音声ブラウザご使用の方向け: SKIP NAVI GOTO NAVI

Miyagi Support Center News "Link (Yui)" No.52, October 29th, 2011

“Let’s support our fellows in Tohoku with our bonds of friendship and strengths!”

Issued by Japan Disability Forum (JDF) Headquarters for Support of Persons with Disabilities affected by the East Japan Great Earthquake

Offices:
Main Center: 2-12-2 Itsutsubashi, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Tel:+81-80-4373-6077 Fax:+81-22-266-0292
Eastern Area Center: 99-7 Motomachi, Wakuya-cho, Tel:+81-229-43-6639 Fax: +81-229-43-6685

Website:http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/resource/tohoku_earthquake.html

Number of interview with survivors with disabilities; 1,575
Total number of supporters; 787
As of October 29th

Photo1
Photo1; Opening Meeting of Nozomi workshop

Temporary Opening Ceremony at Nozomi Workshop --- We are reaching the stage at last.

Starting over at this place
On October 27th, 2011, we had a temporary ceremony of Nozomi Workshop for persons with disabilities at the temporary office which has an area of 50m² . Although there are neither electric lights nor wallpapers, the activities are starting at last. It was difficult to have a big opening ceremony, because of delay of construction. The workshop will be opened formally during November. During the ceremony, many people joined, such as users, family members of users and supporting organizations. They talked each other about the long winding road for revival, and all of participants were moved deeply. After 3.11, activities have been started at a temporary workshop of Iriya, for recovering a space for the activities in the day time of users as quickly as possible. I think we have this new day by having overcome lots of difficulties. We may have more difficult days from now on, however, we feel happy to have this starting of revival. Congratulations on a temporary opening to all member of Nozomi Workshop!
(A supporter from Aichi)


Joined "Imo-ni kai (a traditional & seasonal event in eastern Japan) at Workshop Himawari

On October 29th, an annual event "Imo-ni kai" took place at Workshop Himawari. JDF has sent supporters to Workshop Himawari since the disaster, and we were invited to the event together with the Association for Aid and Relief. The event started at 10:30. JDF was in charge of roasting san-ma fish, and we worked with many users. Supporter of JDF roasted so many san-ma fishes. That's why they got a distinct smell of roasted fishes. Following the roasted san-ma fishes, BBQ was started. We had lunch with communicating each other in the workshop. After lunch, karaoke time was started by users. The first song which all of them sang was "Aitakatta" by AKB48. And then, every user sang one by one, and supports also had fun. Through this event, we realized again how important human relationship was. We are going to continue the support for Workshop Himawari after October 31 as well, and we will take care of the connection with them.
(A supporter from Aichi)

Imo-ni kai
Photo2; Imo-ni kai


The 3rd consultation in Onagawa town

On October 29th, "outreach research for people in temporary houses of Onagawa town" was taken place by a support office for support activities centers in Miyagi prefecture. 5 supporters from JDF joined the research together with a community comprehensive support center, public health nurses, an association of social workers, offices of care managers and a bar association of youth. 6 months have passed since the opening of temporary houses. The issues of environment, health and transportation are quite important for people there. Winter, which is tough season for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, is just around the corner. The comprehensive support center is working for their needs. The next research will be taken place on November 5th.
(A supporter from Tokyo)

The 3rd consultation in Onagawa town
Photo3; The 3rd consultation in Onagawa town


Footprints of the support

I have never worked as volunteer before. It is my first experience. I knew the situations of affected areas through TV programs, but when I saw real scenes, I lost any word at all. I heard from survivors that the Tsunami was unimaginable scale. Nowadays, the affected areas are stepping forward little by little. At this moment, only what I can do is to tell about situation of the affected areas for the people in my home town. I will continue to support the revival activities from my home town.
(A supporter from Okayama)

I visited Ishi-no-maki city and Onagawa town through JDF activities. 6 months have passed since the disaster. But the damage of the disaster is still huge and deep. A lot of lives were taken by the disaster suddenly. Even survivors got deep sadness. Whenever I remind the facts, I lost my word completely. I wish the survivors will recover as soon as possible with the hope and the connection between lots of people.
(A supporter from Okayama)


Translated by Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Volunteer translator: Mr. Makoto Kono