December 21, 2012

Two groups that are working to rebuild community ties in the disaster zone, AidTAKATA and Fukushima Organic Agriculture Network (FOAN), have been selected as the latest grantees of the JCIE NGO Earthquake Relief & Recovery Fund. Their grants are made possible through the BTMU Americas Community Recovery Award and by other funders.

FOAN is working to integrate farmers displaced by the nuclear accident—many of whom are senior citizens—into the local community by matching them with local farmers who need employees. They also run a number of other programs to strengthen farming communities, such as teaching safer farming techniques and distributing accurate information on Fukushima produce.

AidTAKATA has launched Radio FM Rikuzentakata, one of the region’s only local radio stations in order to better engage community members in the reconstruction process and to provide information and entertainment for residents. The radio station broadcasts a wide range of programming including area news and community affairs, local folklore, interviews with residents, and city council meetings.