[Earthquake Relief] We conducted a project to provide 300 Burmese meals in Rikuzentakata City with volunteers from the Burmese community in Japan.

On Saturday, April 9, 2011, 15 Burmese volunteers living in Japan provided meals in the disaster-stricken area (Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture). ——————————————————————————————————
Date April 9, 2011 (Sat) 11:30-14:30 (Preparation 8:30-11:30)
Location: Shimoyahagi Community Center, Rikuzentakata City
(6-2 Nabeya, Yahagi-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture)
Contents: 300 servings of Burmese cuisine will be provided.
Objective: As Burmese people living in Japan for many years, what we can do.
To support the disaster-stricken area by (cooking and serving Burmese food).
Cuisine: Two types of Burmese dishes and others (seasoned to suit Japanese tastes)
① Chatha Al Hin (potato, chicken, carrot, and radish soup curry)
② Chow Hin (stir-fried boiled eggs with tomatoes)
③ Pickles
④ Cupcakes
⑤ Coffee, tea
Organized by Burmese volunteers living in Japan
(NDB/Network for Democracy in Burma, MCWA/Myanmar Cultural and Welfare Association)
ASIAN PEOPLE'S FREINDSHIP SOCIETY (Non-Profit Organization)
*All funding came from donations from Burmese people living in Japan.
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Many people came to the evacuation center, as well as from the surrounding area, to help with the relief efforts. The Burmese residents in Japan handed out meals to each and every victim, speaking to them as they went. Those who came to help with the relief efforts said things like, "I'm so grateful to be able to eat so much," "Thank you so much for coming all the way here," and "I was unexpectedly able to eat Burmese food. It's delicious." After the relief efforts, the Burmese residents in Japan visited the evacuation center and spoke to each and every victim, holding their hands and offering their encouragement with all their might.

Supplies were arriving at the shelters without interruption, but sorting couldn't keep up, and cardboard boxes were piled up in large quantities. The shelters also housed children and elderly people who had lost their entire families, and it was noted that they would need psychological support going forward. Currently, the top priority is to help the survivors, and rubble and other debris remain untouched. It is clear that support will continue.

I was particularly struck by what the Rikuzentakata city official who was in charge of welcoming us that day said: "We are grateful that people from other countries are also interested. We hope that you will carefully observe the situation in the disaster-stricken area and share your findings with everyone so that a similar disaster never happens again anywhere else."

The following day (Sunday, April 10, 2011), at 2:00 PM, over 200 Burmese residents in Tokyo gathered for a "Religious Service for Northeastern Japan Earthquake & Tsunami's Victims." Reports were immediately given on the relief efforts at the site, and many expressed their desire to participate next time.

A group of Burmese volunteers in Japan have expressed their desire to continue providing support to the disaster-stricken areas. Our organization will continue to provide support so that Japanese and foreign residents can work together to overcome these difficulties.

*APFS's next disaster relief project (food distribution) is:PadmaThis event is planned to be held in collaboration with (Italian/Bangladeshi cuisine).
We continue to welcome your donations.