The Thunder Bolt
Concordia Students Start Japan Charity Project
In January 2024 the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture, in central Japan, experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in their history. More than 6,000 houses were completely destroyed.
Five Concordia students started a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for those who have suffered from the earthquake. We spoke to them about why they feel compelled to help.
Tell me about the project?
“There was a devastating earthquake in that area in January 2024, so in order to support the people whose lives have been affected by the earthquake we are gathering money from the parents and students of our school.”
Clara (G11)
How are you going to get the money to Japan?
“We are going to collect money using our school’s bank account and we're going to transfer the money we collect to the bank account of the Ishikawa government, or give it through the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam. Then the Ishikawa government will distribute it to people who’ve suffered from the earthquake.”
Yui (G11)
What inspired you to do this project?
“As a student and community member of Concordia International School Hanoi, which embraces every nationality, I think it's really important to raise awareness of issues around the world. Since central Japan experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in history, and so many people suffered, I feel we have an obligation to help.”
Stella (G11)
What does this project mean in terms of the greater collaboration between Japan and Vietnam?
“As there was already cooperation and help from Vietnam towards Japan's previous earthquakes, I think the Concordia community can continue to foster that relationship between Vietnam and Japan and continue to help the Japanese people recover from the earthquake to promote a sense of international collaboration.”
Ha (G11)
“I am from Ishikawa, where the earthquake happened. It’s also where a lot of Vietnamese people live, so many Vietnamese people have already donated money to the relief effort.”
- Yui (G11)
As a Japanese student, what does it mean to you to be involved in this project?
“When I was in middle school in Japan, we never made such a student-led project to support the recovery after disasters. As a student at Concordia, I value the experience of being involved in such an important fundraising project. I appreciate this opportunity to show my support for Japan, and I am grateful to feel the compassion of the Concordia community in supporting Japan.”
Ami (G12)
Learn more about Concordia’s high school program
