In the wake of the earthquake that hit Japan and the subsequent tsunami in 2011, hundreds of Japanese children are left with only their memories. One of the charities that offered help and support to the victims of the tragedy, particularly the Japanese orphans who have lost their families, is AID FOR JAPAN.
Founded in 2011 by Akemi Solloway Tanaka, a consultant, presenter, teacher and speaker of Japanese culture; the charity has been running for quite some time now lending help and support to these children and their carers as they rebuild their lives.
In fulfilling their goals, AID FOR JAPAN annually organizes a special Summer Residential Course in Japan that offers a chance for English volunteers to directly support the Japanese orphans through a series of events and activities that are specially designed to inspire and build the confidence and trust amongst them.
Previous events such as those in the 2013 and 2014 Summer Residential Courses involved activities like recording a song together, visiting an animal shelter that helped rescue the animals lost in the wake of the tragedy, learning the Japanese and English etiquette, outdoor activities including hiking, a visit to the Yokohama Fireworks Festival, lessons in the English language by Akemi Solloway, learning to construct a Japanese round fan, a visit to a marine museum, and a beach trip.
While the charity aims to connect with the children through these Summer Residential Courses, a visit to the UK is also considered beneficial whenever the charity can arrange it. AID FOR JAPAN believes that this is an important step that not only broadens the children’s view of the world but reminds them that the world remembers them. Just recently, one of the orphans named Maria flew to the UK and will stay there until the 11th of August. Maria will be taken sightseeing in London, take a trip to the countryside in the south of England, and visit Oxford.
AID FOR JAPAN is regularly looking for donations and sponsors to help with the cost of running these annual courses particularly in covering the transportation expenses for the children. Most of the income generated by the charity comes from personal and corporate donations and income from events that funds the initiatives and programmes to support the children.
A large part of the charity is supported by volunteers who selflessly give up their time to help by lending particular skills including photography, providing assistance in activities, or handing out flyers at events. Others help make a difference by donating or helping to raise funds for the charity. Whether it’s fundraising in school, university, or business, it all helps to raise money for a vital cause.
If you are interested in helping AID FOR JAPAN, all you need to know including how and where to donate, how to help in fundraising activities, how to become a volunteer, the application forms needed to be signed up, and updates and blogs about the children and the charity can be found on their website.
Originally posted on August 14, 2017 @ 9:43 am