Voice of staff member who visited Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, to support evacuees
Evacuees Support Center “Amayadori” in Kashiwazaki City
Ms. Terumi Igari, visiting counselor,
9 months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and my evacuation from Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture to Kashiwazaki City in Niigata Prefecture. Now I work as a watch-over care counselor for evacuees in the Evacuees Support Center “Amayadori” which is located in Kashiwazaki City.
I started my work because I wanted to support evacuees. I wanted to do something for them. I am hoping that they may feel better by talking to me about topics such as what happened immediately after the earthquake, their current feelings and problems they have.
At first, I was so tense that I could not hold a good conversation, and so I was not sure if I could continue my job or not. Now, people to whom I visit recognize my face and some of them even said to me “I was waiting for your coming” and “I really appreciate your help”. Their words made me happy, even more than I made them happy.
We are now facing the onset of full-blown winter. I would like to ask for continuous support by NPOs and volunteers for evacuees with understanding for their feelings and needs.
Human beings cannot live alone. Furthermore, I am new to this place, and I am not yet get settled. Therefore, with my neighbors, I would like us to help each other, spend good times together, strengthen our kizuna (bonds), not overload ourselves, and continue working hand in hand
