Japanese students fundraising for victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami

Students and staff at Sussex are working together to support the relief effort launched in the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

There are currently 100 Japanese undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at Sussex, some of whom know people living in the worst-hit areas of Japan.

The students decided to set up a Sussex branch of the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, a national organization of Japanese students studying in the UK. The national group has so far raised £15,000, with the Sussex group alone contributing £6,000 in two days.

Japanese students at Sussex have also launched a Facebook group to show their support for their country and to update followers on their fundraising activities.

The current fundraising drive will continue until the end of term (Friday 18 March) and updates will be posted on the students' Facebook page. The money raised will go to the Japanese Red Cross, and other aid charities, to help with vital emergency relief as the country continues to suffer aftershocks and struggles to come to terms with the loss of thousands of lives amidst flood damage, food and power shortages and in worsening weather.

The Japanese Red Cross has been working on the ground since the disaster began, mobilising 85 teams, made up of more than 700 doctors, nurses and support staff, to provide first aid and healthcare and assess the damage and needs of the communities affected.

More than 500,000 people have been evacuated and are being housed in temporary centres set up in schools and public buildings where the Red Cross is distributing thousands of blankets.

One student organiser wrote on Facebook: "On the first day of this fundraising, we managed to raise £3,504.09. It's amazing that such a big amount of money was collected in just one day. We'd like to thank the many people who have contributed.  It will help the people who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Thank you everyone again."

The University's International and Study Abroad Office (ISAO) is supporting students who are far from home and concerned about family and friends. Staff have met with or emailed all Japanese students at Sussex to offer support, including counseling and access to phones to contact family and friends as the crisis continues and help with fundraising activities.

The University's Chapel in the Meeting House has established a small candle-lit shrine, so that students can spend a quiet moment in contemplation or prayer in memory of victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

Two Sussex students were also in Japan at the time of the earthquake and tsunami. They have been provided with assistance to return home for the time being.

International Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Marlin says: "These are desperately worrying days for our Japanese students, who are far from home in a time of crisis. However, they have showed great fortitude in uniting with fellow students and staff on campus to do something positive. The University will continue to support our students, whether here or in Japan, in whatever way we can as the crisis continues."

Contact details for support services

Students who have been affected by events in Japan or any other current international incidents (for example, the on-going civil unrest in Libya and other Middle Eastern countries) may need support during these difficult times. Some may receive this support from friends or tutors but the University also has a range of support services available for those who wish to talk through their concerns and feelings in a completely confidential setting.

International & Study Abroad Office
Phone: 01273 67 8422
Email: international@sussex.ac.uk

Student Life Centre
Phone: 01273 87 6767
Email: studentlifecentre@sussex.ac.uk
Text: 'slcentre' to 88020

Counselling Service
Phone: 01273 67 8156
Email: counsellingreception@sussex.ac.uk

Multi-faith chaplaincy
Phone: 01273 67 8217
Email: J.S.Thorogood@sussex.ac.uk