TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui is a new program in partnership with the TOMODACHI Initiative and Odyssey Nature Japan. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors directly impacted by the Maui wildfires. The objective of the program is to engage, inspire, and empower youth impacted by the Lahaina wildfires to lead the long-term physical, mental, and spiritual recovery of their community.
Applications for Cohort 2 (July 2024) will open on Monday, April 29, 2024. Contact programs@jcchawaii.org for more information.
Cohort 1 (Spring 2024)
Maui 808: Rebuilding Lahaina | ABC News
Cohort 1 completed training in Maui in March, followed by a week-long trip to Higashimatsushima in the Tohoku region to learn about tsunami recovery, network with young people in Japan who are active with the recovery, and participate in workshops with local organizations/trainers.
| The Government of Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Charles & Mitch Ota Foundation |
| The Freeman Foundation |
| ALOHA Collection | Global WiFi | Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP | Olukai |
| Proforma Favorable Impressions | Sig Zane Designs |
| Uniqlo USA |
| Alakaʻi Executive Search | Anonymous |
| Gale Kobayashi | John Okutani |
| Lauren Tsuchida |
News and Media
山火事で被害 マウイ島の高校生 東松島市で復興学ぶ | NHK
McCully-Mō'ili'ili Neighborhood: JCCH Supporting Maui Resilience and Recovery | Center for Resilient Neighborhoods
TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program Participants Set to Depart for Japan | U.S.-Japan Council
11 Lahaina students depart for Japan this week as part of Tomodachi Kibou for Maui | Maui Now
Program to send young Maui fire victims to Japan | Honolulu Star-Advertiser