Introduction of social activities by inhabitant of a ward writer "Aiueo Tsuzuki"

Coverage, photo (including borrowing) ・ sentence = inhabitant of a ward writer Ryone Saito

"Aiue Otsuki" is an organization that volunteers Japanese, and "supporters" who speak Japanese on a daily basis support foreign "learners" living in the city to learn Japanese. From 10:15 am on Wednesday and Saturday morning, he is active at "Continuing MY Plaza" (3 minutes on foot from Yokohama Municipal Subway Center-Kita Station / 5th floor of North Port Mall). We spoke with Banba, the representative of Aiue Ozuki, about the formation of the association and the appeal of Japanese volunteers.

"Aiue Ozutsu" began with eight "Introduction to Japanese Volunteers" (sponsored by Tsuzuki Ward   Office Regional Promotion Division) from December 2006 to February 2007. Mr. Maba, who had just retired, also participated in this course. After that, the students gathered and started "I don't want to end as it is" was "Aiue Tsuzuki".

Mr. Maba said that he had been stationed overseas for several years during his active period. However, I was not confident in my English proficiency. He said he had a problem with not being able to speak English when changing trains. The family who moved abroad with Mr. Maba also hit the language barrier. The children who went to the local school also struggled with homework. Mr. Maba says that his hard work overseas has led to his current activities.

When I asked Mr. Maba about the appeal of Japanese volunteers, he said, "Speaking with people from overseas." It seems that it is fun to come to Japan from a country of different cultures and lifestyles and talk to them who live hard. Maba appeals, "I want you to be kind to those who can't speak Japanese," probably because there are many opportunities to speak with foreigners. Even those who have few opportunities to talk to foreigners in their daily lives will be able to sympathize with that idea.
However, even if you want to help foreigners, Japanese volunteers have the image of needing qualifications, and I feel the hurdles are high. However, they don't actually need English proficiency, and they can work without qualifications. Some supporters found "Aiue Tsuzuki" while searching for volunteers in English, so it can be said that it is a recommended activity even if you want to make use of your language skills.

Also, one-on-one pair of learning support is determined by the Japanese level of both the learner and the supporter and the teaching skills. Maba interviewed learners about their Japanese level and whether they would like to take test measures, and match them with supporters who have the skills that match them.
"Aiue Otsuki" provides not only learning support but also life support, so matching is meticulous. For example, a learner who is raising a child should be assigned a supporter who has experience raising a child. This is to read prints from the school together. Unlike schools, it is said that because it is a local organization, it is not just studying, but the goodness of the activities of "Aiue Tsuzuki".
It was said that support in places close to life could create deep exchanges, and I felt the depth of Japanese volunteers.

Some supporters felt that foreigners had increased in the ward, and some were interested in the activities of Aiue Tsuzuki. In the same way, there are many people who are interested in Japanese volunteers.

Of course, there is a difficulty in participating in activities because one supporter deals with one learner. Some supporters say that it is not easy to meet the needs of learners who want to learn Japanese that can be used at work. Mr. Maba told me that there were cases where the supporters were too crowded and tired.

Still, some people have become teachers at Japanese language schools after awakening to the enjoyment of Japanese volunteers through their activities at Aiue Tsuzuki. If you are interested in activities at all, why not take a step first?