TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui is a 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.

The application period for Cohort 2 (July 2024) has ended.


Key dates for Cohort 2:

  • April 29, 2024 - Applications open
  • May 31, 2024 - Applications close. All forms and letters need to be received before this date.
  • 1st week of July - Mandatory virtual meeting
  • July 14, 2024 - Mandatory in-person training
  • July 21-28, 2024 - Travel dates
  • TBD - Post-trip closing session on Maui

Contact programs@jcchawaii.org for more information.


Program Highlights

Maui 808: Rebuilding Lahaina | ABC News

Program Overview

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.

Read JCCH President & Executive Director Nate Gyotoku's reflections here, on the JCCH's blog, The Courtyard.


Grantors
The Government of Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Charles & Mitch Ota Foundation
The Freeman Foundation

In-Kind Donors
ALOHA Collection Global WiFi
Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP Olukai
Proforma Favorable Impressions Sig Zane Designs
Uniqlo USA Hawaiian Airlines

Donors
Alakaʻi Executive Search Anonymous
Gale Kobayashi Michael Naito
John Okutani Lauren Tsuchida