Over 6 months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The local community has been deeply moved by volunteers’ desire to help. The experiences shared by volunteers and the local community will be remembered long after the work in Ishinomaki is over.<\/p>\n
Yet the recovery is still far from over, and for many survivors the progress that has been made feels mostly superficial. We must carry on helping the people of Ishinomaki to give them the courage and strength to rebuild not only their homes and businesses, but also their hearts and minds.<\/p>\n
Peace Boat has always developed our programmes in response to the needs of the community, and as local requests for help shifted, so have Peace Boat\u2019s efforts. We need volunteers to help clean graveyards, factories, the harbors in fishing villages and other public areas. The recent typhoon filled many of the streets and public places with water and debris, which has set back the city’s progress \u2013 a depressing sight for the people of Ishinomaki.<\/p>\n
Last week we had 4 international volunteers. This week we have no international team at all. As you all know, the presence of international volunteers in Ishinomaki is vital: it shows survivors that the world has not forgotten about them. This is their biggest fear. The support of volunteers has proved invaluable to the recovery of Ishinomaki and we are now asking for continued support. Please join us and give the local people your hands in solidarity.<\/p>\n