Becci Manson: (Re)touching lives through photos

The speaker, a photo retoucher, shares their experience volunteering in Japan after the 2011 tsunami. They describe the devastation in Ōfunato and the community's efforts to recover. The speaker initiated a project to restore damaged photos, which became a global effort involving hundreds of volunteers. The project not only helped families reclaim precious memories but also provided volunteers with a meaningful way to use their skills. The speaker reflects on the project's impact on both the recipients and the volunteers, emphasizing the importance of photos as memory-keepers.

What motivated the speaker to volunteer in Japan after the tsunami?

• An opportunity to gain professional experience

• A desire to travel to Japan

• A personal connection to the affected area

• A sense of responsibility and the need to help

What was one of the main tasks volunteers undertook in Ōfunato?

• Organizing community events

• Clearing debris and cleaning schools

• Building new homes

• Providing medical assistance

How did the speaker initially reach out to others for help with the photo restoration project?

• By sending emails to professional contacts

• By posting on a community bulletin board

• Through a local newspaper ad

• By contacting friends on Facebook

What was a significant challenge in the photo restoration process?

• Finding enough volunteers

• Transporting the photos to a safe location

• Ensuring the photos were cleaned and dry before retouching

• Deciding which photos to restore first

What was the emotional significance of the restored photos to the recipients?

• They served as a reminder of the disaster

• They were used in local exhibitions

• They were valuable for insurance claims

• They provided a connection to their past and loved ones

How did the project impact the volunteers involved?

• It provided them with financial rewards

• It gave them a sense of connection and purpose

• It allowed them to travel extensively

• It led to new career opportunities

What universal theme does Cindy's story highlight?

• The need for global communication

• The importance of technology in modern life

• The challenges of cultural differences

• The universal nature of family and memories