Four new projects were recently announced after a three-day field visit by a Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF) team to Japan’s Tohoku region. The visit was an opportunity to meet Tohoku community members, better understand local needs, monitor and evaluate ongoing projects, and identify existing needs. Three projects — a science facility for children; community sporting facilities; and a fishery storage facility, were the result of a public call for projects, and the fourth project, developed through partnership with a not-for-profit organisation, will offer support and advice to upcoming entrepreneurs. Fukushima prefecture was hit especially hard by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and in Shirakawa City, 180km from Tokyo, a project involving a sports centre, stadium and gymnasium will receive vital funding from Qatar Friendship Fund. Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, the local gymnasium in Shirakawa was used as a shelter for those fleeing. Two years after the disaster, Shirakawa, which is the gateway to the Tohoku region, will soon enjoy new sporting facilities to help reinvigorate the city and surrounding communities in a spirit of hope. The ‘Shirakawa Dream — Qatar Sports Park’, will benefit up to 150,000 people of all ages in Shirakawa city and the surrounding regions. During a meeting with the QFF team, the Mayor of Shirakawa City shared how the city had suffered and many of its citizens were still living in temporary housing. The mayor highlighted how this project would provide critical health benefits and the importance of sports and exercise for the well-being of the community. ‘QFF Science Complex’, a children’s science facility, proposed by Tohoku University, will provide students in disaster-affected areas the opportunity to fuel their interest in science and manufacturing technology. The project will provide educational support to elementary and junior high school students in Miyagi prefecture, many of whom are still receiving education in temporary buildings. Approximately 10,000 children will benefit annually. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/242197-qatari-projects-to-help-japan%E2%80%99s-tohoku-region.html

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