Save the Children: Rebuilding Japan one year on

Save the Children makes sure children are at the heart of rebuilding Japan one year on

7 March 2012

It has been one year since a massive earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan’s north-eastern coast.

Almost 16,000 people died when the magnitude 9 earthquake struck and triggered a powerful tsunami that destroyed many towns and contributed to a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Over 100,000 children lost their homes, friends and family members and more than 1,500 also lost one or both of their parents.

As we reflect on the devastation and enormous humanitarian effort that followed, Save the Children has released a report that looks at the progress that has been made to help rebuild the lives of the many children affected by the disaster.

The report, ‘Japan one year one – Save the Children’s response & recovery programme’, recognises that children were among the most vulnerable of those affected by the natural disaster said Save the Children New Zealand CEO Liz Gibbs.

“Although much has already been achieved we know that recovery does not start and finish in one year. There is still a long way to go. With over 300,000 people still living in temporary housing communities, children often have little space to play and many are still showing signs of trauma and stress.

“One important aspect of Save the Children’s work in Japan now, is to ensure that children have a say when it comes to rebuilding their lives and their communities,” Ms Gibbs said.

To make sure children’s voices are heard, in addition to Save the Children’s five-year recovery programme, colleagues in Japan are also working with community members, schools and children themselves to make sure they are included in rebuilding their lives.

Link to report: http://www.savethechildren.org.nz/news/publications/

Case study: Child-led clubs

Save the Children is promoting children’s active participation in the recovery process through child-friendly communities. This includes conducting regular research looking at children’s needs and encouraging the formation of child-led clubs.

At regular child-led club meetings children are able to develop their plans to rebuild their towns.

12 year-old Ryota saw his house and most of his neighbourhood destroyed by the tsunami. One year later he is still living in temporary housing. Through a Save the Children child-led club Ryota has been playing an active role in the recovery process – including how the town should be rebuilt to better suit children’s needs.

Now that they are building temporary housing in the park, our playground has been taken away said Ryota.

“I think they want to hear our thoughts and ideas and take them into consideration, he said. I think what we are doing now for the recovery plan is actually helping the adults to rebuild.”

ENDS

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