2013.07.31

Tale from a volunteer 5: Two and a half years had passed.

Recently, Jamie and I were fortunate enough to be able to volunteer in Ishinomaki. As we explored the city, the destruction from two years ago was still evident in some places. As we passed by open lots of land full of weeds, our friends from JEN would explain that these used to be neighborhoods until the tsunami swept them away. We could still see debris covering some of these lots with half-demolished houses bordering their outskirts. While a lot of rebuilding has taken place over the last two years and most of the clean-up work is done, it has taken and will take much longer for the psyches of those affected, to heal. One effort JEN has initiated to reclaim the land devastated by the tsunami is to plant flowers and create parks. It is their hope that as the scarred land heals and the flowers bloom, the people can see the beauty around them and begin to heal too. This has not been without difficulty though. The soil has become salty from the sea and special efforts have had to be taken to identify plants and flowers that thrive in salty conditions. However, as evident from the picture below, the flowers have bloomed and the land is beginning to recover and, with time, hopefully, the people will too.

We also traveled to Ajishima ( (6-7 July) to volunteer with JEN. There we met the fishermen and their families who lived there. Ten years ago there were a few thousand people on the island, but due to depopulation and the tsunami, only 400 people now live on the island. After the tsunami, circumstances were difficult. For three months, Ajishima was cut off from the mainland and supplies had to be airlifted in. The power and water lines that ran from the mainland to the island had been destroyed and the dock from which the islanders had fished from in their boats (fishing is the main occupation) had also disappeared under the waves. Furthermore, there was concern that the fish that comprised most of their diet and their trade were no longer edible due to radiation from the Fukishima nuclear disaster.

The villagers in Ajishima don't want to give up though and they have been working over the past two years to rebuild their homes, trade, and harbor. To assist with their efforts, JEN organized a group of volunteers to clean up several of the beaches. Ajihsima used to be known as having the best beaches in northern Japan but after the disaster, most of them have been unusable. We cleaned up the beaches, weeded the grounds, and planted new flowers to encourage more people to visit this beautiful island. The fishermen and ladies from the villages worked alongside us to restore their island and on Saturday night together we cooked a feast for everyone. The meal was almost entirely fish, the fruits of the fishermen's labor. I can honestly say I never knew there were so many sea animals you could eat! I watched the fishermen cut up live octopus, grill sea urchins while their legs were still moving, and scoop meat out of abalone shells and it was some of the most delicious food I have ever eaten! I am so grateful for the residents of Ajishima for letting us into their lives and giving us the opportunity to experience their lifestyle, even if it was only for a weekend.

Caitlin,



July 31, 2013 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2013.05.24

Call for volunteers in Tohoku until the end of June, 2013.

Call for volunteers in Tohoku until the end of June, 2013

The volunteering dates and work details from April 2013 are as follows. We look forward to your participation.

*Application form and Volunteer Guide have been renewed. Please make sure that the correct form and guide are used, even if you are not a first-time participant. (Renewed on March 28, 2013)

【Application form】 Download「b_application_jpn201204__20130328itoukk.doc」

【Volunteer Guide】 Download「d_20130327_itou.docx」

********Volunteering dates********

【April】       

Date    Day       Work details                     Note

1    Mon          
2    Tue          
3    Wed          
4    Thu    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
5    Fri    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
6    Sat    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
7    Sun    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
8    Mon       
9    Tue        
10    Wed           
11    Thu    Spring festival assistance in Momonoura        *Application closed
12    Fri    Spring festival assistance in Momonoura        *Application closed
13    Sat    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
14    Sun    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
15    Mon          
16    Tue          
17    Wed          
18    Thu    Restoration of agricultural land
19    Fri    Restoration of agricultural land
20    Sat          
21    Sun          
22    Mon    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
23    Tue    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
24    Wed    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
25    Thu    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
26    Fri    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
27    Sat          
28    Sun    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
29    Mon    Flowerbed making
30    Tue         

【May】

Date    Day    Work Details                    Note

1    Wed
2    Thu          
3    Fri    Support activities for fishery industry        Yagawahama
4    Sat    Support activities for fishery industry        Yagawahama
5    Sun    Watanoha-Myojinsha festival            Watanoha
6    Mon    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
7    Tue    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
8    Wed    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
9    Thu    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
10    Fri    Support activities for fishery industry        *Application closed
11    Sat          
12    Sun         
13    Mon          
14    Tue          
15    Wed          
16    Thu    Beach clean-up                    Shirahama, Jusanhama
17    Fri    Beach clean-up                    Shirahama, Jusanhama
18    Sat    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
19    Sun    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
20    Mon          
21    Tue          
22    Wed          
23    Thu          
24    Fri          
25    Sat    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
26    Sun    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
27    Mon          
28    Tue          
29    Wed          
30    Thu    Support activities for fishery industry        Yagawahama
31    Fri    Support activities for fishery industry        Yagawahama

【June】

Date    Day    Work Details                    Note

1    Sat    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
2    Sun    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
3    Mon          
4    Tue          
5    Wed          
6    Thu          
7    Fri          
8    Sat    Support activities for fishery industry        Yagawahama
9    Sun    Flowerbed making
10    Mon          
11    Tue          
12    Wed          
13    Thu    Support activities for fishery industry        Higashihama
14    Fri    Support activities for fishery industry        Higashihama
15    Sat    Restoration of agricultural land            Kamigama district
16    Sun    Restoration of agricultural land            Kamigama district
17    Mon          
18    Tue          
19    Wed          
20    Thu          
21    Fri          
22    Sat    Support activities for fishery industry        Higashihama
23    Sun    Support activities for fishery industry        Higashihama
24    Mon         
25    Tue          
26    Wed    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
27    Thu    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
28    Fri    Flowerbed making                    Kadonowakicho
29    Sat    Support activities for fishery industry        Yagawahama
30    Sun    Support activities for fishery industry        Yagawahama

*Please note that details of work may vary according to weather and due to the Ishinomaki Office’s requests. We will be adding the schedule for volunteering from July on the website around May.

