📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The actual project term is 21 July to 18 AugustMinna de Shi (meaning All Shi in Japanese) is a local group in Okayama prefecture to support the foundation of new organization in Mimasaka area. They are working to improve civic activities and facilitate collaboration and networking among different organizations. Most membership organizations belong to environment, child care or community support section to solve ongoing social problems. The host organization expects this project to stimulate the community and accelerate the international communication and cultural exchange among Japanese and international volunteer members.
💼 What the programme involves
This project is held in two areas, Shouo (21 July-3 August) and Nagi (3 August-18 August) in Katuta, Okayama prefecture.-Volunteering at social welfare center, local theme part, soba noodle shop, cottage in the area.-Cultural exchange with young children, elementary, Jr. high and high school students-Preparation for the local festival-Helping International cultural exchange event -Cleaning the accommodation, mowing around the accommodation
🏠 Accommodation on site
Each volunteer stays with a local family separately in the first half of the project in Shouo area and 2 nights in Nagi area. Other nights in Nagi, volunteers are accommodated in a shared house where male and female separately share a room in a Japanese style accommodation. In the shared house, bedding is provided, kitchen, toilet, bathroom with a bathtub, laundry machine is equipped. Meals are provided or prepared by volunteers, depending on day-to-day schedule.Applicants who have strong food allergy can NOT be accepted.
📍 About the location
Katsuta district is close to Mimasaka city. Mimasaka city is located in OKAYAMA prefecture in the western part of the mainland of Japan and it is famous for beautiful landscapes and hot springs. The most notable sightseeing spot is the birthplace of Musashi Miyamoto (1584-1645), the strongest swords man handling two swords at the same time. It takes one and half hours by train (JR Kishin line) from the nearest train station to Himeji city in HYOGO prefecture. Their landmark Himeji Castle was designated as a national treasure in 1931 and the World Cultural Heritage in 1993. Regarding the schedule on Sundays, please ask your host family if they have any plan made for the day before you make your own schedules. Keep in mind that you are strongly expected to spend time with your host family on weekends. Please do not make any plan with your friends on weekends without agreement with your host family in advance. A volunteer is recommended to bring 5,000-20,000yen for sightseeing, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
ℹ️ Additional information
-Volunteers are treated as a family member, NOT a guest. You may need to do your laundry by yourself, help do dishes, clean rooms. Follow house rules and instruction by Minna de Shi staff.Dont go out without permission of your host family after dark. Getting out for drink at night is not allowed.-Prepare presentation of your home country including recipe of meals representing your home country. Volunteers are expected to cook for 10 people. Bring ingredients and seasonings which you cant get in Japan.- Should bring: Cotton gloves, long sleeve shirts and long pants to cover your hands, arms and legs, a hat or a cap, water bottle, rain coat, sunscreen, bath towels, facial towels, anti-mosquito bites spray, medicine you need. If your foot size is over 28cm, bring a pair of rain boots covering your shins.