NICE (Never-ending International workCamps Exchange)
+ NGO/ NPO to organize workcamps and other voluntary projects
+ Vice-President of CCIVS at UNESCO and President of NVDA
Messages & Policies of NICE to the Eastern Japanese Earthquake
- NICE top
- International Workcamps in Japan&Asia
- project details
NICE-13-03 Kirikiri 1 (Iwate) 01/22-02/04 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-09 Kirikiri 2 (Iwate) 02/05-02/18 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-17 Kirikiri 3 (Iwate) 02/19-03/04 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-25 Kirikiri 4 (Iwate) 03/05-03/18 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-38 Kirikiri 5 (Iwate) 03/19-04/01 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-42 Kirikiri 6 (Iwate) 04/02-04/15 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
Organized since 2011 together with Kirikiri-Koku, a NPO which local people set up after the giant earthquake to stand up again and revive the area. They chopped and reused the rubbles of woods into firewood and sold 5,000 packs x 5 kg of them by 2011 Sep. with vols. Then, they have been working to revive the rich and beautiful forests and sea like 100 years ago since 2011 Oct. NICE has organized several workcamps here with 30 Japanese and international vols. (665 days x vols.) since 2011 Jul.
W: We will mainly help to maintain the forests (collect and carry the woods, etc.) and chop the woods, so be flexible and also ready to do hard and simple work. By removing some overplanted trees, various plants can be grown, that will bring more bacteria, that will be carried to the sea and enrich nutrition!
S: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info.!
A: CV. SB!
L: East coast of Iwate prefecture. Due to rich natural resource of fish, shells, etc., the main industry has been fishing. People have quite independent spirits from a long time ago.
T: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
LA: Excursions, parties, etc.
SR: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required. LMTVs (01/22-04/15) are also recruited.
NICE-13-05 Showa-mura 1 (Fukushima) 01/23-02/06 MANU, ELDE 6 vols. (3 int.)
NICE-13-10 Showa-mura 2 (Fukushima) 02/09-02/23 MANU, ELDE 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with Choma-Club (CC) since 2008. CC is a local NPO to organize a lot of projects for community development and youth-empowerment. Showa-mura is a rural village surrounded by the abundant nature and has been facing serious depopulation problems. The numbers of vacant houses and abandoned farms have been rapidly increasing. So, CC has been trying to restore and animate the community. Show-mura also has one of deepest snow among the Japanese villages.
W: We will remove snow of the elder’s houses in the mountain area. Over 50 percent of the villagers are people aged 65 or older, they do not have enough physical strength that does it. We will work get training and work with the local volunteers.
S: Revival of Fukushima! Community development from the disaster in your country. Please bring info.
A: The abandoned house, it is a historically valuable for volunteers. CV. SB!
L: Small village in the forested area, the population is about 1700. Over 100km far from Fukushima nuclear power plant and the level of radioactivity is 0.20 mSv/h that is far from dangerous!
T: Tokyo (5 hours from Tokyo by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 07:30 on the first day and can leave there after 20:00 on the last day.)
LA: Excursions, exchange parties, etc.
SR: Interest in community development & exchange with a community.
NICE-13-08 Katsuyama 1 (Fukui) 02/01-02/14 MANU, ARTS 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with Obara Eco Project (OEP) and Katsuyama city government since 2009. There were 600 inhabitants in Obara village with 90 houses, but now only 2 elders! OEP was founded by the Foresters cooperative and local people in 2006 and have rehabilitated 7 houses of cultural heritage. Depopulation problem is serious in most of mountain parts in Japan and many fields and forests are abandoned, so we will try to improve the situation by voluntary power! First time to do in winter.
W: We will remove snow of the old houses that will have been renovated by OEP and the local students in August, to prevent them from being destroyed by snow. We may possibly also help to make snow monuments in the Dinosaurs Park in the down town and do some other work for the community.
S: Best practice to revive depopulated areas in each country and their networking. Bring some info.!
A: Renovated house (traditional house!). CV. SBN.
L: About 200 km north east of Osaka. Katsuyama is an agricultural city and famous for dinosaurs discovery and Obara is located at 500 a.s.l. and famous for deep snow (4-5 meters) in winter!
T: Osaka (2 hours by express train). From Tokyo, 3.5 hours by express train/ 8 hours by highway bus (You need to arrive at Narita airport by 21:00 on Jan. 31. and can leave there after 11:00 on Feb. 15.)
