TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program Welcomes High School Students from Hawaii in Tohoku

From March 17 to 24, 2024, the TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program was held, and 11 high school students from Lahaina, Islands of Maui, visited the Tohoku region, including Higashimatsushima-shi, Ishinomaki-shi, Onagawa-cho, and Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, to learn about the reconstruction process and also the leadership taken during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Students interacted with local fishermen, farmers, and community members and participated with TOMODACHI alumni and local high school students. 

On March 19, the welcome reception took place in Higashimatsushima-shi, Miyagi Prefecture and the participants, along with more than 40 guests from Ministry of Foreing Affairs of Japan, Higashimatsushima City Government, Sendai-shi, Higashimatsushima-shi, and local community members, attended the event. During the reception, the students introduced themselves and were able to connect with the TOMODACHI alumni from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima and learn about their ongoing involvement in the alumni community.

On March 21, the participants took part in TOMODACHI Day, an enriching occasion where they connected with TOMODACHI alumni spanning from high school students to young professionals. Embarking on a guided walking tour around Onagawa, they gained insights into the town’s remarkable reconstruction journey following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Enthusiastically, the students posed inquiries at the Earthquake Remains, delving into how the community rallied together in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.

Subsequently, the TOMODACHI alumni hosted a compelling panel discussion, showcasing their post-TOMODACHI program accomplishments. Emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps upon completing the programs, the alumni underscored the significance of staying engaged with the alumni network. Moreover, they engaged directly with participants in intimate small-group conversations, sharing personal experiences and offering invaluable advice.

Voices from the students include: “I am grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality by Higashimatsushima city, and people who led activities. I want to bring back what we learned during this program to Lahaina for our reconstruction. This experience became an unforgettable memory, meeting new friends and alumni, but it also taught me the importance of bonding in the communities to create strong resilience during a natural disaster.”