as well as to make known the existence of the SOS Children’s Village concept in the area. Our goal was also to gather information about the condition of the children, as well as to make contact with organizations in the area.
We will continue to keep you informed regarding Children’s Village Fukuoka’s efforts to support children in the disaster area.
How are the children doing who have lost parents?
According to the Ministry of Education, as of May 1st, a total of 952 children have been moved quite a distance away from the affected area, to the regions of Kyushu, where Children’s Village Fukuoka is located, as well as to Yamaguchi and Okinawa. These children also have to live with the continuing physical and mental effects of the tsunamis and earthquake. At times, unable to go to school due to heavy rains, unable to have an appetite as usual and uncomfortable being around other people. In each region, it has been reported by care givers or school counselors, that upon remembering the earthquakes, they suddenly become uneasy, though otherwise acting bright and cheerful on the surface.
In the Northeastern area of Japan, there is a big gap between areas which have nearly been restored to pre-disaster conditions, as well as areas where little recovery has taken place. The tsunami has destroyed a train used to commute to school. With little progress being made, a high school gym is still used for emergency shelter. Many high school students are only able to return home on the weekends. Among them are many students studying for college entrance exams, encouraging each other to carry on with their studies.
As of July 11, the number of children who have lost both parents due to the disaster stands at 219, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health. The number increases greatly if including the number of children who have lost only one parent. According to the Ashinaga Organization (Literal translation: “Daddy-Long-Legs,” an orphan support organization), as of June 24, as many as 1447 people have made application to receive a special lump sum payment, for those who have lost one or both parents. Ashinaga reports that the ages of the orphan guardians range widely in age from 19 to 90 years old, half of them being single mothers and 40% being unemployed.
Professor Tetsuo Tsuzaki (Kyoto Prefectural University), an expert in Alternative Care of Child states, "Amid a national economic slowdown there is concern regarding the impact of the earthquake, as abuse, poverty and unemployment are closely related. An environment in which there is no relief from pressure causes a buildup of stress in children. I am concerned that the problem will be worse in the future.” Long term support care is necessary for both children and their caregivers, until the young children become adults.
From June 20 - 22, key members of the Children’s Village Fukuoka went to visit the Northeastern area of Japan. They met with members of the Foster Parent Association, local medical institutions, government agencies, and people from the business community.
In the future, in order to assist both the earthquakes orphans and the families that are raising them, we hope to establish an SOS Children’s Village in the Northeast area, as well as to make known the existence of the SOS Children’s Village concept in the area. Our goal was also to gather information about the condition of the children, as well as to make contact with organizations in the area.
We will continue to keep you informed regarding Children’s Village Fukuoka’s efforts to support children in the disaster area.
The Sports Day among the Debris "Regaining a Strong Community"
May is the season when many schools hold Sports Days in Japan. However, since many schools were affected by the March 11 catastrophe, their school grounds cannot be used for such events.
In spite of these circumstances, a junior high school in Rikuzentaka City, in the middle of Iwate Prefecture, held a sports day on May 22. Through the combined efforts of the Japanese Self-Defense Force members, primary and secondary school children, local residents and many volunteers, rubble was removed from the school grounds. Though the area around the school grounds is littered with debris, and the scars of the tsunamis are still fresh, the residents decided to hold the event as a symbol of their “Regaining a Strong Community.”
At the opening ceremony the student representative stated, "We are grateful for the opportunity to hold this athletic meet. Let’s do our best to make this a memorable event. Let’s do all we can for the restoration of our town, so that this may once again become a strong community." Young and old alike, joined together to have a very fun day. The school principal shared with tears, how holding the event itself was a miracle, and how they had worried as to whether it would be well-received.
On the other hand, the effects of the release of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant near the school, has restricted the use of school grounds in the area. There are areas where it is difficult for children to play outside as usual. Many parents with small children are growing increasingly uneasy.
Presently throughout Japan, there is a growing movement to make more use of natural sources of energy and to waste less energy.
This summer will be hot, but even in Kyushu, where Children’s Village is located, electricity will be reduced by 15%. To do our part at Children’s Village Fukuoka, the SOS families will not use air conditioning, and instead, will beat the heat through planting curtains of bitter gourd and morning glory vines.
In spite of these circumstances, a junior high school in Rikuzentaka City, in the middle of Iwate Prefecture, held a sports day on May 22. Through the combined efforts of the Japanese Self-Defense Force members, primary and secondary school children, local residents and many volunteers, rubble was removed from the school grounds. Though the area around the school grounds is littered with debris, and the scars of the tsunamis are still fresh, the residents decided to hold the event as a symbol of their “Regaining a Strong Community.”
At the opening ceremony the student representative stated, "We are grateful for the opportunity to hold this athletic meet. Let’s do our best to make this a memorable event. Let’s do all we can for the restoration of our town, so that this may once again become a strong community." Young and old alike, joined together to have a very fun day. The school principal shared with tears, how holding the event itself was a miracle, and how they had worried as to whether it would be well-received.
