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Issue 49 |
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Voluntary Leave (By Susan Laughlin) If you are looking for an alternative way to experience a culture, why not try volunteering? Useful Books Sidebar My husband and I decided last year that we'd like to volunteer after leaving Japan, and before returning to the United States. We bought some books and narrowed down our possibilities to about thirty different organizations located from Turkey to India to Guatemala, and many places in between. We sent postcards to each organization requesting details about specific programs that would be in operation during the spring of 1997. Unfortunately, we received information from only one third of the organizations we contacted. Perhaps this was due to our overseas address or to the bare-boned operation of some organizations. While initially we were disappointed to have such poor return, this helped in narrowing our choices. Another concern of ours was cost. Some groups operate "feel-good" vacations that offer programs that are lighter on the service and heavier on participants' comfort. We eliminated some organizations due solely to the prohibitive costs required to volunteer. Ultimately, we applied and were accepted to a group called Little Children of the World, LCW. This is a nonprofit interdenominational Christian group that is dedicated to helping homeless children in the Philippines. Although the group identifies itself with Christianity, the door is open to volunteers of any religious affiliation.The Philippines based group is called Little Children of the Philippines, LCP. We will likely be working in various capacities including teaching English, providing preventative health care in community clinics, housebuilding and developing an afternoon sports program. LCP was appealing to us for various reasons. Participation time is flexible. There isn't a set period of time in which to volunteer. People are welcome whenever they can come, and for the amount of time that fits their schedule. LCP is located in the city of Dumaguete on Negros Island, about 400km southeast of Manila. LCP also provides a dormitory-style room in a house where volunteers reside. Volunteers are responsible for providing their own food, at the average cost of $120 U.S. a month. Volunteers pay for their own transportation to and from the Philippines. Most importantly, it appears from the basic mailings we've received that LCP doesn't waste resources on flashy brochures. Rather they seem to focus on the needs of homeless children. Their address is: Little Children of the Philippines Claytown, Daro Dumaguete City, Philippines 6200 Last month, the Japan Jaycees donated 108 boxes of children's clothing to LCP! So, at the present time, LCP doesn't need clothing donations. However, it would be a good idea to hold onto this address so that the next time you do spring cleaning, you know where you can send lightweight shoes and clothing. If you are willing to absorb the cost of postage, sewing machines are needed for skilled laborers. Needless to say, there are a bevy of organizations and ways in which you can volunteer. Another organization with a local contact is called Bangladesh to te o tsunagu kai, or Shaking Hands with the Bangladeshis. This organization was the brainchild of two Japanese people and Rahman Mokhlesur, a Bangladeshi who lives with his family in Fukuoka. The activities of this group are focused in Mr. Mokhlesur's home village, Karamdi, Bangladesh. Karamdi is located about seven hours west of Dhaka; only five kilometers from the Indian border. The biggest accomplishments of Shaking Hands with the Bangladeshis have been to build a school and a hospital in Karamdi. These buildings were built with the help of local villagers who donated land and building supplies such as sand, brick and cement, as well as manpower to get the job done. Every year, Mr. Mokhlesur leads a group of volunteers to Karamdi for a two week stay, beginning in late July. Karamdi's people would benefit most from money donations or volunteers. Money donations would be used to buy building materials or specialty services. Medical professionals and teachers are especially needed at this time. If you would like to volunteer with Shaking Hands with the Bangladeshis, please contact Mr. Mokhlesur at: (092) 632-3382 Shaking Hands with the Bangladeshis holds a monthly meeting on the third Thursday of every month at their office in Nishijin. The address is: 5-4-20 Nishijin Sawara-ku Fukuoka 814 Tel. (092) 822-5795. This number is helpful only at the time of the meeting, as there aren't any full-time office workers. If you see a volunteer position in your future, allow yourself plenty of time to make your decision and take advantage of the many resources available. Whether you're voluntarily or involuntarily leaving Japan, volunteering may be the way to go. . Issue 49 |
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