Boomers Abroad

Description

Volunteer in Japan, a country where the past and future meet! With a unique culture and a 1,200 year history, Japan is filled with ancient ruins, castles, temples and shrines. Visitors to Japan can experience the Japanese tea ceremony, ikebana (traditional Japanese flower arranging), Judo (a type of martial art), Zazen meditation and more, but also explore modern Japan, a land of karaoke, sushi on conveyor belts, and one of the strongest economies in the world.

However, despite its abundance of cultural and historical riches, Japan is struggling. On March 11, 2011, Japan was hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake; within minutes, a 33-foot high tsunami hit northeastern Japan - sweeping away infrastructure (bridges, railroads, pipelines), destroying homes, and killing thousands. The situation was complicated by a nuclear disaster in Fukushima.

Currently, the Tohoku area is still devastated, and thousands are without homes. Volunteers are needed to help rebuild disaster areas, assist children in struggling local schools, and lift the spirits of the Japanese people.

Volunteers may also choose to volunteer in the beautiful city of Nagoya in the Aichi Prefecture. Nagoya, Japan's fourth largest city, is located at the heart of Japan - both in terms of location, and in terms of traditional culture and kindness of the people. United Planet's Nagoya program offers an interesting and meaningful range of volunteer projects, an opportunity to discover authentic Japanese culture, and immerse with the people.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to take Japanese language classes, experience traditional Japanese culture, and go on excursions.

AnchorMiyagi prefecture (Minimum Stay- 10 days)

*School Support Quests:
United Planet offers many different volunteer projects in the Tohoku region. Volunteers can work with survivors in elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools in Sendai, Ishinomaki City, or Higashi Matsushima City. Volunteers will participate in a variety of activities which enable them to spend valuable time with the students, including teaching/mentoring English, sharing about their country/culture, playing sports, and assisting with school activities.

*Community Development Quests:
Supporting Survivors through companionship United Planet works closely with the education board and community centers in Ishinomaki City or Higashi Matsushima City. Volunteers will spend time with evacuated survivors at community centers and temporary housing facilities. Volunteers will be called upon to share their time and companionship with survivors. Volunteers will have an opportunity to interact with survivors, share cultures, enjoy cultural activities together (cooking lessons, language learning, sports, etc.). Volunteers might also be called upon to help with errands and jobs around the housing center.

Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture Region (Minimum Stay: 1 week)

*School Support Quests:
United Planet offers many different volunteer projects in the Nagoya, Aichi prefecture area. Volunteers can work with pre-schools and support children that are unable to go to school for various reasons, including bullying. Volunteers will participate in a variety of activities which enable them to spend valuable time with the students, including teaching/mentoring English, sharing about their country/culture, playing sports, and assisting with school activities.

*Supporting the Elderly Quests:
United Planet offers volunteer support projects for the elderly in and around Nagoya. Volunteers help provide companionship and interaction to the elderly, including songs, playing, cultural activities, which uplifts their hearts. Volunteers also assist in meal preparation, feeding the elderly, cleaning, and performing needed jobs around the elderly homes.

*Supporting Members of Aichi Prefecture Parliament Quest:
United Planet provides a very unique opportunity for volunteers to support Aichi Prefecture Parliament members through a variety of office and research related tasks. The Aichi Preferecture seeks to build global ties on many different levels, people to people exchange, business, academia, governmental, civil society, etc. Volunteers will help bridge the gap between Japan and other countries around the world and assist Parliament members in connecting Aichi Prefecture to the world.