LA: Exchange parties, visit to the Dinosaurs Museum, excursion and trekking, etc.
SR: High motivation to work hard and simple life in the isolated area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
Applications for international volunteers should be sent to IIWC!!
NICE&IIWC-13-11 Bali (* Indonesia) 02/10-02/23 ENVI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with IIWC (Indonesia International Work Camp), BGA (Bali Green Association) and AGFN (Asia Green Forest Network) since 2011. In Bali, the forests have been decreasing due to natural disasters and over-cutting for making furniture, wood crafts, etc. State government is conducting the forest recovery project to increase the rate of the forests from 23% to 30%. BGA and AGFN are working in a part of this project and started a workcamp with IIWC and NICE in 2011 Sep. successfully.
W: We will mainly plant trees (digging, transporting earth, planting baby trees, etc.). We may also try to organize World Tanabata Action (global common action to prevent climate change) and/ or Eco Sponge Action (promoting to use acrylic sponges with which you can wash most of dishes without soap).
S: The forest in Indonesia and the world. Bring some info.!
A: Semi permanent camp. CV. SB!
L: Pura Jati Batur Lake in Kintamani county of Bangli prefecture. Isolated area of 900-1,000 meters a.s.l. The water level of the lake that provides the water to the city is getting low years by years.
T: Denpasar (You may need to arrive by noon on Feb. 10 and can leave there after noon on Feb. 23.)
LA: Sports with local kids, swimming, trekking, one night home stay, exchange parties, etc.
SR: To like planting work and simple life. Indonesian speakers are welcome! For more info. and applications, please contact with MCE: stv_iiwcindonesia@yahoo.com
PF: 2,030,000 IDR (about 165 Euro, but may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
Open to any nationalities for the first time! (it was only for Asian before.)
NICE&KNCU-13-13 Van Vieng 1 (* Laos) 02/11-02/24 KIDS, CONS 20 vols. (6 int.)
Organized together with KNCU National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU), AVAN (Asian Volunteer Action Network) and Van Vieng Youth Center (VVYC) since 2009. KNCU and AVAN (network of individuals who has done voluntary service for one year in Japan) work for rural development in Van Vieng by running school bus and English classes, construction of the library and skill training. They run VVYC with local youth. We aim that local youth can have sustainable life by their own responsibilities!
W: We will do construction of new building of the elementary school where we had workcamps since 2009. We will also organize cultural exchange/ environmental education activities (such as World Tanabata Action, Eso Sponge Action, etc.) with the local children/ youth in the school and the youth center.
S: The future plan of international workcamps in Laos and the youth center. Bring some info.!
A: Guest house run by Korean. CV. SBN
L: Agricultural village in Van Vieng district in the north part, surrounded by the river and mountains.
T: Vientaine (You need to arrive by 08:00 on Feb. 11 and can leave there after 18:00 on Feb. 24. You can go to Van Vieng by the public bus that takes 4-5 hours, possibly together with other volunteers!)
LA: Exchange party, excursions, school visit, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! 6 international, 5 each from Japan & Korea and 4 volunteers from Laos.
PF: 300 US$ to be paid on your arrivals
NICE&LGV-13-14 Thalawa 1 (* Sri Lanka) 02/14-02/27 AGRI, DISA 15 vols. (5 int.)
NICE&LGV-13-52 Thalawa 2 (* Sri Lanka) 06/04-06/17 AGRI, DISA 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Lanka Green Volunteers (LGV) since 2012 (first time in this place). LGV is a new NGO founded in 2011 to promote voluntary service, environmental protection and improve rural life. In 2012, LGV was affiliated in NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia). NICE co-organized 3 workcamps and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks. Thalawa is a very rural village where 99% of the population is farmers and there are various types of fruits and fresh water fish.
W: We will work in the farm, spend a time with challenged children and organize cultural exchange events. Be flexible to do anything needed. We may also NVDA’s common actions such as World Tanabata Action to prevent climate change and/ or Eco Sponge Action to protect water environment.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Sri Lanka and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Training Center. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: 17 km from Anuradhapura, the capital city of North Central Province and one of the ancient capitals, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. This area is dry, windy and warm.
T: Colombo (you need to arrive by the end of the first day and can leave there after the midnight of the last day)
LA: Excursion, environmental education, farewell party, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 260 US$ to be paid on your arrivals
NICE/13-19 Kurogi 2 (Fukuoka) 02/21-03/12 ENVI 11 vols. (6 int.)
