Mark Flanigan, a foreign student in Japan, has written an article about his experience in Ishinomaki (Miyagi Prefecture) Volunteer.

He went to Ishinomaki as part of the “ROAD Project” during Golden-week with other 90 Japanese students and 35 foreign students from 20 countries. They cleared debris of the earthquake and tsunami and also helped recover fishing gear that fishermen need to recover their industry.

At first, the fishermen were hesitant to open up, and the situation was even more difficult by the dialect they spoke. But after showing real effort and respect to their belonging, they earned their trust.

Although time was short, they hope to have made a small impact in their lives and plan to return as often as they can to as long as they are needed. .