Left: Plan operates a child-friendly space for children six times a week at a temporary housing complex in Tagajyo baseball park. Dozens of children come to play at the facility every week

Japan EarthquakeOne year later

Plan provided psychosocial training to teachers from Tagajyo elementary school in Tagajo city, Miyagi prefecture. Teachers used their skills to provide support for students emotionally affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Above: Sachie Takahashi (right) volunteered to run the child-friendly space after she saw how much destruction the earthquake and tsunami caused in the city. “I want to build a relationship of trust with children,” said Takahashi.

Above: Plan provided school supplies, uniforms and equipment to the preschool in Tagajo city which was badly damaged by the tsunami. The supplies helped support the re-opening of the schools after disaster struck.

Above: Plan travelled to communities with South African drummers who taught people to play traditional djembe drums as a way to lift the spirits of those affected by the disaster. The music therapy had everyone dancing!

Above: This Plan-operated, child-friendly space at a temporary housing area has seen over 500 visitors since opening. Local staff and volunteers were trained by Plan to help support families and children visiting the space.

Above: Children participate in a music lesson at a Junior High School in Tagajo city, in the Miyagi region.

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