Organized together with Sanson-Juku (SJ) since 2008 (but first time for the short term with NICE). SJ maintain the forest and rice fields by the exchange programs between cities and the country side. In spite of the town’s natural heritage, depopulation (especially of youth) is a serious problem here similarly to many other parts of the country side in Japan. We aim to help with nature conservation and to activate the area through workcamps.
W: We will work in the forests doing activities such as hiking and cutting bushes in maintenance of the forest by which we can contribute to nature conservation through global voluntary power. We will help the local farmers to recover their agricultural lands which got damaged by the flood on July in 2012.
S: Effective cases of activated depopulated areas in each country. Bring some info..!
A: Building in abandoned school. CV
L: Southern part of the Fukuoka prefecture. The Kurogi town is 135,49 km2. There are so many tee trees and terraced paddy fields.
T: Fukuoka airport (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by 12:00 on Feb. 21st and can leave there after 15:00 on Mar. 12th). From Tokyo to Fukuoka airport, 1.5 hours by airplane.
SR: Interest in nature protection & exchange with a community. Adaptability to enjoy a simple lifestyle!
NICE-13-21 Iwami Ginzan 1 (Shimane) 02/25-03/10 ENVI 7 vols. (3 int.)
Organized with Organization of Green and Water (OGW) since 2007. OGW was established in 1992 to advocate for the importance of the prairie and forest in our ecosystem. Iwami Ginzan, a silver mine, was registered as a World Heritage in 2007. But the recent lack of maintenance of the Satoyama forests causes unwanted spread of bamboo forests which will destroy stone hedges nearby and degrade the scenery. The last workcamp cut bamboo trees and had international events for local people.
W: We will do various kinds of work such as making and finishing some wooden play ground equipments with local kids which materials will be slashed from the local forest. We will also do some maintenance of the bamboo forest around the Iwami Ginzan (cutting trees and converting into chips).
S: Similar kinds of activities of forest care and protection in each country. Bring some info.!
A: Private community center (Yukimiru). CV. SB!
L: About 250 km north west of Osaka. Near the Sea of Japan
T: Osaka (9 hours by midnight bus. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on Feb. 24th and can leave there after 15:00 on Mar. 10th). From Tokyo, 6 hours by Shinkansen or 12 hours by midnight bus.
LA: Visiting the historical sites, exchange party, one night home stay, sports, mingling with the elders at the nursing home, party to celebrate 10th anniversary of international workcamps in this place, etc.
SR: Interested in nature conservation
NICE&COM-13-22 Yangon 1 (* Myanmar) 02/27-03/12 KIDS, SOCI 15 vols. (5 int.)
NICE&COM-13-48 Yangon 2 (* Myanmar) 04/28-05/11 KIDS, SOCI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Charity-Oriented Myanmar (COM) since 2012 (first time in this place). COM is a rural development NGO founded by youth in 2007 by language and computer training, raising awareness on health and HIV/ AIDS, educational support for orphans, etc. COM joined the General Assembly of NVDA in 2012 Feb. NICE successfully co-organized the very first workcamp in Myanmar in 2012 Oct.-Nov. and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks.
W: We will do various work in the orphanage in and run by the Buddhist monastery such as playing with the orphans, join their educational activities, help to clean/ maintain the buildings, etc. We may also NVDA’s environmental common actions such as World Tanabata Action and/ or Eco Sponge Action.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Myanmar and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Monastery or Guest house in the city. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: The biggest city in Myanmar. In the orphanage, about 200 boys from all over the country live together with the monks. Also, local girls in low income families come to the school in the monastery.
T: Yangon (You need to arrive by 19:00 on the first day and can leave after 12:00 on the last day).
LA: Sightseeing in the city, exchange with the youth of COM, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! There are some possibilities to change the place and the project.
PF: 200 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE&LGV-13-23 Mahiyanganaya 1 (* Sri Lanka) 03/03-03/16 ARTS, CONS 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Lanka Green Volunteers (LGV) since 2012 (first time in this place). LGV is a new NGO founded in 2011 to promote voluntary service, environmental protection and improve rural life. In 2012, LGV was affiliated in NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia). NICE co-organized 3 workcamps and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks. The place is home to the Veddh meaning people of the forest and the descendants of the tribes that inhabited for thousands years.
W: We will 1) Draw paintings and on the wall of the temple and do some construction work, 2) Develop the primary school’s garden with the children and 3) Renovate the middle school with the students and the local community. Be flexible to do anything needed.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Sri Lanka and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Government field center. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: 180 km from Colombo, in the South East region of Matale. The area is dry, historic and yet less developed. The main industry is agriculture and livestock farming thanks to Mahaweli River water.
