Japan: Aizu Wakamatsu

About the local hosting organization

This project is actively working for SDGs 1 (no poverty) and SDGs 4 (Quality Education), organized together with a local NPO, Terakoya Hojosha since 2008 that aims to create a diverse learning environment that places children at the center and aims to promote children's participation in society. Their mission is to support 'Children's participation in society' and create a happy future for children. A characteristic of the learning at Terakoya Hojosya is that it attends to children's interests. The aim to create a happy future with children, each and every one of whom is important. In their all projects, it is importance on approving and affirming children and fostering a sense of self-affirmation, which is the children's energy, through their connections with others.

Presentation of the programme

1) Supporting children's activities at affiliated kindergartens. 2) Learning support and cooking assistance at the Kodomo shokudo(The place where kids can eat for free or at a low cost with other people.). Specifically, homework and subject learning is provided to about 15 primary and junior high school students. They also assist in cooking dinner together with the staff. 3) Supporting for nature activities for kids(playing outside, cooking meals, preparing activities, etc.). Especially on weekends and during long holidays.

About the accomodation

Shared rooms in accommodation owned by the organization. It is different place with activity place. Men and women separated room. Cooking by yourself. Staffs also stay at the facility. No wifi in the accommodation (but there is wifi in activity place).

About the location

Aizu Wakamatsu city is called Samurai city. It is located in the eastern part of the Aizu region of Fukushima prefecture. It is the central city of Aizu region, surrounded by rich nature, including Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro and blessed with natural scenery. The organization is located in an area with an atmosphere of Taisho era Romanticism. Winter season (Dec.-Mar.) is quite cold, so vols. need to bring warm cloths. Other activities - Join the local events, many opportunities to learn the local wisdom, etc. Sightseeing, short trip (hot springs, castle, famous places here).

Requirements

Motivation letter is needed! Volunteers need to have some Japanese speaking skill (manage to have basic daily conversation), respect to the local culture and way of the local organization, positive attitude to communicate with children, being Interested alternative school, children's social patriation and child poverty, high motivation to work hard, open mind, cooperation with others.