On the other hand, the effects of the release of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant near the school, has restricted the use of school grounds in the area. There are areas where it is difficult for children to play outside as usual. Many parents with small children are growing increasingly uneasy.
Presently throughout Japan, there is a growing movement to make more use of natural sources of energy and to waste less energy.
This summer will be hot, but even in Kyushu, where Children’s Village is located, electricity will be reduced by 15%. To do our part at Children’s Village Fukuoka, the SOS families will not use air conditioning, and instead, will beat the heat through planting curtains of bitter gourd and morning glory vines.
140 quake orphans. Mental health care for children.
According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, As of May 10, there are 140 orphans as a result of the earthquakes & the Tsunamis in three provinces. The majority of the children are being cared for by relatives, with a fewer number under the care foster homes or other facilities.
However, many of the relatives of such orphans are also suffering the effects of the disaster, which presents a challenge in dealing with the economic and psychological problems facing such families.
On April 22, the Japanese Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, held a working group meeting to assist orphans who are being cared for by relatives or foster parents. Masako Sakamoto, Children’s Village Fukuoka’s vice chairperson of the board, also took part in the meeting.
The working group created a list of "Guidelines for the mental health care of the disaster affected child in family-based care.” Through the National Foster Parent Association of Japan, these guidelines will be delivered to relatives and foster parents of children affected by the disaster.
In addition, Children's Village Fukuoka is considering to soon visit the affected area. We plan to meet with members of local support organizations, the Foster Parent Association, and medical facilities, to explore means that we can provide practical assistance.
We will report more on this visit at a later date.
However, many of the relatives of such orphans are also suffering the effects of the disaster, which presents a challenge in dealing with the economic and psychological problems facing such families.
On April 22, the Japanese Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, held a working group meeting to assist orphans who are being cared for by relatives or foster parents. Masako Sakamoto, Children’s Village Fukuoka’s vice chairperson of the board, also took part in the meeting.
The working group created a list of "Guidelines for the mental health care of the disaster affected child in family-based care.” Through the National Foster Parent Association of Japan, these guidelines will be delivered to relatives and foster parents of children affected by the disaster.
In addition, Children's Village Fukuoka is considering to soon visit the affected area. We plan to meet with members of local support organizations, the Foster Parent Association, and medical facilities, to explore means that we can provide practical assistance.
We will report more on this visit at a later date.
One month following the earthquake ~April,11
The Kanto (Tokyo) and Northeast areas of Japan have continued to experience aftershocks of between 5 and 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale. Gradually, lifelines are being restored, with some local supermarkets resuming operations, though delivery of supplies is very limited, as food at some rescue centers consists of only one rice ball a day and a few biscuits, with the pace of recovery varying according to location.
Children are facing the start of a new school year from April. As people were evacuated without being able to take any belongings with them, children at the refuge centers are facing school opening ceremonies without basic school supplies. Volunteers from Fukuoka are said to be handing out pencils and notebooks.
Local government bodies are also involved in supporting victims of the disaster, through providing public or corporate housing accommodations, gradually making possible their moving to other non-affected areas. Temporary home stay accommodations have begun to be organized for children suffering from the disaster. However, do to a lack of communication, the candidates for such is still reportedly few.
In addition, the serious problem of radiation from the Fukushima power plants continues, and we are assisting in evacuations, even outside the 30 kilometer evacuation zone, with an increasing number of pregnant women or mothers with small infants moving out of the area to live with relatives in other areas.
As of April 8, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health, it was found that 82 children had lost a parent. The number of children orphaned in the earthquake is said to be several times this number. The Ministry of Health says that as much as possible, it would be best for orphaned children to be cared for by relatives and where not possible, to establish a policy of providing foster parents. Only in unavoidable circumstances would children be put in the care of child welfare institutions.
This policy adheres to the United Nations’ “Guideline of Alternative Care for Children,” however, for the nursing facilities of central Japan, it is a very innovative concept. In the future, it will be a major challenge to determine how to support the foster parents who accept children from this disaster.
We at Children’s Village Fukuoka, in cooperation with the National Foster Parent Association, desire to offer support to the foster parents of children affected by this disaster.
(April,11)
Children are facing the start of a new school year from April. As people were evacuated without being able to take any belongings with them, children at the refuge centers are facing school opening ceremonies without basic school supplies. Volunteers from Fukuoka are said to be handing out pencils and notebooks.
Local government bodies are also involved in supporting victims of the disaster, through providing public or corporate housing accommodations, gradually making possible their moving to other non-affected areas. Temporary home stay accommodations have begun to be organized for children suffering from the disaster. However, do to a lack of communication, the candidates for such is still reportedly few.
