The Second Cohort of the TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program Visited Tohoku

From July 22 to 26, the second cohort of the TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program visited the Tohoku region including Higashimatsushima City, Onagawa Town, and Rikuzentakata City to learn about the reconstruction process and the leadership taken during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Ten high school students from Lahaina, Island of Maui, who were impacted by the wildfires in August 2023, interacted with local leaders, community members and TOMODACHI alumni.

Participants spent a week in the Tohoku region to learn from local experts and community members who are making positive changes in their communities. In Higashimatsushima, they were welcomed by city hall officials, including Mayor Atsumi and Deputy Mayor Yagi and visited the 3.11 Higashimatsushima Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum. They learned about the impact of the natural disasters and also visited a local disaster preparation warehouse which serves as a home base stocked with survival kits and supplies for residents in case of another disaster.

By visiting other parts of the Tohoku region, participants shared that viewing the recovery and revitalization efforts in these areas has inspired and empowered them to generate their ideas on how to rebuild a new Lahaina. One of the participants Noa Gordon said “this program gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn what the devastated area from 3.11 went through so that we can take their knowledge and experiences back to Lahaina. Also, this trip gave us reasons to be the future leaders of Lahaina, we have the first cohort and chaperones to rely on each other. We really appreciate the hospitality and kindness.”

Since March 2024, 21 participants have completed the TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program. With their experiences and lessons learned from Tohoku, they carry a newfound appreciation and passion for the recovery of Lahaina and a desire to serve their community, friends, and family.