Japan: Snow Candle Sparking Hope for Haiti

Wednesday 04, 2010
Global Voices Online
By: Sopheap Chak
In a freezing winter at International University of Japan (IUJ), located in Niigata Prefecture of Japan, over 100 students from different countries joined together to build a snow ball in lighting the candle of hope for Haitians who have been suffering from the earthquake devastation since January 12th.

The snow candle event initiated by the IUJ's Global Concerns Forum and the Photography Club is the culmination of the fund raising efforts which targeted approximately 100,000 YEN (US Dollar 1,000) to contribute to Red Cross of Japan for Haiti Relief Effort.

All students representing their own country in IUJ were invited to build a small igloo-type structure using snow balls and provide the candles necessary to light them up in the letter shape of “HAITI.” Regardless of the cold weather at 0 to 1 degree, students collaborated to build the snow ball so that the candle light can be seen at the same time of sunset which makes a perfect moment for a silent prayer.

The video below captures the Snow Candle Lighting event with messages from students representing different countries. The common message of IUJ's students is that: “Haitian people are not alone, the world is praying and supporting you!”

HAITI Snow Candle
by Jusminesophia

Interestingly, students from a number of countries including Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, and China expressed their deep sympathy for Haiti due to the fact that these countries experienced much devastation from natural disasters in recent years. Their message for Haitian victims is emotionally and precisely clear: “During crisis, our countries got help from the world, it is time that we turn our duty to help you.”

At the end of the event, students were holding each others hands surrounding the Haiti Snow Candle showing international solidarity for the common cause: Do not Give Up Haiti!

Snow Ball under sunset

HAITI Solidarity