T: Colombo (you need to arrive by the end of Mar. 3rd and can leave there after the midnight of Mar. 16th)
LA: Excursion, environmental education, farewell party, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 265 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE-13-26 Ikata (Ehime) 03/07-03/21 AGRI 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with a local group, Kikuya, since 2008. Kikuya is a Community Group formed by local young people to think of the future of their small village. Ikata town is famous for oranges that are the main industry there. But the town has been facing the depopulation, lack of workers since most of young people leave the town. Number of abandoned orange farms is increasing and the town is losing traditions and customs. They want to work with volunteer to animate the town and revive orange farms.
W: We will be divided 2-3 persons and work with farmers in each orange farm, mainly harvesting and take care of orange trees that is not rely on agrichemical and chemical manure. So, it is good for health and nature. We will also clean up the town and find good site points of this town.
S: Rural development. Bring some info.!
A: Volunteers house in the town. CV. SB!
L: About 350 km northwest of Osaka. Sata Peninsula in Ehime prefecture.
T: Osaka (8 hours by bus and train. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 20:00 on Mar. 6th and can leave there after 12:00 on Mar. 22nd) From Tokyo, 8 hours by bullet train or 14 hours by midnight bus.
SR: Some Japanese language
NICE-13-29 Minami-sanriku 1 (Miyagi) 03/10-03/20 RELI, AGRI 6 vols. (3 int.)
NICE-13-40 Minami-sanriku 2 (Miyagi) 03/21-03/31 RELI, AGRI 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with Fukko Yoriki Wakame Project (FYWP) since 2012. FYWP is a group of 19 local fishermen founded after the giant earthquake. Though fish farming of seaweed, oyster and shells was the main industry with rich sea, it was completely destroyed and many are giving up to do it again. So, this group has stood up to revive their fishing. NICE organized 3 international workcamps mainly to join planting and harvesting seaweed with very nice exchange between fishermen and volunteers!
W: We will help to harvest wakame seaweed that is important and not difficult for vols. Seaweed farming needs work only for planting (Oct.-Nov.) and harvest (Mar.-Apr.). We may also do some other community work such as talking with elderly people of temporary houses and play with kids, so be flexible!
S: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info.!
A: House near the working place sharing with the carpenters. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: The northeastern coast of Miyagi prefecture. The scene of the coats is beautiful and registered as a National Park. One third of people here used to work for fishing, farming and forestry.
T: Tokyo (6 hours by bullet train and bus, or 9 hours by buses. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
LA: Excursions, parties, etc.
SR: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.
NICE/12-31 Rh. Dagan 1 (* Malaysia) 03/12-03/24 ENVI, MANU 15 vols. (7 int.)
Organized together with RH. Dagan Long House since 2008. Iban tribe, the indigenous people in a tropical Sarawak state have been living in a traditional way with the nature. Their traditional way of life became endangered as the local young people started to move to the city looking for jobs. In this workcamp, we will stay at the Rumah.Dagan Long House and learn about the traditional wisdom for them and revitalize the village!!
W: We will maintain the roads, the footpath and the waterway with concrete as there are frequent landslides, share with the local people about how to sort garbage out since the village is quite far away from the city and does not have a proper garbage collecting system.
A: Homestay at the Long House, bathing in the small stream nearby! You will need to help them with some household chores. SBN.
L: 1 hour by car from the nearest town. Iban tribe owns its unique culture like enjoy drinking!! They bathe and wash dishes in the nearby river. Fresh chicken, fish and vegetable are scrumptious.
T: Kuching (you need to arrive by the end of Mar. 12th and can leave there after the midnight of Mar. 24th)
LA: Jungle trekking, learning Iban language, exchange program, visiting local schools, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 400 RM (about 130 US$) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE-13-32 Nabari 2 (Mie) 03/12-03/26 ENVI, ARTS 10 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with "Akame no Mori wo Mamoru kai", a local environmental NPO since 1999. Being located near from both big cities of Osaka and Nagoya, there were some plans of a golf link and disposing industrial garbage and local people have stopped them by "Woods Trust" movement. They formed this group in 1996 to collect donations to buy and protect lands, to own a pension to enjoy nature, to maintain forests, to create a pond for dragonflies, to host national copse meeting, etc.
