Report On Youth Ambassador For World Tsunami Awareness Day, 2024 In Japan
The Mt Kenya Times 
By: Mrs. D. Brinda
For the Youth Ambassador event for World Tsunami Awareness Day in 2024, held in Kumamoto, Japan, students and teachers were chosen from 144 countries. Selection focused on individuals from tsunami-affected coastal areas, specifically government school students in grade 10 with strong academic records and English fluency. The 7-day summit included various activities centered on tsunami awareness and preparedness.
Indian Delegation India’s representatives included students from Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Karaikal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by teacher Mrs. Brinda from Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The delegation selected “Disaster Prevention” as their main focus and prepared a presentation on this topic.
Summit Structure and Activities During the summit, students were divided into groups and presented their ideas on Disaster prevention, Disaster risk reduction, and reconstruction. They also engaged in several activities such as tree planting, a study tour, and discussions. The Japanese government sponsored all travel and accommodation, with coordination by the National Disaster Management Authorities (NDMA).
Daily Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Japan.
The group traveled from Chennai, stopping in Malaysia before arriving in Tokyo. They were welcomed warmly at the Tokyo airport, where they received ID and SOS cards. After settling into the Asakusa Hotel, the group visited the Sensoji Temple, a popular site rich in Japanese culture. Later, they explored Tokyo and dined at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Orientation and Group Formation.
An orientation session was held at TPK Garden City in Shinagawa, where officials introduced the program. Delegates were split into groups with representatives from various countries. After lunch, the groups traveled to Kumamoto for further activities.
Day 3: School Exchange Program.
The delegation visited Amakusa High School, where they exchanged cultural performances. The Indian team sang a patriotic group song and the Poetry collections by Creative Writers “We Shall Overcome” and Leaves of Nature’s emotions were presented. They later toured historical sites, including a shrine, Pearl Gardens, and a heritage port.
Day 4: Cultural Tours and Lessons in Disaster History.
The group visited the historic Kumamoto Castle and learned about Japan’s experience with natural disasters, such as the devastating Shimabara earthquake and tsunami in 1792. These tours gave insights into Japan’s resilience and recovery efforts.
Day 5: Tsunami Awareness Workshop.
The delegates attended a workshop on tsunami prevention and disaster preparedness. The session included lectures from Japanese experts and activities with local students.
Day 6: Student Summit and Workshops.
The high school students’ summit commenced with presentations from groups. Indian delegates shared their project on tsunami prevention, and in the evening, the delegates enjoyed a cultural event where countries showcased traditional performances.
Day 7: Closing Ceremony and Departure
The final day featured a tree-planting ceremony, unveiling ceremony and closing presentations. The Indian team was recognized for their efforts and proudly represented their country. After returning to Tokyo, the group had a farewell dinner before departing for India.
Returning to India Back in Chennai, the team met with the School Education Department officials, including JD Madam, Secretary Madam, Director sir for a debriefing and lunch. The students and teachers expressed gratitude for this valuable experience, which left lasting memories of friendship, cultural exchange, and learning.
(Hospitality of Tamil Nadu govt )
We would be failing in our duty if we do not thank the department of education, Tamil nadu for guiding us helping us in every step to make this program a grand success. After landing in India, Chennai, JD madam Mrs Sasikala helped us and guided us in many ways. All the students were given nice treatment with good lunch breakfast.
Upon our return from Japan, the Tamil Nadu government greeted us with a warm and enthusiastic welcome that left a lasting impression. Every detail—from our accommodation and meals to our travel arrangements—was meticulously handled by the government, reflecting their deep sense of pride in our achievements. The Joint Director personally took charge of our visit, arranging a memorable meeting with the Education Secretary and the Director. These esteemed officials expressed genuine joy and pride in our accomplishment, congratulating us warmly. As tokens of their appreciation, they presented us with meaningful mementos, an inspiring book, and beautifully designed bags scientific calculator, ceramic cup with photos imprinted.. During our discussion, they were eager to hear about our experiences in Japan, from the valuable insights we gained at the summit to the admirable qualities of the Japanese people. In turn, they shared their perspectives and aspirations, making it a truly enriching exchange. Later, we were honored to dine with these higher officials, experiencing firsthand the exceptional hospitality that Tamil Nadu is known for. The unwavering support and heartfelt enthusiasm of the Education Department and the Tamil Nadu government left us truly mesmerized. We are deeply grateful for this remarkable experience and the encouragement they extended to us.
We had a great opportunity to meet our JD madam, Mrs Sasikala, secretary madam, and also Director of School Education Department. They all interacted with the high school students coming from different states of India. They gave good idea and enlightenment about the purpose of the visit to Japan, what they had learnt and how well we can improvise our education system. If any part of their culture could be instilled in our system encouragement. They were great in motivating and encouraging. Then after that higher authorities like JD secretary, director of Tamil Nadu invited to interview. as after as a normal student, we have never been to any other such great historical and honorable prestigious office. we were elated because of our mams and sir’s words . And they congratulated us. We had also great time with mam and sir it was so proud moment for us that they also had lunch and some free time with us. We won’t forget this moment in my entire life and I will be grateful to JD mam secretary mam and director sir and we wish to make India as Japan All of them were presented with a beautiful ceramic Cup with self photo imprinted, a laptop bag to carry laptop, scientific calculator for the high school children for their higher education .And a valuable book .All the students were served with sumptuous lunch. All the students were very happy and proud to witness the hospitality of Tamil Nadu State Government. The other State students were taken care by the Tamil Nadu Government till they were sent off in the aerodrome Meenambakkam till they boarded flight. It is all possible only with the help and guidance of the Tamil Nadu government. Throughout the programme Brinda Madam was with us ever guiding, helping us in all activities, Conducting Google meetings, preparing power point presentations, informing all matters from the Japan government. She was very simple and transparent. Initially it was guided through (NDMA) natural disaster management Authority of India. All the students were selected on the basis of Tsunami affected coastal regions. Children who are able to converse in English, physical sustainability, consent from the students, School, and parents.
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