Emmaus Bethania High School (EBHS) students, who were selected as the Youth Ambassadors from Palau to participate in the High School Students Summit on “World Tsunami Awareness Day” in Kumamoto, Japan, safely returned to Palau with a renewed understanding on disaster preparedness and community resilience. EBHS students, Mr. McWayne Ingais, Ms. Lara Kunihiro, Ms. Jireh-Lynn Ngirachemoi, Ms. Jasmine Eberdong, and Mr. Cooper Tkel alongside their teacher, Mr. McQuade Alfonso traveled to Japan from October 19th to the 25th.

The Summit in Kumamoto, Japan brought together over 256 high school students from around the world to share experiences and ideas on disaster risk management. During their stay, they visited local high schools, engaged in activities with Japanese students, and toured sites impacted by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes, including the earthquake museum. They learned about the community’s resilience and efforts to rebuild, with the “One Piece” statues—part of a recovery project by the manga creator who is from Kumamoto and Kumamoto Prefecture—serving as a symbol of hope.

During the summit, the students developed disaster risk prevention action plans, including one focused on “Nature for Nature,” emphasizing the restoration and preservation of natural environments to reduce disaster impacts. Their teacher, Mr. McQuade Alfonso, expressed pride in his students’ involvement in such meaningful discussions.

The Embassy of Japan is pleased to support such opportunities for the youth of Palau to attend programs where they can forge new friendships and connect with people from all over the world. For more information about the High School Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day or other short term invitation programs, please contact the Embassy of Japan at 488-6455 or email us at jpembassy.palau@kx.mofa.go.jp.