TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program 2018 Post-Trip Seminar Held in Sendai

From September 22 to 23, 2018, the TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program Post-Trip Seminar took place at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science at Tohoku University in Sendai. The Seminar’s theme was “giving knowledge back to their communities.” The goal of the event was to share and reexamine each of the projects the students have been planning since their U.S. Study Trip in August.

During the month since their return to Japan, the students have received advice from mentors, and have continued to tackle their activities in order to mold their thoughts and passions into projects. At beginning of the Seminar, the students presented their activities, and shared their ideas and progress. Students then answered various questions and heard constructive feedback from fellow participants, mentors, and staff. This feedback helped the students realize what they need to review and reconsider some aspects of their projects. For all of the students, this is their first time proposing and executing projects on their own. Despite concerns and confusion, thanks to support from their mentors, the students shared their opinions effectively during their limited time to present. It provided opportunities for students to clarify the goals of their projects by considering questions such as, “why do I want to do this activity?” or “what message do I want to convey through my project?” The students realized the difficultly of thinking deeply about their project design, but at the same time, it was clear from their expressions and presentations they gained a sense of accomplishment after taking action by themselves.

Several alumni from the previous year’s third year cohort joined the seminar, and, based on their own experiences, gave advice to the fourth year cohort on giving presentations, as well as executing and continuing their projects. The alumni did not immediately succeed in their own plans, and have continued to progress through trial and error and experiences of failure. The alumni’s stories and visions for the future once again greatly inspired and motivated the fourth year cohort.

At a second Post-Trip Symposium in December, the students will not only present their projects, but also what they have gained and learned throughout the program as a whole.