********************************
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami brought enormous damage to the Tohoku district on March 11. From right after the disaster to the end of December 2012 a total of more than 8,300 volunteers have participated in recovering towns and cities including cleaning off houses wrecked by sludge and debris, dredging up mud from ditches and transporting supplies to temporary housing through JEN volunteer dispatch program.
As time goes by, volunteer work has shifted from 'emergency-relief' which requires heavy work like removing debris and cleaning up side ditches to 'reconstruction assistance' which involves revitalizing fishery industry and supporting daily life of people living in temporary housing. JEN makes its motto to 'support effort to live through' and continues its mid and long term assistance.
We want you to continue to participate in volunteer work so that those people may be able to stand at the threshold of returning to their previous life as soon as quickly and we together may be able to inspire them to think positive.

<Terms and Conditions>
1.    Transportation to and from Ishinomaki office or accommodation must be organized by volunteers.
2.    When volunteers use the accommodation, they stay with some other volunteers.
3.    Volunteers need to bring work clothes and equipment (rubber boots, rubber gloves, long sleeve T-shirt and trousers).
4.    Volunteers need to be covered by volunteering insurance.

Meeting Time: 8:00 a.m.
Meeting Place: JEN Ishinomaki Office; SASADENBILL 201 3-13 Isenba Ishinomaki City; 5 minutes’ walk from JR Ishinomaki Station, and dismiss at the same place.
*Orientation is essential for first-time participants. (Refer to Volunteer Guide for more information)
*Volunteers must work for at least one full day.
*Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. one week before your work day.
*Maximum number of volunteers: Approx. 20 each day
*Managing fee of 1,000 yen per person per night will be applied to use of the lodge. (Up to 5,000 yen in case of a consecutive stay of more than one night. The amended fee came into effect on April 1st, 2013)Please note that managing fee has been raised to 1,000 yen due to renovation of the lodge to provide comfortable stay. Your understanding and cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

<Work Details>
◆Helping recover fishery industry
◆Helping recover agricultural industry
◆Helping various events held by the local community
◆Cleaning up damaged mountain streams, shrines and parks where children play
*We would like volunteers to help what is desperately-needed. We adjust volunteer work to match the changing needs of assistance. Thank you for your understanding.

<Additional Information>
◆The time and place of application are subject to change and so please make sure    to go over JEN's website before you set out for volunteer work.
◆JEN will contact volunteers by email or phone to confirm application of volunteers.
◆Application will be closed once we reach the quota (20people /each time). When we didn’t reach the quota, there is a possibility that you can join as a volunteer even after the deadline; please contact us individually.
◆There is a possibility that work will be cancelled in case of unfavorable weather.
◆As the office is small, there aren't enough space for volunteers to wait. Please assemble approx. 5 minutes before the meeting time.

<Volunteer Insurance>
It is mandatory to join the Volunteering Insurance before applying volunteer of JEN.
Please join it at your nearest Japan National Council of Social Welfare. Once applied, it is valid for one year from April 1 to March 31 but it doesn’t get renewed automatically.

<Application>
The leaflet tells you how to apply; fill in the application form; send it by E-mail or Fax with the document to prove that you have joined the Volunteer Insurance.
Attention: If you haven’t joined the Volunteer Insurance, the application does not be completed.

<Contact Us>
Email: volunteer@jen-npo.org for inquiries.
Tel: 0225-25-5611
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. on weekdays

====
 Urgent appeal for contributions

 ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

○Postal transfer account: 00170-2-538657
  Account holder’s name: JEN
  *Enter “the Great East Japan Earthquake” into the reference column.

○By credit card: http://bit.ly/c7R8iA
  *Choose “the Great East Japan Earthquake” from a pull-down menu

In reference to bank wire, please contact Tomita or Asagawa in JEN Tokyo Office (03-5225-9352 ).

May 24, 2013 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2013.02.22

Wanted. Volunteers to help organize festival or bear mikoshi for Kitsunezakiinari shrine March 16,17

JEN is going to volunteer to help Kitsunezakiinari shrine at Higashihama hold a festival as its reconstruction support on March 16 and 17, 2012. JEN hopes that not only men who have the physical strength to carry a portable shrine but women will be joining us.

130222_p2270719tri_low


Why don't we help the community members in Higashihama who are making self-help efforts toward recovery with pumping up the festival? At the end of the festival, naorai 1(feast) will be held together with the community members. JEN and the community members look forward to your participation in naorai.

1. Naorai is an event that is held at the conclusion of a festival at the shrine where everyone who assembled for the Shinto ritual is made to drink sacred sake and eat the sacred food (a ritual to share drink and food).

The volunteer work will be as follows:
1. The work includes setting up the festival site, cleaning the precincts of the shrine, arranging mikoshi and labarums, carrying mikoshi etc at the Kitsunezakihamainari shrine.
2. The festival days are from Saturday April 16 to Sunday 17, 2013.
3. Please participate in clothes that you won't bother getting dirty, boots, carrying a rain cape, cotton work gloves and rubber gloves with you.
4. Applications will be accepted via JEN's website. Please check the notes on joining JEN volunteer carefully before application. Applications must be submitted by 18:00 on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

Kitsunezakiinari shrine festival in Higashihama district

The mikoshi, which features Kitsunezakiinari shrine festival, has a history dating back as many as 300 years. But the number of persons who bear that mikoshi is on the decline lately due to a declining population. Last year's disaster spurred the depopulation and that makes it more difficult to ensure enough persons who organize the festival or carry the mikoshi. Although it's expected that young people from neighboring fishery villages come for help, volunteers from outside are really helpful in pumping up the festival.

Click here
for more information about JEN's activities on the Oshika Peninsula
Click here
for more information about JEN's assistance activities in Tohoku

February 22, 2013 in Volunteer Infomarion |

2013.01.07

Call for volunteers in Tohoku until the end of April, 2013.