W: We will do forest work such as maintaining the footpath, cutting bamboo and grasses, burning grasses, etc. Some works involve the use of blades and machineries (we will teach you how to use them). We may work even in rain. Sometimes, we will exchange with elders coming to get day service here.
S: Local participation to protect nature and Greening Asia. Bring some info.!
A: Eco-resort Akameno-mori (Log house). CV. SB!
L: About 60 km east of Osaka. There are famous falls nearby many hikers visit. The climate in this season is quite cold, so don't forget to bring warm clothes.
T: Osaka or Nagoya (1 hour by train from both. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 12:00 on Mar. 12th and can leave there after 17:00 on Mar. 26th)
LA: Symposium on forest preservation and possibly visiting school, hiking, mingling parties, etc.
SR: Motivation letter is needed! Strong motivation for conservation forest work. Physically strength.
NICE/13-34 Asakura (Fukuoka) 03/15-03/26 FEST, ARTS, KIDS 8 vols. (4 int.)
Organized together with “Kodomo-Art” since 2004. Kodomo art, Society of Children's Theater Works and Community Development, was founded in 1972. They have held the international child art festival for several years. They want to activate this area through art and cultural promotion in the future for kids and build the fruitful network of a child and a cultural art organization. We aim to involve local people to promote global understanding, friendship and solidarity through this festival.
W: We will help to prepare the festival, such as site management and decoration. We will promote this festival to local kids through the visiting the kindergarten and the nursery school. We will do the activities for children to spend the festival with a lot of fun.
S: Unique art festival. Bring some info.!
A: Local house. CV. SB!
L: Small town in the mountains, 60 km south of Fukuoka. Good access by highway bus from Fukuoka.
T: Fukuoka (1.5 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by 12:00 on Mar. 15th and can leave there after 15:00 on Mar. 26th). From Osaka, 5 hours by bullet train or 12 hours by midnight bus.
LA: Exchange parties, excursion, etc.
SR: Interest in art and Kids!!
Open to NVDA members only (not for non-members, sorry…)!
NICE&COM-13-35 Loikaw (* Myanmar) 03/15-03/28 AGRI, EDUC 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Charity-Oriented Myanmar (COM) since 2012 (second time in this place). COM is a rural development NGO founded by youth in 2007 by language and computer training, raising awareness on health and HIV/ AIDS, educational support for orphans, etc. COM joined the General Assembly of NVDA in 2012 Feb. In this place, NICE successfully co-organized the very first workcamp in Myanmar in 2012 Oct.-Nov. and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks.
W: We will mainly join farm work such as maintenance of rice fields, organic vegetables, community farms, etc. We may also so some educational activities to the children who cannot go to the schools and NVDA’s environmental common actions such as World Tanabata Action and/ or Eco Sponge Action.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Myanmar and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Church. Be ready to enjoy simple life (incl. bathing in the small stream nearby!). CV. SB!
L: Small village near Loikaw town of Kayah state (Eastern part near Thai border). It takes nearly one day by bus from Yangon. Cooler than Yangon, but March is in a hot season! People are so warm and kind.
T: Yangon (You need to arrive by 19:00 on Mar. 15th and can leave after 12:00 on Mar. 28th).
LA: Excursion, cultural exchange with the youth, etc. Possibly, concert with popular musician as well!?
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! There are some possibilities to change the place and the project. Only Asian vols. from NVDA members.
PF: 240 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE/13-36 Minamata (Kumamoto) 03/16-03/30 ENVI 14 vols. (7 int.)
Organized together with Minamata International Friendship Association (MIFA) since 1992. Though there was a big tragedy of public pollution 40 years ago, it’s completely safe now and Minamata is pioneering to be ecological town by distinguishing garbage into 21 categories, etc. The workcamps have been creating a forest on the reclaimed land to bear new lives as a symbol of revival, with strong wish of the patients as well as doing various community works to activate local communities.
W: We will mainly work for renovation of the bamboo gate in Eco House and making bamboo charcoals. We may also clean the beaches, help to research the living in the wet land, maintain the workcamp forest by transplanting the seedlings, helping local former, run World Tanabata Action, etc.
S: Future plan of Minamata and World Tanabata Action. Bring some info.!
A: Public hall (we will barrow the bathrooms of neighbors that creates nice exchange). CV. SB!
L: South west in Kyushu island. People are cheerful and many of man like to drink sake!! If lucky, you could enjoy parties under cherry flowers!
