By Andy Anderson | Project Leader
Nine more Voices of Tohoku DVD's were delivered to Takeuchi-san at the community archive at the Ishinomaki Newsee. The video-display has been divided into themes so that people can choose the interview they would like to see according to their interest. The goal is to have at least 60 life story interviews as part of the Voice of Tohoku archive.
On July 13, Japan Israaid Support Program (JISP) organized a leadership event with Benesse Corporations in Sendai for high school students in the Tohoku region.
The program targeted high school students interested in social entrepreneurship and opportunities of study abroad, and 10 Japanese students from across Japan who had been admitted to Ivy League schools were invited to Sendai to provide a one day creative thinking workshop. 25 high school students participated, and came from over 6 different towns and cities, including areas in Fukushima prefecture. Student groups that included the Ivy League students as well as high school participants spent the day designing ideas and presentations that expressed their opinions about the current situation in Tohoku. Each group had very unique presentations and spoke of a wide range of issues, such as the negative impressions of Tohoku worldwide regarding the radioactivity exposure, the importance of tourism for Tohoku's future, and importantly, the role and responsibility the youth have in shaping the future of Tohoku identity.
On July 14, a similar but smaller program was also run in Ishinomaki for youth who could not participate in the event in Sendai. 8 students participated, and the shorter and less structured event allowed high school students to talk about personal aspirations and goals with the volunteer students. An online group was formed after the workshop, where Tohoku high school students are able to connect with students who are studying abroad for advice and support.
JISP held a very positive meeting with Professor Sato and Naomi Chiba - from Ishinomaki's only university - Senshu. Professor Sato is a clinical psychologist and an avid supporter of expressive therapies. She explained that several of her students are dealing with stress and other emotional issues. A first workshop is now scheduled with students from the "Human Science" program to be held on December 17th. Another workshop is scheduled for March, 2015 and JISP plans to start a long term program with Ishinomaki Senshu University starting in April, 2015. The hope is to establish the University as an academic center dedicated to expressive therapies and psycho-social support.
JISP worked with Morrison & Forrester and other local NPOs to hold a community event at Kazuma Minami Commmity Center in Ishinomaki. The event was a collaboration between local and Tokyo residents and included food, shows, games and fun!
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