Hirata

CODE: NICE-25V-0811A

Description:

This project is actively working for SDG 4 (Quality Education), organized together with local group for International workcamp in Hirata since 2001. Hirata town is depopulated area in Izumo city and they don’t have much chance to have an international interact, which is important for kids growth. Also, the number of people who maintain the environment is getting decreasing. Through this workcamp they hope that volunteer can activate local people and community.

*Outcome of this workcamp: Sharing a private bath each other in a small community which is one of the traditional custom in Japan. The number of local people who invite volunteers for sharing a bath is increasing and enjoy communicating with each other, exchanging own culture. Please see the long term goal of this project as "Local SDGs" at https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/17-82095353 (only Japanese for the moment, but you can at least enjoy the pictures!). In 2019, 10 vols. from 4 countries joined.

Type of Work: Volunteers will organize private school classes for elementary school children and facilitate international exchange programs. They will also practice the Kawashita Bon Dance (an important intangible cultural asset of Shimane Prefecture), which is in danger of disappearing, with the children. Additionally, volunteers will help clean the streets by the seaside if the local community requires assistance.

Study Theme: Volunteers will get knowledge of good ways of interaction with kids and learning traditional dance.

Other activity: Experiencing Japanese culture, etc.

Accommodation: Local community center. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is necessary. There is very simple shower.

Language: English (Japanese is also welcomed!)

Requirements: Positive attitude to communicate with kids.

Approximate Location: Hirata town, Izumo city, About 250 km north west of Osaka.

Terminal: The nearest int'l airport is Kansai (Osaka). From Osaka to the meeting point in Shimane, it takes 6 hours by highway bus and train. Volunteers are recommended to arrive there one day before workcamp starts. Hiroshima airport is also available by take a flight from Kansai airport, it takes about 4 hours to the meeting point by train and bus. Volunteers need to arrive at the meeting point by 13:00 on 11th and can leave there after 13:00 on 15th.