T: Fukuoka (3 hours by train. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by the end on Mar. 15th and can leave there after the beginning on Mar. 30th). From Osaka, 6 hours by bullet train or 12 hours by midnight bus.
LA: Home stay, exchange parties, elementary school visit, etc.
SR: Interest to protect nature and to exchange with people.
NICE&LGV-13-39 NaNuPa (* Sri Lanka) 03/20-04/02 KIDS, SOCI, ENVI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Lanka Green Volunteers (LGV) since 2012 (first time in this place). LGV is a new NGO founded in 2011 to promote voluntary service, environmental protection and improve rural life. In 2012, LGV was affiliated in NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia). NICE co-organized 3 workcamps and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks. We aim to build friendship with orphanage kids, so they’d feel not along as well as widen recognition about the marginalized community.
W: We will play and doing activities with the kids who has become orphans by inner war (that was finally finished in 2009) as well as renovate the orphanage building and color wash. We may also collect plastic and poly ethylene bags and covers at heritage site. Be flexible to do anything needed.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Sri Lanka and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Training Center. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: Capital city of North Central Province and one of the ancient capitals, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. Climate is warm, windy and humid.
T: Colombo (you need to arrive by the end of Mar. 20th and can leave there after the midnight of Apr. 2nd)
LA: Excursion, environmental education, farewell party, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 265 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
Applications for international volunteers should be sent to MCE!!
NICE&MCE-13-43 Greening Mongolia (* Mongolia) 04/26-05/09 ENVI 16 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with MCE (Mongolian workCamps Exchange) since 2002. Before 1990, the forests were covered with 10% of land, but 7% today, caused by cutting trees without any controls and forest fire. There are increasing activities by some organizations to plant trees but it takes a long time here to grow trees and the current and water level of river has been decreased. So we should also join this movement and summer workcamps of MCE keep watering, so the forests have been grown quite well.
W: We will plant trees in MCE orphanage project site by digging holes, planting trees and watering the plants. May is the best and only season to plant trees in Mongolia. We may also visit the orphanage, World Tanabata Action, plant vegetables in the orphanage farm, etc. depending on the situation.
S: The future plan of international workcamps in Mongolia and Greening Asia. Bring some info.!
A: GER (Mongolian traditional tent) and Youth hostel. Very warm sleeping bag is needed! CV. SB!
L: Buhug river, located 45km far from Ulaanbaatar. The temperature will be about 10-20 C, but be careful sometimes weather will be changed lot. Sunny, sometimes rainy and windy.
T: Ulaanbaatar (MCE will kindly pick volunteers up at the airport! You need to arrive by the end of Apr. 26th and can leave there after noon on May 9th.
LA: Cultural exchange program, excursions, etc.
SR: To like planting work and simple nomadic life. Mongolian speakers are welcome! For more info. and applications, please contact with MCE: mce-mn@magicnet.mn
PF: 320,000 Tugrug (about 200 Euro) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE&COM-13-51 Taunggyi (* Myanmar) 05/14-05/27 MANU, AGRI, ENVI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Charity-Oriented Myanmar (COM) since 2012 (first time in this place). COM is a rural development NGO founded by youth in 2007 by language and computer training, raising awareness on health and HIV/ AIDS, educational support for orphans, etc. COM joined the General Assembly of NVDA in 2012 Feb. NICE successfully co-organized the very first workcamp in Myanmar in 2012 Oct.-Nov. and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks.
W: We may work for environmental protection, farming, etc. in the farm, organize cultural exchange events, etc. Be flexible to do anything needed. We may also NVDA’s common actions such as World Tanabata Action to prevent climate change and/ or Eco Sponge Action to protect water environment.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Myanmar and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: To be fixed. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: One of major cities in Myanmar and it takes nearly one day by bus from Yangon. May is in the end of very hot season! COM has been organizing training programs in this place for years.
T: Yangon (You need to arrive by 19:00 on May 14th and can leave after 12:00 on May 27th).
LA: Excursion, cultural exchange with the youth, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! There are some possibilities to change the place and the project.
PF: 240 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE-13-53 Maki 1 (Nagano) 06/19-06/30 AGRI, MANU 8 vols. (4 int.)
Organized together with Maki Farm of Kyodo Gakusha (KG) since 2000. KG is a NPO running 5 organic farming communities in Japan where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, those who want to learn farming, etc. in order to change our society from competitive to cooperative. Maki Farm has 5-10 members and is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains), so once it became an abandon village in 1970s.
