tsunami relief in japan

The wonderful "Make the Heaven" family

Volunteering in November 2011 as part of the tsunami relief with "Make the Heaven" was heavy, humbling stuff. Following the tsunami in Japan many people were displaced. Many are still living in temporary housing which are essentially iron boxes with office lighting. Some are living in houses slowly being rebuilt with watermarks still tainting the walls and family photographs reminding them of who they lost. 

I saw acres of wasteland. Destroyed cars piled up for miles. This was the post apocalypse and truly devastating to witness. And yet very real.

once upon a time this was a big town

School children revisiting their old school and town where everything was destroyed by the tsunami

As volunteers we worked on clearing the debris, supporting the community, visiting the elderly and rebuilding areas while lifting morale of those who remain in the area so stricken by the shocking affects of mother nature and her destructive power.

Dinner time at the volunteers home

Living with about 20 Japanese people I learned that language is more than spoken word and made great friendships with people who could hardly speak English (and me obviously not Japanese). Actions definitely speak louder than words. The power of community and altruism created a wonderfully hopeful space and vibe that helped everyone deal with the dramas seen day by day.

Arriving after a very long journey in the north of Japanese mainland for volunteering.
The masks were mandatory to minimise contaminated dust.

Too often we can feel helpless but little do we appreciate the difference we can make no matter how small we might think it is; making a child laugh, clearing a lady's garden, visiting the elderly or offering support. These are what help a community rebuild themselves - not just on the outside but on the inside too.

Witnessing first hand gives one the chance to really appreciate humanity and get perspective on one's own life. Now I was only there for one week, but many had been there for months dedicating their lives to others and working hard every day to make the lives of others better while risking their own while rumours of radiation contamination continue.

Working on rebuilding the washed out playground

I didn't need to be in Japan to do this, everywhere in the world there is pain, suffering, devastation and I am certainly no saint, but I will recommend that if the opportunity to do something like this comes around don't let it pass by. Its not easy. It yanks heart strings and takes a lot of energy but it gives one the opportunity to help those who are in desperate need.

My last day & wonderful friends farewell

a rubbish job in parvatti valley, india

Parvatti Valley is a stunning area of the Indian Himalayas strongly connected with the Hindu ancient scriptures. Hence, the culture here is based a lot on worship, however, tourism and trade have started to deplete the area as commerce has grown. 

There currently is no infrastructure to deal with waste, it is burnt or thrown in the river to become somebody else's problem or in fact, an issue for nature.

Subsequently the water is being contaminated as is the land. The land is looking disgusting in places where it should look magical, animals are grazing on micro landfills of waste and due to the caste system, collecting rubbish is perceived as the lowest of the low.

So a group of us volunteered our time to spark awareness in the community working with the local council, school and tourists we ran waste collections, a fun education program, graffitied messages and during the busy festival season ran stands that promoted the cause and raised funds by making festival decorations in exchange for donations from organisers. It was a fantastic initiative that brought some wonderful people together.

Local graffiti

Ensuring we had the languages covered was important, especially given the sensitivity around 'who is to blame'

Local school children coloured in Shiva messages to show and share with their parents.

During the festivals volunteers from Mountain Cleaners NGO from Dharamshala came to run collections & assist with fund raising.

The 'shanti space' where we spread good vibes & raised donations

Local graffiti

Next to the natural hot springs many bathe and subsequently put waste in the river.

Local children were so enthusiastic.

The first bin in Kasol at Challal School painted by the children

'Be the change you want to see in the world'

The 'project' started in March 2012 and continued to run over the summer period lead mainly by conscious foreigners and locals supporting their efforts.

Since it began, we are delighted to report that bins have been purchased for the 7 villages of Kasol Panchiat and the Holy pilgrimage site of Kheer Ganga is also implementing a system to ensure that the plastic is disposed of correctly.

Still there is plenty more work to be done to really tackle the waste problems in the valley. There are always more things to do. Corporations like Coca Cola can take responsibility for the products that are lining the valley. The huge hydropower plant developments in the area also have plenty of resources that they could dedicate to preserving the valley. Then there's the politics, money... etc.

Nevertheless as we demonstrated, with a little heart and effort we can create change. All it takes is for one to be true and put their words in to action.

Big thanks to everyone for their support. If you are interested in helping out please get in touch.