** Schedule for May onwards will be set early April. STAY TUNE! **

The voluntary work for reconstruction support from January 2013 takes place on;

* Application Period and the dates *

January 12 (Saturday)-14 (Monday) Finished
         17 (Thursday)-18 (Friday) Finished
         19 (Saturday)-20 (Sunday) Finished
         26 (Saturday)-27 (Sunday) Finished
         31 (Thursday)- February 1 (Friday) Finished

February 2 (Saturday)-3(Sunday) Finished
         9(Saturday)-11(Monday) Finished
         14(Thursday)-15(Friday) Finished
         16(Saturday)-17(Sunday) Finished
         23(Saturday)-24(Sunday)
         28(Thursday)-March 1(Friday)

March 2(Saturday)- 3(Sunday)
      9 (Saturday)-10(Sunday)
      14(Thursday)-15(Friday)
      16 (Saturday)-17(Sunday) Support the traditional celebration (event).
      23 (Saturday)-24(Sunday)
      28(Thursday)-29(Friday)
      30 (Saturday)-31(Sunday)

April 4(Thursday)-5(Friday)
      6 (Saturday)-7(Sunday)
      13 (Saturday)-14(Sunday)
      18(Thursday)-19(Friday)
      20 (Saturday)-21(Sunday) FULL HOUSE
      27 (Saturday)-29 (Monday) FULL HOUSE
***************************************************
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami brought enormous damage to the Tohoku district on March 11. From right after the disaster to the end of December 2012 a total of more than 8,300 volunteers have participated in recovering towns and cities including cleaning off houses wrecked by sludge and debris, dredging up mud from ditches and transporting supplies to temporary housing through JEN volunteer dispatch program.

As time goes by, volunteer work has shifted from 'emergency-relief' which requires heavy work like removing debris and cleaning up side ditches to 'reconstruction assistance' which involves revitalizing fishery industry and supporting daily life of people living in temporary housing. JEN makes its motto to 'support effort to live through' and continues its mid and long term assistance.

We want you to continue to participate in volunteer work so that those people may be able to stand at the threshold of returning to their previous life as soon as quickly and we together may be able to inspire them to think positive.

<Terms and Conditions>
1. Transportation to and from Ishinomaki office or accommodation must be organized by volunteers.
2. When volunteers use the accomodation, they stay with some other volunteers.
3. Volunteers need to bring work clothes and equipments(rubber boots, rubber gloves, long sleeve T-shirt and trousers).
4. Volunteers need to be covered by volunteering insurance.

Meeting Time:8:00 a.m.
Meeting Place:JEN Ishinomaki Office; SASADENBILL 201 3-13 Isenba Ishinomaki City; 5 minutes’ walk from JR Ishinomaki Station, and dismiss at the same place.
The details are as follows.
※Be sure for the first-time volunteers to attend volunteer orientation that takes place on following time(*).
※Volunteers must work for at least 1 full day.
※Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. 1 week before your work day.
※The fixed number of volunteers is 20 every day.

<First-time Volunteers(*)>
Volunteer orientation is mandatory for the first-time volunteers and they are held on following time at JEN Ishinomaki Office; SASADENBILL 201 3-13 Isenba Ishinomaki City; 5 minutes walk from JR Ishinomaki Station.
Time:
①First, third and fifth Wednesday 17:00
②Every Friday 17:00
★In both①②patterns, volunteers have the orientation after gathering. After that, as for volunteers who use the accomodation, they will be guided there (departure: around 18:00).
③First, third and fifth Thursday 8:00
④Every Saturday 8:00
☆In both③④patterns, volunteers have the orientation after gathering. After that, volunteers will be guided to working areas. In case the working area is far from meeting place, the orientation will be held at the working area.

<Accommodations>
JEN Watanoha accommodation, which is located in 48-2 Watanoha aza Yamazaki Ishinomaki City, is available for volunteers.
(It costs 500 yen each par a night so that we can maintain the accommodation.)

<Work Details>
◆Helping recover fishery industry
◆Helping recover agricultural industry
◆Helping various events held by the local comunity
◆Cleaning up damaged mountain streams, shrines and parks where children play
※We would like volunteers to help what is desperately-needed. We adjust volunteer work to match the changing needs of assistance. Thank you for your understanding.

<Additional Information>
◆The time and place of application are subject to change and so please make sure to go over JEN's website before you set out for volunteer work.
◆JEN will contact volunteers by email or phone to confirm application of volunteers.
◆Application will be closed once we reach the quota (20people /each time). When we didn’t reach the quota, there is a possibility that you can join as a volunteer even after the deadline; please contact us individually.
◆There is a possibility that work will be cancelled in case of unfavorable weather.
◆As the office is small, there aren't enough space for volunteers to wait. Please assemble approx 5 minutes before the meeting time.

<Volunteer Insurance>
It is mandatory to join the Volunteering Insurance before applying volunteer of JEN.
Please join it at your nearest Japan National Council of Social Welfare. Once applied, it is valid for one year from April 1 to March 31 but it doesn’t get renewed automatically.

<Application>
The leaflet tells you how to apply; fill in the application form; send it by E-mail or Fax with the document to prove that you have joined the Volunteer Insurance.
Attention: If you haven’t joined the Volunteer Insurance, the application does not be completed.
E-mail volunteer@jen-npo.org / Fax 0225-25-5612

Application form to download:「application_eng201204.doc」
For details to download:「manual_eng_jan2013.pdf」をダウンロード

<Contact Us>
Email: volunteer@jen-npo.org for inquiries.
Tel: 0225-25-5611

period for acceptance: 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. on weekdays

January 7, 2013 in Event InfomationVolunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2011.09.28

JEN a besoin de volontaires d’octobre 2011 à février 2012 !


Jusqu’à la fin septembre, plus de 3.000 personnes ont participé aux activités de JEN en tant que volontaires. Chaque jour, une vingtaine de volontaires aident à la restauration de la ville d’Ishinomaki. Grâce à leur aide, nous avons pu nettoyer la boue et les débris dans certains quartiers, distribuer du matériel d’urgence aux habitations temporaires, et fournir des repas chauds (déjeuner et dîner) aux personnes qui déblaient et nettoient leurs maisons.

Nous remercions les volontaires venus de tout le Japon, pour nous aider à nettoyer les maisons, les espaces publiques tels que les centres d’évacuation et certaines usines afin de préparer leurs réouvertures. Nous avons également besoin de volontaires dans les zones pêche pour permettre un retour rapide aux activités.

De façon à encourager la pensée positive des habitants de Tokohu pour qu’ils retrouvent une vie normale, nous vous demandons votre soutien.

Veuillez trouver ci-dessous les informations concernant l’appel aux volontaires d’octobre 2011 à février 2012. Nous vous remercions de votre aide.


<Conditions>
1. Le transport jusqu’à Ishinomaki ainsi que le retour doivent être organisés par les volontaires ;
2. Les volontaires travaillent et logent en groupe ;
3. Les volontaires doivent apporter leur sac de couchage personnel, nourriture et boissons, vêtements de travail (bottes en plastique, gants, T-shirt à manches longues et pantalons) ;
4. Les volontaires doivent être couverts par une assurance volontariat.