W: We will help their organic farming (weeding in rice and vegetable fields, planting vegetables, taking care of goats and chicken) and also carry the things from the town, renovate the trails, help their house work, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (05:30-18:00 with some brakes) and hard.
S: Similar type of communities in each country and their networking. Bring some info.!
A: Building for volunteers in the farm. CV. SB!
L: Very isolated, but beautiful place near “Japanese Northern Alps”. About 900 meters asl. There are something remained here that most of Japanese areas have lost in modernization.
T: Tokyo (4 hours by express train or 6-8 hours by bus and train. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 04:00 on Jun. 6th and can leave there after 24:00 on Jun. 30th.)
LA: Visit to the elementary school, foot ball and baseball (optional), exchange party, etc.
SR: Good Japanese language is not necessary, but still welcomed. You need to be physically strong and flexible to respect the way of the local host. Motivation letter is needed!
NICE-13-09 Kirikiri 2 (Iwate) 02/05-02/18 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-17 Kirikiri 3 (Iwate) 02/19-03/04 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-25 Kirikiri 4 (Iwate) 03/05-03/18 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-38 Kirikiri 5 (Iwate) 03/19-04/01 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
NICE-13-42 Kirikiri 6 (Iwate) 04/02-04/15 RELI, ENVI 4 vols. (2 int.)
Organized since 2011 together with Kirikiri-Koku, a NPO which local people set up after the giant earthquake to stand up again and revive the area. They chopped and reused the rubbles of woods into firewood and sold 5,000 packs x 5 kg of them by 2011 Sep. with vols. Then, they have been working to revive the rich and beautiful forests and sea like 100 years ago since 2011 Oct. NICE has organized several workcamps here with 30 Japanese and international vols. (665 days x vols.) since 2011 Jul.
W: We will mainly help to maintain the forests (collect and carry the woods, etc.) and chop the woods, so be flexible and also ready to do hard and simple work. By removing some overplanted trees, various plants can be grown, that will bring more bacteria, that will be carried to the sea and enrich nutrition!
S: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info.!
A: CV. SB!
L: East coast of Iwate prefecture. Due to rich natural resource of fish, shells, etc., the main industry has been fishing. People have quite independent spirits from a long time ago.
T: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
LA: Excursions, parties, etc.
SR: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required. LMTVs (01/22-04/15) are also recruited.
NICE-13-05 Showa-mura 1 (Fukushima) 01/23-02/06 MANU, ELDE 6 vols. (3 int.)
NICE-13-10 Showa-mura 2 (Fukushima) 02/09-02/23 MANU, ELDE 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with Choma-Club (CC) since 2008. CC is a local NPO to organize a lot of projects for community development and youth-empowerment. Showa-mura is a rural village surrounded by the abundant nature and has been facing serious depopulation problems. The numbers of vacant houses and abandoned farms have been rapidly increasing. So, CC has been trying to restore and animate the community. Show-mura also has one of deepest snow among the Japanese villages.
W: We will remove snow of the elder’s houses in the mountain area. Over 50 percent of the villagers are people aged 65 or older, they do not have enough physical strength that does it. We will work get training and work with the local volunteers.
S: Revival of Fukushima! Community development from the disaster in your country. Please bring info.
A: The abandoned house, it is a historically valuable for volunteers. CV. SB!
L: Small village in the forested area, the population is about 1700. Over 100km far from Fukushima nuclear power plant and the level of radioactivity is 0.20 mSv/h that is far from dangerous!
T: Tokyo (5 hours from Tokyo by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 07:30 on the first day and can leave there after 20:00 on the last day.)
LA: Excursions, exchange parties, etc.
SR: Interest in community development & exchange with a community.
NICE-13-08 Katsuyama 1 (Fukui) 02/01-02/14 MANU, ARTS 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with Obara Eco Project (OEP) and Katsuyama city government since 2009. There were 600 inhabitants in Obara village with 90 houses, but now only 2 elders! OEP was founded by the Foresters cooperative and local people in 2006 and have rehabilitated 7 houses of cultural heritage. Depopulation problem is serious in most of mountain parts in Japan and many fields and forests are abandoned, so we will try to improve the situation by voluntary power! First time to do in winter.
W: We will remove snow of the old houses that will have been renovated by OEP and the local students in August, to prevent them from being destroyed by snow. We may possibly also help to make snow monuments in the Dinosaurs Park in the down town and do some other work for the community.
S: Best practice to revive depopulated areas in each country and their networking. Bring some info.!
