15
Jun 2019

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Cyclone Idai: Relief Program in Buzi District

While communicating with multiple thematic clusters of international relief agents gathered in Beira, we tried to identify the locations and programs most in need based on up-to-date information gathered from international and local organizations. In the course of these activities, we came across a member of a local NGO, Kulima. This NGO has been actively involved in social and economic projects since its foundation in the 1980s and fostered strong networks in rural communities across the country. The abundant knowledge and experience of this NGO helped us a great deal while we had limited connections in the country. With an emergency grant from a Japan-based international NGO, Japan Platform, we decided […]

20
May 2019

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Cyclone Idai: Damage in Rural Areas in Mozambique

The dispatched PBV members traveled to rural communities outside Beira for further investigation of the damage caused by Cyclone Idai. The storm first made landfall in Beira then headed inland, moving westward over a plain which rivers run through. The landscape creates favorable conditions for agriculture in ordinary times, but led to extensive flooding during and after the storm. In particular, Buzi District located in the south of Beira experienced severe flooding due to the storm. During the storm, many were rescued from the area by helicopter and boat while witnessing the water lever rising way over head height. In some parts, the water from the storm had yet to […]

08
May 2019

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Cyclone Idai: Damage and Needs Assessment in Sofala Province, Mozambique

In mid-March 2019, a tropical cyclone, Idai, struck Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. It devastated the region. The death toll rose to 603 in Mozambique alone and thousands of people have been struggling to even live their everyday lives. The Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV) dispatched two staff members to Beira, Sofala Province, Mozambique, in April for damage assessment for emergency relief. Beira is a port city located in the central part of the country and serves as the second largest city after the capital Maputo. The city is not only a busy commercial hub, home to 500,000 people, but also boasts one of the most strategic ports in […]

22
Jan 2019

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[Western Japan Flooding] We Need More Volunteers!

The Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV) has been working in Kurashiki, Okayama to support local residents who were affected by the torrential rain and flood in July 2018. The PBV has dispatched more than 300 volunteers to help out with emergency shelter management, hot meal distribution, relief supply-demand coordination, house clean-ups, community re-building and other activities needed in the affected area. Six months have passed since the disaster, but the local residents are still in great need of help to recover and rebuild their livelihoods and communities, and the PBV has decided to continue the support effort until 24 March 2019. We seek volunteers who can work with […]

19
Apr 2018

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PBV 7th Anniversary Declaration of Commitment

April 19 marks seven years since the establishment of the Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV). Our journey up until this point has been supported by the thoughts and actions of all of you. Thanks to all of our supporters, we have grown into an organization that can fulfill its expected role to society. I would like to share the goals we at PBV  continue to value which are based on our original philosophy that “People support people”. 1. In order to aid in the recovery of disaster victims and the affected areas, we will provide a place tailored to their culture and lives in which all of the […]

18
Apr 2018

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Messages from Citizens of Ishinomaki, 7 Years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

It has been 7 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Ishinomaki, a city in Miyagi Prefecture, one of the affected areas, has changed a lot in the time since the disaster. Rather than happening suddenly, the changes have gradually accumulated during the 2555 days of these 7 years, making the city become as it is today. Here, we interviewe three citizens of Ishinomaki, who have both witnessed and devoted themselves to these changes. We greatly appreciate their cooperation. Meanwhile, we hope this interview can help readers understand more about Ishinomaki, and think about what individuals can do for the city today.   Ms Abe Kiyoko Owner, Restaurant […]

10
Apr 2013

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The Fukushima Youth Ambassadors have safely returned!

The 12 junior high school students from Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture who took part in the 2013 Spring Fukushima Youth Ambassadors project arrived back to Narita airport on April 1, 2013 after having learned about language, nature, sustainability and energy in Australia. From Narita they travelled by bus, safely returning to Minamisoma.
The 8-day local program was very fulfilling and fruitful, thanks to the cooperation of Australia-side partner Japanese for Peace, the homestay families, and all others at the schools, farm, beach, wind farm, permaculture garden and other places visited during their stay.
Along with announcing their safe return, we thank everyone that supported this project in many different ways.

01
Apr 2013

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[Disaster Risk Reduction] Q&A Manual – Assistance for Foreigners at Times of Disaster

The reason Peace Boat’s Disaster Volunteer Centre was able to receive international volunteers from 56 countries and regions around the world is because of the presence of bilingual volunteers to support communication. We have also been working with the local municipality and other gruops in Tokyo to provide information in languages other than English to support people in the case of a disaster, including making the Spanish translation of the Assistance Manual for Foreigners in Times of Disaster, which includes information in around 60 categories such as where to go to get food during a disaster or where to submit necessary applications.

23
Mar 2013

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Fukushima Youth Ambassadors depart for Australia!

The Fukushima Youth Ambassadors, 12 junior high school students (ages 13-14) from Minamisoma City, are departing for Australia today! The 12 youth will visit Melbourne for a programme of educational and cultural exchange with local students and citizen’s groups. This will be an opportunity to experience intercultural understanding workshops, learn about environmental issues through outdoor activities, and practise English. In this healthy, dynamic and creative environment they will learn new skills, enjoy new experiences and gain a fresh perspective on the future, invaluable to them as they struggle to consider the future of their disaster-affected community.

19
Mar 2013

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Peace Boat and the Post 2015 Hyogo Framework for Action

Peace Boat and the Post 2015 Hyogo Framework for Action

The Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 – 2015 (HFA) is a 10-year plan to make the world safer by building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. The HFA came out of the UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction 2005 (WCDR), a milestone event to increase the profile of disaster risk reduction (DRR).
In the lead up to the UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction to be held in Japan in 2015, Peace Boat’s Disaster Relief Volunteer Center will be attending international preparative conferences to share our experiences and give recommendations for the post-HFA 2015 environment.