<Planning>
*    À partir d’octobre 2011, les activités de volontariat sont fermées tous les lundis et mardis.
*    L’engagement minimum pour les volontaires est de 1 journée. Les engagements les jours de semaine sont les bienvenus.
*    Les candidatures resteront ouvertes tant que le quota de 20 candidats ne sera pas atteint.
*    Délai pour candidature: 17h, une semaine avant la date de participation

***Tous les mardis***
Lieu de rassemblement: Devant le bureau de JEN Ishinomaki
Addresse: Sasadenbill 201, 3-13 Isenba, Ishinomaki City (à 5 minutes de marche depuis la gare JR Ishinomaki)
Heure de rassemblement: la veille (mardi) à 17h00 

Une session d’information sera tenue après le rassemblement. Les volontaires seront conduits à leur logement après cette session (départ 18h).

***Tous les samedis***
Lieu de rassemblement: devant le bureau de JEN Ishinomaki
Addresse: Sasadenbill 201, 3-13 Isenba, Ishinomaki City (à 5 minutes de marche depuis la gare JR Ishinomaki)
Heure de rassemblement: samedi 9h.

Une session d’information sera tenue après le rassemblement. Les volontaires seront conduits aux zones de travail après la session.

<Logement>
Adresse: JEN Watanoha (48-2 Watanoha aza Yamasaki, Ishinomaki City, Préfecture de Miyagi)
Frais de logement: 500 yens / personne.

<Description de la mission>
1) Enlever la boue et les débris des maisons (nettoyage de la boue, jeter les débris et les meubles qui ont été apportés par la vague du tsunami)
2) Aide à la distribution de biens de consommation dans les maisons ou les préfabriqués
3) Soutien à la reconstruction/restauration des activités de pêche
4) Nettoyage des ruisseaux, lieux saints, et parcs
Ainsi que toutes autres tâches jugées nécessaires.
Les tâches peuvent changer en fonction des besoins. Nous vous remercions de votre compréhension.


<Autres informations>
1) JEN contactera les volontaires par email ou téléphone pour confirmer leurs candidatures.
2) Les candidatures seront fermées quand les quotas de participants seront atteints.
3) Merci de contacter JEN pour toutes propositions de volontariat régulier.
4) Il est possible que certaines missions soient annulées en raison de la pluie.

<Assurance pour volontaires>
Il est obligatoire de souscrire à une assurance volontariat ‘Catastrophe Naturelles Plan A’.
Nous vous demandons de bien vouloir souscrire à votre propre assurance auprès du Japan National Council of Social Welfare. Une fois souscrite, cette assurance est valide jusqu’à la fin mars 2012.


Plus d’informations, cliquez ici (en Anglais):

Formulaire de candidature: 「application_eng.doc」をダウンロード
Merci de contacter  volunteer@jen-npo.org  pour toutes questions.

September 28, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquakefrancaisle tremblement de terre |

2011.09.27

Tale from a volunteer 6: On a Stunning Sunny Day at the bay - By D.A.

During an 8 day stay at JEN’s Watanoha House, Ishinomaki, as a volunteer, I was amazed by the number of volunteers. People come from all over Japan to participate in the volunteer programme for a day or more, some staying at Watanoha House, where everyone eats and sleeps under the same roof.

Dsc_0360


The work was physically hard and my body aches in places I didn’t know existed, but it was great to see that a large group of us had a significant impact on clearing the storm drains of a little fishing village in Ayukawa in Oshika Peninsula. The local fisherman in charge was grateful to have us there and at lunch time he put a piece of wood across 2 trestles to create a make-shift table for us on which to enjoy our noodles - which 2 sisters staying with us in the House had had the foresight to prepare and bring for the House-volunteers. I was so hungry by then that this simple meal was a feast fit for a king!

Looking across the bay on this glorious sunny day, the view was as pretty as any you might wish to see, so difficult to comprehend the sight the Tsunami must have presented on 3.11, causing the devastation behind me.

Remarks: D.A, from England, contributing for 3 weeks in Japan. 2weeks at JEN Head Quoters, 1week in Ishinomaki.

*Share your experience with us.  
Send your message to: info@jen-npo.org

===
For inquiries (in English)
Sludge Removal Volunteer click here
===


September 27, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

[Tohoku] Récit d’une volontaire

Récit d’une volontaire: par une journée magnifique à la péninsule d’Oshika… par D.A

Pendant les 8 jours passés comme volontaire à la maison des bénévoles Watanoha de JEN, à Ishinomaki, j’ai été impressionnée par le nombre de personnes prenant part aux activités. Des gens venant de tout le Japon participent au programme de volontariat pour une journée ou plus et la plupart vivent, mangent et dorment sous le même toit, à la maison Watanoha.


Le travail était physiquement difficile et j’ai eu des courbatures dans des parties de mon corps que je ne connaissais pas mais de voir que le travail de notre groupe a eu un impact significatif sur le nettoyage des systèmes d’évacuation des eaux pluviales dans le petit village de pêcheurs de Ayukawa dans la péninsule d’Oshika était génial. Le pêcheur local en charge était reconnaissant de nous avoir et au moment de la pause déjeuner il nous a préparé une table avec un morceau de bois et deux tréteaux pour que nous puissions manger nos nouilles, cuisinées par 2 soeurs qui logeaient avec nous et qui avaient eu la prevoyance de les préparer et nous les apporter depuis la maison des bénévoles. J’avais tellement faim qu’à ce moment ce simple repas fût pour moi un vrai festin de roi!

En regardant la baie en ce magnifique jour ensoleillé, la vue était d’une telle beauté, qu’il me fût difficile d’imaginer comment le tsunami du 11 mars ait pu causer la dévastation qui se trouvait derrière moi.

Remarques : D.A, d’Angleterre est restée 3 semaines au Japon. Elle a contribué au travail de JEN en tant que bénévole 2 semaines au siege de l’ONG et 1 semaine à Ishinomaki.

*Partagez vos expériences avec nous. Envoyez vos messages à: info@jen-npo.org

===
Pour plus d’informations
Volontaires pour le nettoyage des débris cliquez ici


September 27, 2011 in Volunteer Infomarionfrancaisle tremblement de terre |

2011.09.08

Call for volunteers in September

Over 2700 volunteers have participated in JEN’s activities so far!

