These personal stories are the inspiration behind the R.I.S.E., or Responsibility Increases Student Excellence, for Japan campaign, launched by the Pacific Regional Training Institute’s student caucus. The students of Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Rota chose one of their prevention programs to sponsor the campaign to help their fellow students in Japan.
“This tragedy really comes down to the individual level,” said Capt. Jon Takamura. “Yes this is a national tragedy, but families are torn apart. We are here to support them and to support our country at a time of great need.”
PRTI and students of the caucus are working and dedicated to connecting Japanese students throughout the region and marshalling resources to help with relief efforts. Students of the caucus have organized several events and fundraising efforts in the area to keep attention focused on the disaster and to help raise money for victims.
“This natural disaster has reminded us, that we cannot take anything for granted,” says PRTI Director Edward Maratita Jr. “I feel it’s very important to keep up a proactive mentality, while always putting ourselves in others’ shoes, in particular those who are suffering. I am confident that our united support will help encourage and provide strength for the people in Japan,” added Maratita.
According to Kenji Sarmiento, student of St. Patrick School in Hawaii, “all efforts by the student caucus are pouring in for the R.I.S.E. for Japan campaign.”
“I think this is one way to embody the PRTI philosophy of ‘ask what you can do,’ ” said Eskuelan San Francisco De Borja student from Rota, Fortunato Manglona Jr.
Takamura admits that even for a country as economically strong as Japan was, it will take years to recover from this tragedy.
The PRTI and students of the caucus would like to extend their appreciation to all those that helped the R.I.S.E. program and R.I.S.E. for Japan campaign. “Your support in helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Japan is greatly appreciated,” they said.
