Japan Press Weekly

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2012 September 5 - 11 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

Broken windows and wall cracks in disaster-hit schools

Children in the 3.11 disaster-hit prefecture of Miyagi are still forced to study in classrooms in poor condition with broken windows and cracks in walls.

The Miyagi prefectural teachers and staff union sent a questionnaire to all elementary and junior high schools in the prefecture and has so far received 260 responses (about 40%). Based on the results, the union plans to demand that the present classroom environment be improved.

The following are some of the returned answers:

- Each classroom is divided by cardboard screens to create makeshift rooms.
- The roof leaks.
- Broken windows, damaged walls, fallen blackboards, and cracks in outer walls of the school building remain unrepaired.
- Some pupils live in distant temporary housing and need a parent for drop-off/pick-up. So, they have no time to study in extra classes even if they are behind in their studies.
- There is not enough time available for children to burn off their stress and to address their lack of physical exercise.

Teachers at one elementary school, which is temporarily using rooms at another school, complain about difficulties in conducting classes because of differences in school timetables and teaching materials.

Takahashi Tatsuro, the head of the union, said, “Some schools are still unavailable to be used due to their extensively damaged buildings. Children at more than 30 schools couldn’t have swimming lessons this summer because pools are still in need of repair. Some children have hyperactive and others have withdrawn into their shells. I’m worried about their mental health.”