With those support, we were able to remove debris and sludge at Watanoha and Oshika area, distribute relief supplies to temporary housing, and provide lunch and dinner to those residents working to clean up their homes.

Presently, JEN is supporting not only cleaning up community space and factories with those employees to restart their business, but also supporting fishery reconstruction.

We can all support those people to make a first step to regain their livelihoods and be optimistic about the future again.

Please see below for details of volunteering in September. It has changed that volunteers joining volunteering for their first time need to apply for their own insurance.

Thank you very much for your support.

<Terms and conditions>
1. Transportation to and from Ishinomaki must be organized by the volunteers.

2. Volunteers will work and lodge in groups.

3. Volunteers need to bring a sleeping bag, food and drinks for their consumption, work clothes (rubber boots, rubber gloves, long sleeve T-shirt and trousers).

4. Volunteers need to be covered by volunteering insurance.

<Schedule>
Time and meeting point may change due to local situation. Please check our website before departure for any changes. Thank you for your cooperation.

※Please note that the meeting point differs on Wednesdays (arriving on the previous day) and Saturdays (arriving in the morning).

※As the office is small, there are no space for the volunteers to stay and wait. Please assemble approx 5 minutes before the meeting time.

※If the application does not reach the quota, the application will be open for volunteering. Please ask individually. The application will be closed once we have 20 volunteers.

◆Every Wednesday
(Application deadline: 5pm, 1 week prior to participation date)

September 14, 21, and 28

Meeting point: Outside of JEN Ishinomaki Office (※)

Meeting time: 5:45pm, previous day (Tuesday).

★The orientation will be held after assembling. Volunteers will be sent to the accommodation after orientation (leaving 6pm).

※Address: SASADENBILL 201, 3-13 Isenba, Ishinomaki City (5 minutes walk from JR Ishinomaki Station)

◆Every Saturday
(Application deadline: 5pm, 1 week prior to participation date)

September 10, 17, and 24

Meeting point: Prefabricated building next to Senshu Univ. (former JEN Office)(※)

Meeting time: 9am, Saturday.

★Orientation will be held after assembling. Volunteers will move to work areas after orientation.

※Address: 284-1 Minamizakai Shinmito, Ishinomaki City (1 minute walk from main gate of Ishinomaki Senshu Univ.)

<Accommodation>
JEN Watanoha Accommodation

Address: 48-2 Watanoha aza Yamazaki, Ishinomaki City

※If number of volunteers reach 20 quota, prefabricated building next to Senshu Univ.
(284-1 Minamizaki Shinmito, Ishinomaki City)

<Work details>
◆Debris and sludge removal at house (cleaning up debris, sludge, mud, trash, furniture submerged in water brought by the tsunami)

◆Distribution of relief supplies to temporary housings,

◆Supporting fishery reconstruction activities

◆Cleaning up streams, shrines, and parks

And, any other work necessary.

Work may change due to supporting needs.

Thank you for your understanding.

<Additional information>
◆JEN will contact volunteers by email or phone to confirm application of volunteers.

◆Application will be closed once we reach the quota.

◆Minimum activity period is 1 day. Weekday activities are welcome.

◆Volunteering activities are closed on Tuesdays.

◆Please contact JEN for continuous volunteering.

◆There is a possibility that work will be cancelled in case of rain.

<Volunteering insurance>
It is mandatory to join the Volunteering Insurance.

Please apply at your nearest Japan National Council of Social Welfare. Once applied, it is valid until end of March 2012.

For details → 「hp_eng.pdf」をダウンロード

Application form →  「application_eng.doc」をダウンロード

Please contact volunteer@jen-npo.org for inquiries.

September 8, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2011.05.30

Tale from a volunteer 5: A friend in need is a friend indeed

It Was very good to have gone as a volunteer to Ihinomaki on the last time, i felt very good to help out people there, but i think that i have to help more Japan, Because it is not enough whatever i do, Japan has given me a lot since i came here in 1990.

004

I'll do my best to go again and do all i can to comfort the people out their :< a friend in need is a friend indeed>.

As a Moroccan in Japan and on behalf of all Moroccans i extend my condolences to the family of the one who lost their lives in the Great earthquake of March the 11th.
033

Once again i thank the team JEN for giving me the opportunity to join their volunteer work in Ishinomaki.
Looking forward to serve you and Japan.

Best regards

Idrissi Moulay Omar

046

Share your experience with us. 
Send your message to: info@jen-npo.org

===
For inquiries (in English)

Sludge Removal Volunteer click here

Soup Kitchen Volunteer click here
===


May 30, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2011.05.07

A Voice from the volunteer 1: Sludge Busting with JEN

"A Gaijin Point of View" - By GM (UK resident of Japan)

I worked for JEN in Ishinomaki as a “sludge-buster” on April 26 and 27, just before the Golden Week rush. I approached them because of their reputation as a zero-waste, grassroots organization that—in the words of the old Heineken jingle—“reaches places that other NGOs do not reach.”

Tents_low


I expected to be sleeping in my tent in the grounds of Ishinomaki along with the other volunteers, but a day or two before I arrived, JEN had managed to rent an old house just outside the tsunami zone. As a result, the JEN volunteers were lucky enough to have light, heat and even a functioning toilet. Given the physically demanding nature of the work, it was a blessing to have a place where we could relax and sleep in comfort at the end of the day. (At the campsite, it had been so cold, windy and rainy, that many volunteers had been forced to sleep sitting up in their cars.)

Jenhouse_low


My fellow volunteers were an interesting and diverse bunch. There was an Afghan-born, German-educated semiconductor researcher, resident in Japan since 1991, who had driven up with his son and several of his university classmates; a German-Swiss web designer, who had taken unpaid leave from his job to fly to Japan to help out; and a Hebrew-speaking Japanese photographer who had ridden all the way up from Tokyo on his scramble bike.

Bigjunk_low

People in Ishinomaki who need their houses or land cleared up submit a “needs form” to the volunteer center. The center then matches their needs with the available pool of registered volunteer labor. While I was there our allotted task was to tidy up a field at the furthest reach of the tsunami. It was a hard and time-consuming task. It took about a day to clear up all the big, heavy items of rubbish—doors, windows, beams and so forth.

Wara_low

It then took a further day to clear up the “wara”—the dried grass that covered most of the field. There were tangled clumps under the trees and hedges at the edges of the field. The best way to collect it was to get down on all fours and roll it up like a smelly great carpet. It was hard and dirty work, but we all felt good when the job was done.

