A message from the organizers:
GO! GO! Waku Waku CAMP started last May when we brought 10 children from the Fukushima area–where the radiation levels have been dangerously high–to participate in a camp during Golden Week at Kyoto Seika University.
Knowing as we do now, that radiation contamination in the Fukushima area will continue for several decades (as it did in Chernobyl), it is necessary for us to think of long term ways to offer support. Being away from the contaminated areas for 1 to 3 months is known to help protect children from the effects of long-term radiation exposure; it’s also good for them to be able to play freely outside after having been restricted to indoor activities. So, building on the success of the first camp held in May and the connections we made then, we are now planning a one-month long “GO! GO! Waku Waku CAMP! from August 1st – 31st.
We would like to ask for your support in helping us setting up and run this camp. All of the donations will go to the running costs for the camp (food and supplies) and to help with transportation costs (charter bus from Fukushima). The children and some accompanying family members will stay in facilities at Kyoto Seika University, and the team of students running the camp will all be there on a volunteer basis. We hope you will help us provide this vital opportunity for the children to be away from Fukushima for a month, and to help build a network of ongoing support. Thank you!
Interested in donating either time or money? Please use the following bank details and contact information:
“GO! Waku Kodomo Bokin Kampa”
Kyoto Shinyo Ginko, Iwakura Shiten, Branch # 057, Koza # 0344936
Name: Shiba Natsuko
Email: 55wakuwakucamp@gmail.com
UPDATE: Questions in English can be directed to Rebecca Jennison between August 1st and 15th at rebecca@kyoto-seika.ac.jp
Blog (Japanese only): http://55wakuwaku.jugem.jp