Project Love Japan was initiated by students to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. They divided a large plywood board into mini rectangles that students could decorate with messages of encouragement. Several fundraising ideas were considered, such as a DIY sushi kiosk, car wash, and selling paper cranes, but settling on the message board because it was simple, effective, and allowed students to directly express support. The project aimed to cultivate compassion and giving among students.

2. Project Love Japan was initiated to raise funds to
help earth-quake stricken Japan after the 11 March
Tohoku earthquake and tsunami
A large plywood board was divided into over a
hundred mini rectangles
This rectangles on the board were sold to students
who would decorate them and fill them with
messages to encourage the people of Japan

3. We wanted to bring about a change in the
typical teenagers’ self-centered mindset
To manifest innate human values of
altruism through the fund-raiser
To allow students to sincerely give from the
heart

4. oBefore we settled the idea of a plywood board to
gather messages of encouragement, we had toyed
with some ideas:
1.) Raising funds through selling bubble tea, sushi and rice
balls, with a DIY sushi kiosk
We dropped the idea due to hygiene and health
concerns which made such an idea cumbersome and
unfeasible

5. 2.) Raising funds through a carwash
This idea was found to be too troublesome and
complicated
3.) Raising funds by selling paper cranes
This idea was found to be unappealing and unpopular
oTherefore we finally settled on the idea of allowing
students to pen down their well-wishes on a
plywood board.
oThis idea was simple, but yet efficacious and direct.

6. Being a part of project Japan have definitely allowed me to understand the meaning of why 'actions speak
louder than words'. Being charitable is one thing but enabling others to act is another. I used to have this
stereotype that generally, people would only be willing to donate money fast and easy; to only be willing to
donate them in the form of cash to donation tins and etc. To my surprise, many of our donors were
enthusiastic to getting down and dirty! They were more than willing and give their best wishes to Japan!
This have not only changed my entire perception but it was also a very heartwarming scene! It was an
extremely heartfelt experience being a part of the project that enabled others to act. Anybody can make a
difference and play our part.
[Gladys Bay] [3C1]
To me, patience, commitment and sincerity are the key characteristics we need to have while carrying out
the project. Without them, there would be lesser chances of achieving success in the project. With
commitment, the project would not be left alone at any point of time and thus, progress would not be
hindered. In addition, with sincerity, the objectives of the project would be met without the “I am doing this
for the sake of doing” feeling. Still, the best and most important part of the project was the heart-warming
and memorable process apart from the successful outcome! :)
[Rosnie Nasuha][3D1]

7. >>Sharing the Passion:
-This project had enabled the Student Councilors to share the passion with the students. As
this was a student initiated project, the passion of wanting to help the people of Japan was
there. Thus, to share the passion, we got the school students to contribute to the fundraising
event.
>> Inspiring a Shared Vision:
-As this was the first project that is collaborated by two Leadership Groups of the school, we
had to have the shared vision in order to work together to make this project a success.
Therefore, we all sat down together to discuss on the aims of this project. For example, how
much money we wanted to raise for this project. It was indeed difficult as both groups had
different thoughts and ideas.
>>Improved Communication Between Students And School/Teachers:
- We thought that this project has also enabled the students to be able to contribute to
Japan. We thought that some students might have the heart to want to contribute
something to Japan, but really have no opportunities to do so. Therefore, known as the
bridge to connect the students to the school, we student leaders are there to facilitate this
project. We believe that having the students to facilitate this project is much better than
having the teachers to heavily control the process of the project.