It is estimated that the tsunami covered an area of 433,000 square kilometers, so volunteers will be needed to help with the clean up for years to come.

Thanks for your contribution, GM-san.

Share your experience with us.
Send your message to: info@jen-npo.org

===
For inquiries (in English)

Sludge Removal Volunteer click here

Soup Kitchen Volunteer click here
===


May 7, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2011.04.26

The third batch of soup kitchen volunteers: 3,000 meals of hot ramen (soup noodle)!

From April 22nd to 24th, hot ramen (soup noodle) was prepared for the soup kitchen. The third batch of volunteers was able to prepare 3,000 meals (a large amount!), so we decided to organize the soup kitchen tent near the train station on the first day.

110422_124132

Watanoha Station was a bit deserted. Unfortunately, the train has not been in operation for the past six weeks since the tsunami.

However, on the first day of the soup kitchen, April 22nd, there was a long queue of people waiting despite the rain. In Tohoku, the temperature drops when it rains even in April.

110422_123454

1,200 meals on the first day, 600 meals on the second day (in front of a sushi restaurant) and 1,200 meals on the final day (in the residential area of Kazuma community) – A total of 3,000 meals were distributed!

Thank you very much to the third group of volunteers!

We are calling for volunteers for soup kitchen.
For more information please click here.

==========
We appreciate your kind support.

Donation by credit card is possible from here. 

Thank you very much for your cooperation!

April 26, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

Call for Sludge Removal Volunteers during the Golden Week!

We are calling for mud and sludge removal volunteers during the Golden Week. Please see below for details.

We are expecting many volunteers during the Golden Week. The application will be closed once we have 50 volunteers for each day.

Please send in your applications as soon as possible!

Please click here for the latest report on sludge removal volunteer.

Terms and conditions
1. Transportation to come to Ishinomaki must be organized by the volunteers.
2. Volunteers will work and lodge in groups.
3. Volunteers need to bring a sleeping bag, food and drinks for their consumption, work clothes (rubber boots, rubber gloves, long sleeve T-shirt and trousers).

We are calling for volunteers on the following days
April 29th and 30th
May 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th

Application deadline
◆For volunteers starting April 29th, 30th, May 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th
We have closed application.

◆For volunteers starting May 5th and 6th
Application deadline: May 2nd at noon

◆For volunteers starting May 7th and 8th
Application deadline: May 6th at noon

Meeting point
Place: JEN Ishinomaki Office
        284-1 Minamizakai Shinmito, Ishinomaki City
Time: Those arriving the day before – At 17:00
        Those arriving in the morning – At 8:30am

*Those arriving the day before will move to an accommodation space by van after the meeting.
*Those arriving in the morning will move to an orientation venue by van after the meeting.

Orientation
Time: From 9:00am before volunteer work
Place: Joshi Shogyo High School
         1 Watanoha Hamasoneyama, Ishinomaki City

Please note that the time and the meeting point may change due to local situation. Please check our website before your departure for any changes. Thank you for your cooperation.

For more information: 「sludge_removal_volunteer.pdf」をダウンロード

Application form: 「application_form.doc」をダウンロード

Contact: volunteer@jen-npo.org
Please indicate "sludge removal volunteer" in the subject section of your email.

April 26, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2011.04.17

Call for volunteers around the world

We are receiving inquiries from various countries. Those who wish to contribute to the recovery of Tohoku, feel free to contact us. JEN is an established international NGO implementing emergency and self-reliance programs in Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Sudan.

For inquiries (in English)

Sludge Removal Volunteer click here

Soup Kitchen Volunteer click here

April 17, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2011.04.07

Call for Soup Kitchen Volunteers!

JEN dispatched its first team to Miyagi prefecture immediately after the earthquake, and conducted damage and needs assessment and assessment of transportation and procurement routes. Along with these assessments, JEN distributed emergency supplies of clothing, hygiene kits and food for soup kitchen. We also provided hot meals for 600 people in evacuation centers with the cooperation of earthquake/ tsunami victims. We have decided to organize soup kitchen in Ishinomaki to provide hot meals for those who have difficulties securing food. We are calling for volunteers to support us in soup kitchen.

Terms and Conditions

  • Apply by group of volunteers who have experience in soup kitchen.
  • The place of soup kitchen will be determined by Ishinomaki Volunteer Center, and may vary each day.
  • The group will be expected to prepare meals for 100-1200 people each time.
    (Please indicate the number of people the group can provide food in each soup kitchen beforehand).
  • A group is requested to support for about one week (consecutive).
  • The group leader will coordinate directly with the Volunteer Center for the place of soup kitchen, etc.
  • The group needs to secure a vehicle to move around with cooking utensils.

For more details: 「soup_kitchen_volunteer.pdf」をダウンロード

Application form: 「application_form.doc」をダウンロード

Contact: volunteer@jen-npo.org
Please indicate “soup kitchen volunteer” in the subject section of your email.

April 7, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

Call for Sludge Removal Volunteers!

Sludge, brought by the tsunami, is now emitting disturbing odor around communities (please see our blog on March 31st). It has been more than three weeks since the incident, and the sludge is drying up and hardening. Gradually this sludge will turn into dust. The dust will be blown up into the air which can have perverse effects to our health.

The tsunami brought heavy mud and sludge inside houses. Tatami mats and furnitures have absorbed water (one tatami can weigh up to 100kg), thus women and elders cannot even clean up their houses.

Most of the people staying at their homes live on the second floor because the ground floor is covered with mud and sludge. There are also evacuees who could return home once mud and sludge is cleared.

JEN is now receiving volunteers while coordinating with other organizations. We are now calling for volunteers to help us remove mud and sludge from houses.

Your participation will be greatly appreciated!

Please click here for the latest report on sludge removal volunteer.

Terms and conditions

  • Transportation to come to Ishinomaki must be organized by the volunteers.
  • Volunteers will lodge in tents, using sleeping bags.
  • Volunteers need to bring a tent, a sleeping bag, food and drinks for their consumption, work clothes (a helmet, rubber boots, a goggle, rubber gloves, long sleeve T-shirt and trousers).