In addition, the serious problem of radiation from the Fukushima power plants continues, and we are assisting in evacuations, even outside the 30 kilometer evacuation zone, with an increasing number of pregnant women or mothers with small infants moving out of the area to live with relatives in other areas.
As of April 8, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health, it was found that 82 children had lost a parent. The number of children orphaned in the earthquake is said to be several times this number. The Ministry of Health says that as much as possible, it would be best for orphaned children to be cared for by relatives and where not possible, to establish a policy of providing foster parents. Only in unavoidable circumstances would children be put in the care of child welfare institutions.
This policy adheres to the United Nations’ “Guideline of Alternative Care for Children,” however, for the nursing facilities of central Japan, it is a very innovative concept. In the future, it will be a major challenge to determine how to support the foster parents who accept children from this disaster.
We at Children’s Village Fukuoka, in cooperation with the National Foster Parent Association, desire to offer support to the foster parents of children affected by this disaster.
(April,11)
The Establishment of The Disaster Relief Fund for Children in East Japan
At Children’s Village Fukuoka, since March 11, we have received many inquiries from Japanese living overseas, as to how to offer assistance to children in the affected areas. Each time, we are reminded strongly of how the whole world is connected together as one.
In Japan, the school year ends with graduation ceremonies in March and the new year beginning in April. On the one hand, news of graduation ceremonies being held at schools which are being used as emergency shelter facilities, gives hope for a brighter future. On the other hand, there are also reports that high school entrance ceremonies scheduled for April must be postponed indefinitely.
The number of affected schools has risen to a total of 1673, or 70% of the schools in the Northeast Japan area. There are 323 Schools which have not been damaged, but are being used as emergency shelters, to the effect that there are many areas where classes are not able to be held. Needless to say, the impact on children’s schooling has become a serious problem.
Little by little, we are learning more about the number of children orphaned by the Earthquakes and Tsunamis. As of April 1st, in Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures alone, there are 65 children who have lost parents. There still remain a number of children whose parents are missing and parents who are awaiting the return of adult relatives and neighbors. We will continue to report as new information becomes available.
Children’s Village Fukuoka has opened an account for receiving donations for children affected by the disaster.
We urge anyone collecting donations for children in the affected areas, whether companies or other groups, to please make use of this account. The donations received will be used to support children orphaned by the earthquake.
We are continuing to discuss the concrete details concerning the use of the funds, as we gather more information. The Japanese government has begun a survey of parents and children who have lost family members in the affected areas, and we will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Children’s Village Fukuoka Disaster Relief Fund for Children in East Japan
NAME of BANK：SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
SWIFT Code ：SMBC JP JT
BRANCH ：TENJINCHO BRANCH
BANK ADDRESS：2-7-21,Tenjin,Chuou-ku,Fukuoka,Japan 810-0001
ACCOUNT NAME： SOS CV Japan
ACCOUNT NO ：717-1798939
ADDRESS：San-Building 3F,2-14-3,Imagawa,Chuou-ku,Fukuoka,Japan 810-0054
TEL. ：+81-92-737-8655
In Japan, the school year ends with graduation ceremonies in March and the new year beginning in April. On the one hand, news of graduation ceremonies being held at schools which are being used as emergency shelter facilities, gives hope for a brighter future. On the other hand, there are also reports that high school entrance ceremonies scheduled for April must be postponed indefinitely.
The number of affected schools has risen to a total of 1673, or 70% of the schools in the Northeast Japan area. There are 323 Schools which have not been damaged, but are being used as emergency shelters, to the effect that there are many areas where classes are not able to be held. Needless to say, the impact on children’s schooling has become a serious problem.
Little by little, we are learning more about the number of children orphaned by the Earthquakes and Tsunamis. As of April 1st, in Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures alone, there are 65 children who have lost parents. There still remain a number of children whose parents are missing and parents who are awaiting the return of adult relatives and neighbors. We will continue to report as new information becomes available.
Children’s Village Fukuoka has opened an account for receiving donations for children affected by the disaster.
We urge anyone collecting donations for children in the affected areas, whether companies or other groups, to please make use of this account. The donations received will be used to support children orphaned by the earthquake.
We are continuing to discuss the concrete details concerning the use of the funds, as we gather more information. The Japanese government has begun a survey of parents and children who have lost family members in the affected areas, and we will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Children’s Village Fukuoka Disaster Relief Fund for Children in East Japan
NAME of BANK：SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
SWIFT Code ：SMBC JP JT
BRANCH ：TENJINCHO BRANCH
BANK ADDRESS：2-7-21,Tenjin,Chuou-ku,Fukuoka,Japan 810-0001
ACCOUNT NAME： SOS CV Japan
ACCOUNT NO ：717-1798939
ADDRESS：San-Building 3F,2-14-3,Imagawa,Chuou-ku,Fukuoka,Japan 810-0054
TEL. ：+81-92-737-8655
