Giving Japanese tsunami victims a timeout

Families from Auckland’s Diocesan School for Girls, Lynfield College and Mt Albert Grammar have been hosting 30 Japanese students over the past three weeks, who came to NZ for a home stay respite from the devastating earthquake and tsunami which has shattered their families’ lives.

The 12 to 18-year-old students come from the Tohoku region of Japan, which was severely affected by the massive disaster that struck Japan’s north-east coast on March 11th, 2011.

All students have either lost parents, siblings or other relatives, had their homes destroyed or have been evacuated because of nuclear radiation risks.

More than 15,000 people died and an estimated 10,000 are still missing following the magnitude 9 earthquake and 37.9-metre tsunami, which led to severe radiation leaks at damaged nuclear power plants.

The students’ trip to NZ was organised by Time Out in New Zealand, a non-profit initiative whose three founders – Mia Evans, Jon Doherty and Tokyo-based Tosh Aoshima – have strong business ties with Japan.

Money to help support the Japanese students’ home stays was donated by Support Our Kids, a charity set up in Japan and NZ earlier this year to raise funds for children in Tohoku and those in Christchurch affected by the February 22 earthquake.

After the students arrived in Auckland, they headed down to Rotorua for a marae stay and visited local attractions, including Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome.

Other experiences included horse riding and visiting the Waitomo Caves before the students returned to Auckland to attend school and be with their home stay families until their return to Japan on August 19.

Mia Evans from Time Out in New Zealand said, “Without the generosity of the families from [the] Auckland schools who are hosting our students, as well as all sponsors who have contributed generously, it would not have been possible to give the students a break.”

Diocesan’s principal Heather McRae said the school was delighted to provide a haven for the Japanese students who share a common grief and loss with Christchurch victims through the two recent disasters which have devastated their lives.

“Creating the opportunity for a new and exciting experience for these young people is one way we can offer a sense of love and support and show that we care. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have made a contribution in bringing this idea to fruition,” she said.