Rebuilding projects in Tohoku

In late 2016, 47 colleagues came together to volunteer for the final phase of the our 'Team Tohoku' five-year relief project in Northeast Japan. This area was impacted by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunamis that hit on 11 March 2011.

As a result of the disaster, there were close to 20,000 deaths, 400,000 collapsed buildings and over 470,000 people forced to evacuate their homes. Our UBS’s community regeneration efforts involved over 1,011 employees who have contributed 31,053 hours in the rebuilding projects organized by our local NGO partner, Reconstruction Consulting Firm (RCF).

“I still remember vividly the scene of the tsunami and how orderly and positively the Japanese people responded to the mayhem.”
- Clara

The volunteers undertook 8 initiatives with the locals, ranging from oyster aquafarming, rapeseed oil production for alternative energy, vineyard for the evacuees, horse care therapy for traumatized children, and special teaching classes for high school students.

Clara, an Executive Director in Legal, Hong Kong, was one of the volunteers.

What made you want to go on the volunteering trip to Japan?

I still remember vividly the scene of the tsunami and how orderly and positively the Japanese people responded to the mayhem. Despite reservations about the risk of radiation, I decided to go and see for myself and it proved to be the right decision.

What new experiences did you have after the trip?

We had the chance to interact with the locals from different walks of life, from the mayor, a hotel owner, farmers in shelter homes, the oyster and scallop farmers, a horse riding school, secondary school and local community organizers, and hear their stories and their plans for rebuilding and reconnecting the community. Sincere thanks to the UBS Tokyo office's efforts in organizing such a wonderful trip.

Are you interested in joining our team?

Visit our job board and you may find something perfect for you.
 

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