We are calling for volunteers on the following days:

Please note that the time and the meeting point may change due to local situation. Please check our website before your departure for any changes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Tuesdays (Application deadline: Every Monday at noon)
April 12th at 17:00, meeting at Ishinomaki Senshu University
   Sludge removal will begin from 8:00 April 13th
April 19th at 17:00, meeting at Ishinomaki Senshu University
   Sludge removal will begin from 8:00 April 20th
April 26th at 17:00, meeting at Ishinomaki Senshu University
   Sludge removal will begin from 8:00 April 27th

Saturdays (Application deadline: Every Thursday at 17:00)
April 16th at 9:30, meeting at Ishinomaki Senshu University
   Sludge removal will begin from 10:00 April 16th
April 23rd at 9:30, meeting at Ishinomaki Senshu University
   Sludge removal will begin from 10:00 April 23rd

During the Golden Week
April 29th and 30th
May 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th

[Application deadline for volunteers during the Golden Week]
For volunteers starting April 29th, 30th, May 1st and 2nd
Application deadline: April 28th at noon

For volunteers starting May 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th
Application deadline: May 2nd at noon

For volunteers starting May 7th and 8th
Application deadline: May 6th at noon

For more information: 「sludge_removal_volunteer.pdf」をダウンロード

Application form: 「application_form.doc」をダウンロード

Contact: volunteer@jen-npo.org
Please indicate "sludge removal volunteer" in the subject section of your email.

April 7, 2011 in Volunteer InfomarionTohoku earthquake |

2008.09.30

Village Development in Niigata: Volunteers Wanted!!

Recruiting Village Revitalization Volunteers for Niigata-Chuetsu Earthquake 2008

~The Challenges facing a Village to Overcome Depopulation after the Earthquake~ 

In 2004 an earthquake of great magnitude devastated the region of Niigata. Despite this tragedy, Iketani and Iriyama of Tokamachi have stood up and faced the damage and started the reconstruction process. Iketani and Iriyama are small settlements consisting of a total of 6 families. Of these 6 families, 4 families consist solely of elderly people, and therefore the village faces the threat of depopulation. Despite this, the elderly are engaging in village revitalization efforts with huge energy. Since 2005, JEN (An international NGO) has aided the busy farming season and recruited volunteers to assist towards their recovery. This year JEN is aiming to establish a system for the continuous return of volunteers to Niigata. Project volunteers are an essential component of the village recovery. We urge you to apply!

Activity Information
The revival of the region affected, adjustment and relief of the villagers environment, conservation, farming with the villagers, helping with the preparation of the harvest festival, collaboration with the locals.
The activities listed may vary with the season

2008 Schedule:
(1st ) 2nd May (Fri)-5th May(Mon) 4 days - Completed
(2nd ) 9th May (Fri)-11th May (Sun) 3 days - Completed
(3rd ) 20th June(Fri)-22nd June(Sun) 3 Days - Fully Booked
(4th ) 12th Sept (Fri)-15th Sept (Mon) 4 Days
(5th ) 3rd Oct (Fri)-5th Oct (Sun) 3 Days - Fully Booked
(6th ) 24th Oct (Fri)-26th Oct (Sun) 3 Days
(7th ) 31st Oct (Fri)-2nd Nov (Sun) 3 Days

Lodging/Accommodation:
The Iketani Branch School (A school that was closed 23 years ago has now been refurbished for your use as a lodging facility)

Available Space
15 people per session

Costs

3 days (2 nights) - \6,000
4 days (3 nights) - \8,000

Trips inclusive of lodging and food expenses

Transportation costs are not included, therefore you must make your own way to the location. The location is accessible by car or train.

Assembly Time/Place:

The entrance to the Tokamachi Station of the ‘Hoku Hoku Line’, Tokamachi, Niigata
Friday 07:30pm

■Departure time/place:

The entrance to the Tokamachi Station of the ‘Hoku Hoku Line’, Tokamachi, Niigata
01:00pm on the final day
※The time of departure may vary with the activity

Deadline

The trip will stop taking volunteers when the number of participants is full for any of the trips.
For more information, please contact us.

How to join in:

First download our application form and fill in the necessary information. Please send the application form by Fax or email. If you do not have the above then contact us by telephone and then we will send you the application form by mail. After your application has been received, JEN will verify the information and contact you again. Once we have verified your application, we can finalise the necessary arrangements. The link of the application form is below:
http://www.jen-npo.org/img/participation/field_080416.doc

What to bring:

Gloves( non-slip )、long boots/rubber boots、long sleeved shirt, hat, mask, rain coat etc.
-Please contact us if you would like to borrow a pair of boots

Contact Information

JEN- Tokyo Headquarters’ executive office,
Contact - Endo
TEL:03-5225-9352
FAX:03-5225-9357
E-mail:info@jen-npo.org
※This program has been made possible due to the collaboration of the Tokamachi Regional Development Planning Committee

September 30, 2008 in NiigataVolunteer Infomarion |

2007.05.10

What I see at JEN's office...

I come to the JEN office as a volunteer twice a week to help produce the English version of the website. Doing this I have come to learn and understand the work of JEN in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigata and The Sudan. Watching the team members prepare to leave and begin a project in The Sudan left a big impression; the support and team effort of the entire office were evident and it made me realise just how important teamwork can be. I, along with the rest of the office, wished them all the best as they set off with rucksacks containing all they had to survive with over the next few months.

I observed the same mutual efforts and support as the JEN office busied itself to organise the stall for the recent Earth Day held in Tokyo. Collecting books for "Book Magic!", advertising and organising the volunteers were big jobs, moving the equipment and setting up the stall just as important! Teamwork was obvious again and I saw all members of the office participating in one way or another.P1040591emily_2 

Everyone has a smile and a greeting as I enter the JEN office, no matter how busy they are, it is because of this that I really enjoy coming here and being part of their team!  - Emily P

May 10, 2007 in Volunteer Infomarion |

2006.12.11

Snow Busters 2007

  Snow clearance volunteer and homestay in Niigata!

Let’s think about boosting the village economy.Snowbusters3_035_1

Date

Jan 19(Fri), 2007 – Jan 21(Sun)     (2 days and 3 nights)

Jan 26(Fri), 2007 – Jan 28(Sun)     (2 days and 3 nights)

Feb 2(Fri), 2007 – Feb 4(Sun)     (2 days and 3 nights)

Feb 9(Fri), 2007 – Feb 11(Sun)     (2 days and 3 nights)

Feb 16(Fri), 2007 – Feb 18(Sun)     (2 days and 3 nights)

*The activities may be changed, according to the weather or other conditions. P1000653

*Please bear the cost of the traffic expenses to the field.

