"I started volunteering" in Tsuzuki Ward   by inhabitant of a ward writer

Coverage, photographs, sentence = Inhabitant of a ward writer, Kanako Midorikawa

One hundred years of life.
School, company, housework, childcare, nursing care, ect. Every day that is too busy.
In such a case, I wonder if it's okay.
Can we do something more different?
"People don't live with bread alone."
I want to do something that is useful not only for myself but also for others.
Okay, let's try volunteering. But what should I do in detail?
I want you to read it.
I would like to introduce the seniors who took part in volunteering a little earlier.

[Yonko Uchida]
Affiliated Rainbow Forest Network for Children

Mr. Uchida is attractive and active with a shining smile

Midorikawa: Could you tell me how you started volunteering?

Uchida: I've always been interested in volunteering, and I've always wanted to do it.
When a person's clothing, food, and house are satisfied, they want to give it to others.
But at first, I don't know what to do.
First of all, when I was gathering information on my own, I was able to encounter a very good online course.
Hosted by Kanagawa Community College and sponsored by Dr. Hiroshi Korogi
This is a course called "Life Design in the 100-year-old Life Design Journey and Volantan Tully Life".
In this course, they categorized a wide variety of volunteers.
From the chart, I found out what I wanted to do.
I was narrowed down to two points in Japan: "helping foreigners" and "agriculture".
Then I went to the Citizens' Activities Center in Tsuzuki Ward   Office.
At first it was somewhat difficult to enter, and it ended with just passing a few times.
At one point, there was a time when there was no one, so I took courage to enter.
When I stepped into it, the coordinator, Mr. Aoki, the coordinator.
"Is it possible to do both foreign countries and agriculture?" He introduced the NPO that he currently belongs.

Midorikawa: Could you tell me about the activities?

Uchida: After all, the philosophy is amazing.
The founder was involved in the protection of the world's rainforests at UN agencies.
There is a reality that it is no longer possible.
Then I would like to start with the education of children with the future.
Through tree planting and farming experiences, we are building networks with children.
I've been a member for the second year. Approximately 10 staff members are active once a month (several times at events).
In a field in Shibusawa, we grow soybeans with parents and children, and make miso using the harvested soybeans.
We hold parent and child cooking class events by foreign teachers.
Because it is organically grown, it is really delicious.

Midorikawa: Mr. Uchida, thank you very much for responding lively with a bright smile.
The dishes made with soybeans grown in the field looks really delicious. I'd like to try it.
The philosophy is also wonderful. I can sympathize with it.
It's very rewarding for the future earth.

(Photo courtesy of NPO Children's Rainbow Forest Network)

[Toru Mitsutake]
Member of KANJI Club

Mr. Mitsutake who is curious and challenging various activities

Midorikawa: Could you tell me how you started volunteering?

Mitsutake: In June 2022, we applied for the "Citizen Writer Training Course," a voluntary project of the Tsuzuki Residents' Activities Center.
Fortunately, I was able to participate in the lottery.
During the pair work of the course, I practiced self-introduction and interview article making, and I was impressed by the goodness of everyone in making topics.
After that, I went to interview three facilities, I visited Kakehashi Tsuzuki, a base for the welfare and health of Tsuzuki Ward  .
The fact that I was able to write the article in charge of.
Through extra exchanges (lunch and tea) with other students, I was stimulated and I felt positive about volunteer activities.
Furthermore, in September, we participated in an introductory course for Japanese volunteers.
How to start volunteer activities in the introductory course group work
While exchanging opinions with other students, I heard the idea that "I can't understand unless I first visit and start."
As a result, I started learning support activities as an assistant for senior volunteers.

Midorikawa: Could you tell me about the activities?

Mitsutake: For children connected to foreign countries, every Saturday afternoon, help with school homework.
We support study such as last week's review and preparation next week.
I read school textbooks in advance to prepare to find tips for learning, and make practice questions.
Within 24 hours a day, I work on both work and volunteering in the same way.
If you feel curious, contact the other party and listen to it is the first step.
And when registering as a volunteer, the words told by Mr. Hayashida of MY Plaza left an impression.
"I hope you have fun. If you don't have fun, you can't continue."
It's really true, and it's only half a year since I started, but I go to the classroom every week because I'm born vitality.
It's fun to be useful to others, so I think it's good for me.

Midorikawa: Mr. Mitsutake, thank you very much for expressing your passion.
It's wonderful that being interested is rewarding, and having fun, for others, and for yourself.

(Photo courtesy of MY Plaza)

I set up an antenna to collect various information, narrowed down what I wanted to do, and found it.
A rewarding volunteer activity. Curiosity, information gathering ability, and the ability to actually take action are important.
And above all, to have fun. The story of the two people who are fulfilling will be very helpful.
First of all, I would like to consult with you at the inhabitant of a ward activity center.
Although it was past, it may be possible to open the way by step inside.
Why don't you go and listen to the story once?

NPO Rainbow Forest Network for Children
・Group's homepage (outside site)
・Group Facebook (outside site)

KANJI Club
・Volunteer recruitment information (outside site) of Tsuzuki MY Plaza, an activity base