Kumano | NICE-24S-0802A | 2024-08-02 - 2024-08-12 | ENVI,CULT,MANU | Age: 18 - 99

This project is actively working for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with Association for Promotion of Regional Development in Nishiyama area, Kumano city where is depopulated in Mie prefecture since 2017. There are about 220 residents whose 73% is over 65 years old in Nishiyama area where volunteers will mainly stay. One youth who had joined an international workcamp in the past, has started organizing weekend workcamps since 2011 in Nishiyama area. 5 years later, local people have been getting open-minded to youths from outside of the area. Since the local people are getting too old to maintain public places such as parks or ruins of a castle, they need hands from international volunteers! Last year, more local elderly people got involved in the camp because the volunteers actively helped the work a lot and practiced traditional Japanese dance together. This year, local high school students may be invited to join a part of the camp. *Outcome of this workcamp: Please see the long term goal of this project as Local SDGs at https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/2019-wp5 (only Japanese for the moment, but you can at least enjoy the pictures!). The local people and vols. sometimes cry on the last days. In 2019, 7 vols. from 4 countries worked well.

Work: Maintenance at the national historic site (Akagi Castle ruins). Cleaning of ditches and maintenance of turn mirrors in the area. Re-repair of public toilets that have been maintained in previous work camps. Think about what can be done to boost the future of depopulated and ageing areas.

Accomodation and food: Community center. Bring your sleeping bag. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.

Location: KumanocityMieprefecture

Location and Leisure: Nishiyama area, Kumano city, Mie prefecture. It is more than 200 km far both from Osaka and Nagoya. Sightseeing along the Kumano Kodo, hot springs, BBQ, discussions, etc.

Airport: KIX

Train/Bus station: The nearest airport is Nagoya (Chubu Centrair) or Osaka (Kansai). To the meeting point, it will take about 4.5 hours by train from Chubu and 6 hours from Kansai. Volunteers are recommended to arrive at the airport one day before workcamp starts.) To the meeting point, it will take about 4.5 hours by train from Chubu and 6 hours from Kansai. Volunteers are recommended to arrive at the airport one day before workcamp starts.

Requirements: Positive attitude to enjoy rural, remoted area. Open mind to respect and communicate with local people. 9,000 JPY (55 EUR by the rate on 2023 Nov. 18th) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the camp leaders while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 9000 JPY

Volunteers will learn and feel about situation of seriously depopulated area in Japan.