*You can participate by car. (Helping to drive the other participants is welcomed)

Accommodation: Homestay at houses in village of Iketani, Niigata

Maximum of 8 Participants /each

Participation Fee: 2 days and 3 nights (including 4 meals)/\6,000(First day, dinner will not be provided.)

What to bring: gloves (waterproof), long boots, outfit for cold weather (waterproof), towels, change of clothes, copy of insurance card.

Please ask if you need boots.

Deadline of applicationUntil spaces are filled.

     How to Apply:20062173_1

Step1:

Download an application form and send it to us after filling it out. (FAX, mail, e-mail are available)

     Spaces may have been filled. Please call us before you send an application.

Step2:

We will then inform you where to make your payment.

Step3:

After we confirm your payment, your application is determined.

     Meeting Time19:30 of each start date (Friday)

We will wait for Hokuhoku Line arrive at 19:25 (from Echigo-yuzawa to Naoetsu)

If you are late, please contact us.

You can see the time table of Hokuhoku Line  http://www.hokuhoku.co.jp

     Breakup Time12:00 of each end date (Sunday)

The times may be changed. We offer courtesy car to Tokamachi station.

Meeting Place/Breakup PlaceTokamachi city, Hokuhoku Line, Tokamachi Stations West Gate. (Hokuhoku Lines west exit, JR Lines east exit)

*If traveling by car, please park in the parking place of west or east exit and come to the Hokuhoku Lines Gate.

*We are also seeking experienced volunteer registrations in snow clearance for urgent heavy snow. Please let us know if you are interested.

Inquiries

JEN Tokyo, Kakizawa

TEL:03-5225-9352  FAX:03-5225-9357  E-mail:info@jen-npo.org

*Niigata project is operated by Niigata cooperation of Tokamachi-shi regional development executive committee.

December 11, 2006 in NiigataVolunteer Infomarion |

2006.11.20

Sweet Potato

Img_0521

From the 14 - 15 of October, 4 employees from Morgan Stanley, a foreign-affiliated company in Tokyo, visited Iketani again since their first visit of 3rd Niigata Agricultural Volunteer Program.

They revisited Iketani to see how big the sweet potatoes grew since last June.Img_0548_2

==== Volunteer Information ===

Those who wish to contribute the Earthquake affected people in Iketani, JEN is seeking Volunteer during the winter (Jan 2007 onwards). Img_0533 

Further inquiries, please send the email to info@jen-npo.org.

November 20, 2006 in NiigataVolunteer Infomarion |

2006.06.01

Volunteer in Niigata

-Disaster reconstruction and regional development assistance-2_11_1

On October 23 2004, the Great Chu-Etsu Earthquake devastated Niigata prefecture.

To respond to the emergency, JEN has been conducting earthquake disaster reconstruction and regional development projects in the city of Tokamachi. 

In the winter, JEN recruits snow removal volunteers.  Between spring and autumn, JEN sends farm work volunteers to Tokamachi.

JEN has been sending farm work volunteers to Iketani settlement in Tokamachi.  Iketani is a beautiful rice terrace village, but has a serious depopulation problem.  The assistance of farm work by volunteers from all over Japan will help, not only reconstruct earthquake damages, but also revitalize the region. 

Volunteers will stay at the Iketani branch school, which was repaired in 2005 by volunteers and residents, after having been closed for 20 years.

Iketani is beautiful and a region full of natureJoin us and have a great experience!

■Date

* Thank you for your interest. This year's volunteer sessions are over.  We will soon kick off JEN Snowbusters 2007!!*

May 2(Tue), 2006 – May 6(Sat)     (4 days and 5 nights)

May 19(Fri), 2006 – May 21(Sun)  (2 days and 3 nights)

June 2(Fri), 2006 – June 4(Sun)      (2 days and 3 nights) 

July 14(Fri), 2006 – July 17(Mon, holiday)

                                                            (3 days and 4 nights)

Aug. 4(Fri), 2006 – Aug. 6(Sun)    (2 days and 3 nights)

Sep. 22(Fri), 2006 – Sep. 24(Sun)    (2 days and 3 nights)

Sep. 29(Fri), 2006 – Oct. 1(Sun)    (2 days and 3 nights)

Oct. 6(Fri), 2006 – Oct. 9(Mon, holiday)      

                                                            (3 days and 4 nights)         

Nov. 2(Thu), 2006 – Nov. 5(Sun)  (3 days and 4 nights)

Please bear the cost of the traffic expenses to the field.

You can participate by car. (Helping to drive the other participants is welcomed)

■Meeting Place/Breakup PlaceTokamachi city, Hokuhoku Line, Tokamachi Station’s Gate. (Hokuhoku Line’s west exit, JR Line’s east exit)

If traveling by car, please park in the parking place of west or east exit and come to the Hokuhoku Line’s Gate.

You can see the time table of Hokuhoku Line  http://www.hokuhoku.co.jp

■Meeting Time19:30 of each start date

■Breakup Time12:00 of each end date

The times may be changed.

■ActivitiesClean up Iketani branch school, repair the farm road, plant and harvest rice, cut grass, prepare and participate in events like harvest festival, develop relationships with local residents. Communal lodging at Iketani branch school.

The activities may be changed, according to the weather or other conditions.

■Maximum of 15 Participants /each

■Participation Fee2 days and 3 nights /\6,0003 days and 4 nights /\7,0004 days and 5 nights /\8,000 (including food cost. Please cook in rotations) (First day, dinner will not be provided.)

■What to bring Sleeping bagdustcloth (for cleaning up branch school)cotton glovesnon-slippery)、long boots (for rice-farming work)long sleeve shirtcapmask (for dusting)rain coatetc.

Please ask if you need boots and sleeping bag rental.

■Deadline of applicationUntil spaces are filled.

■How to ApplyPlease contact us via telephone or Email. We will provide you with an application form.

JEN Tokyo, Niigata project officer TEL03-5225-9352 E-mailinfo@jen-npo.org Web: www.jen-npo.org

Niigata project is operated by Niigata cooperation of Tokamachi-shi regional development executive committee.

June 1, 2006 in NiigataVolunteer Infomarion |