KFC launches a project to support Ukrainian refugees
2022.03.21
Concept
Kobe Foreigners Friendship Center (KFC) start helping refugees who have to leave their hometown and evacuate to other countries because of the war in Ukraine.
On February 24th 2022, Russian military invaded to Ukraine and a lot of people have been killed in the war. As a result, many people became refugees in Europe. This is what no one had expected before. Russia is a big country who has nuclear weapons and also is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Every country is forced to face a difficulty on dealing with the situation that Russia is invading to the neighbouring country. In this difficult situation, even though there might not be so many things that we can do, we believe that it is important to do what we can do and support those who have difficulties because of the war.
Kobe opened its port to the world in more than 150 years ago. Since then, Kobe experienced a lot of meaningful historical events. For example, Muslim and Tartar who had to leave their country because of the Russian Revolution built the first Mosque of Japan in Kobe. Chinese people who came to Japan to escape from domination, suppression, and interference by Qing Dynasty established Kobe Chinese School. During the World War Ⅱ, Jewish people who got “Visas for Life” came to Kobe while being helped by Jewish community in Kobe. Moreover, Korean people who had lived in Kanto area also moved to Kobe to escape from “Genocide of Korean” when the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred. After the Vietnam War, a lot of Indochinese refugees moved to Kobe and now a lot of Vietnamese people live in Kobe. In recent years, refugees who escaped from Myanmar to Malaysia moved to Kobe as “the third country resettlement refugees”.
In Kobe who has such a history of accepting many refugees, KFC has been working to help refugees through many programs including life consultation, visiting public offices together for any needed applications, Japanese class and class for children. These projects have been supported by a lot of people. We have learnt that many people have a sense of support those who have difficulties with warm hearts.
KFC will hold several events to support people escaping from Ukraine such as fund-raising activities and study sessions to learn about historical background, current situation and what is needed to support refugees. We hope many individuals, groups and companies agree with this action and work together with us. If you are willing to join us, we welcome your action.
- Project organization (on Mar 10th, 2022)
Organizer : NPO Kobe Foreigners Friendship Center（ＫＦＣ）assisted by Kobe International Community Center.
- Contact
NPO Kobe Foreigners Friendship Center（ＫＦＣ）
〒653-0038 Kobe-shi, Nagata-ku, Wakamatsu-cho 4-4-10 Asutakuesta kitatou 502 TEL：078-612-2402 FAX：078-612-3052 E-mail：kfc@social-b.net