Edhec Alumni Association and the Edhec graduate network were horrified to watch the unfolding disaster in Japan, and we wrote to the Edhec community in Japan to find out how our Japanese alumni were doing and to see if we could do anything to help.
One of EDHEC’s key values is solidarity, which begins with mutual support between the network’s different members, and we were ready to do everything in our power to help the Edhec community in Japan if at all possible.

In our message of support, we asked them what concrete assistance we could offer to help alleviate the situation. Below are the answers from three of our alumni:

• Support for Médecins du Monde
One former student wanted to highlight the work done by Médecins du Monde Japan. This Japanese-based NGO was founded in Japan in 1995 after the Kobe earthquake, which left 6000 people dead. It is now preparing for a long-term mission that is expected to last several months, providing extensive medical and psycho-social support to populations displaced by the 11 March catastrophe and suffering from post-traumatic disorders. A team of Japanese and French doctors and logistics experts are currently working on the ground to assess needs. Programme updates will be posted online in the coming days.
In the meantime, you can view the following page for more information: http://www.mdm.or.jp/news/news_detail.php?id=458

• Work placement applications
One EDHEC graduate sent a request to students, asking them not to send in any work placement applications to firms located in Japan in 2011. It is already very difficult to get a placement in Japan as the practice is virtually unknown in Japanese culture. However, in view of the present situation, firms will certainly not be looking for interns so please do not send any unsolicited applications in 2011.

• Baby milk
One MBA graduate suggested that Japan is likely to suffer from a serious lack of baby milk because of the contaminated water.

If any member of the Edhec community living in Japan needs any information, or has any requirement or message that they would like to pass on to the rest of the network, please get in touch with us.
Members of the EDHEC network are also invited to leave a message of support at the end of this article.