📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Kembuchi Nishihara Gakuen is a school for mentally challenged people founded in 1980 as a place where everyone gets together and live peacefully. The school has workshops for productive or creative activities so that they would have better links with the local society through the skills they acquired. Occasionally, their art works are exhibited inside of Kembuchi station. They get good reputation from tourists around the world. Nishihara Gakuen has been accepted CIEE volunteer since 1998, and it is going to be 19th anniversary this summer. Although it is small in capacity, it is one of the long lasting STV.
💼 What the programme involves
- Give assistance to their productive activities (woodwork, ceramic art and fabric crafts) - Join recreational activities (painting craft and playing music) - Help daily routines (serving meals and cleaning work materials)
🏠 Accommodation on site
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a guest houseFacilities: A washer, a shared kitchen, a lavatory and a shower room, volunteers will sleep in a TATAMI room with FUTON. Internet access is available only in the main office. A small post office, shops are nearby. The area is surrounded by great nature. Meals: All meals will be provided. Have meals together with residents in a dining room.
📍 About the location
Hokkaido is the biggest and northernmost part of four main islands in Japan. It is also known as the 21st largest island in the world with abundant nature and a number of national parks. Kembuchi is a small town with the population of 4000, located in north central part of Hokkaido. On weekend, you may be able to go to the local hot springs and some landmarks in the area. A volunteer needs at least 5,000 JPY in cash if she/he wants to go sightseeing on free-day.
⚠️ Requirements
A conversational Japanese skill is welcomed to communicate with Gakuen stuff. Volunteers need strong motivation for helping residents to enjoy their life in the school. The important point is you enjoy yourself and treat people in a friendly manner.
Bring work clothes (short sleeved T shirts, long pants) and sneakers. Dress conservative (skirt/short pants are not allowed). Outfits should be warm since the weather can be cold in the mornings and evenings even during the summer time.
ℹ️ Additional information
Sometimes it will be difficult to talk with the residents because they are not good at oral communication. Sometimes you need to be very patient. Please plan activities everyone can enjoy such as music, paintings, exercises, dance and games.