A: Renovated house (traditional house!). CV. SBN.
L: About 200 km north east of Osaka. Katsuyama is an agricultural city and famous for dinosaurs discovery and Obara is located at 500 a.s.l. and famous for deep snow (4-5 meters) in winter!
T: Osaka (2 hours by express train). From Tokyo, 3.5 hours by express train/ 8 hours by highway bus (You need to arrive at Narita airport by 21:00 on Jan. 31. and can leave there after 11:00 on Feb. 15.)
LA: Exchange parties, visit to the Dinosaurs Museum, excursion and trekking, etc.
SR: High motivation to work hard and simple life in the isolated area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
Applications for international volunteers should be sent to IIWC!!
NICE&IIWC-13-11 Bali (* Indonesia) 02/10-02/23 ENVI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with IIWC (Indonesia International Work Camp), BGA (Bali Green Association) and AGFN (Asia Green Forest Network) since 2011. In Bali, the forests have been decreasing due to natural disasters and over-cutting for making furniture, wood crafts, etc. State government is conducting the forest recovery project to increase the rate of the forests from 23% to 30%. BGA and AGFN are working in a part of this project and started a workcamp with IIWC and NICE in 2011 Sep. successfully.
W: We will mainly plant trees (digging, transporting earth, planting baby trees, etc.). We may also try to organize World Tanabata Action (global common action to prevent climate change) and/ or Eco Sponge Action (promoting to use acrylic sponges with which you can wash most of dishes without soap).
S: The forest in Indonesia and the world. Bring some info.!
A: Semi permanent camp. CV. SB!
L: Pura Jati Batur Lake in Kintamani county of Bangli prefecture. Isolated area of 900-1,000 meters a.s.l. The water level of the lake that provides the water to the city is getting low years by years.
T: Denpasar (You may need to arrive by noon on Feb. 10 and can leave there after noon on Feb. 23.)
LA: Sports with local kids, swimming, trekking, one night home stay, exchange parties, etc.
SR: To like planting work and simple life. Indonesian speakers are welcome! For more info. and applications, please contact with MCE: stv_iiwcindonesia@yahoo.com
PF: 2,030,000 IDR (about 165 Euro, but may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
Open to any nationalities for the first time! (it was only for Asian before.)
NICE&KNCU-13-13 Van Vieng 1 (* Laos) 02/11-02/24 KIDS, CONS 20 vols. (6 int.)
Organized together with KNCU National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU), AVAN (Asian Volunteer Action Network) and Van Vieng Youth Center (VVYC) since 2009. KNCU and AVAN (network of individuals who has done voluntary service for one year in Japan) work for rural development in Van Vieng by running school bus and English classes, construction of the library and skill training. They run VVYC with local youth. We aim that local youth can have sustainable life by their own responsibilities!
W: We will do construction of new building of the elementary school where we had workcamps since 2009. We will also organize cultural exchange/ environmental education activities (such as World Tanabata Action, Eso Sponge Action, etc.) with the local children/ youth in the school and the youth center.
S: The future plan of international workcamps in Laos and the youth center. Bring some info.!
A: Guest house run by Korean. CV. SBN
L: Agricultural village in Van Vieng district in the north part, surrounded by the river and mountains.
T: Vientaine (You need to arrive by 08:00 on Feb. 11 and can leave there after 18:00 on Feb. 24. You can go to Van Vieng by the public bus that takes 4-5 hours, possibly together with other volunteers!)
LA: Exchange party, excursions, school visit, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! 6 international, 5 each from Japan & Korea and 4 volunteers from Laos.
PF: 300 US$ to be paid on your arrivals
NICE&LGV-13-14 Thalawa 1 (* Sri Lanka) 02/14-02/27 AGRI, DISA 15 vols. (5 int.)
NICE&LGV-13-52 Thalawa 2 (* Sri Lanka) 06/04-06/17 AGRI, DISA 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Lanka Green Volunteers (LGV) since 2012 (first time in this place). LGV is a new NGO founded in 2011 to promote voluntary service, environmental protection and improve rural life. In 2012, LGV was affiliated in NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia). NICE co-organized 3 workcamps and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks. Thalawa is a very rural village where 99% of the population is farmers and there are various types of fruits and fresh water fish.
W: We will work in the farm, spend a time with challenged children and organize cultural exchange events. Be flexible to do anything needed. We may also NVDA’s common actions such as World Tanabata Action to prevent climate change and/ or Eco Sponge Action to protect water environment.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Sri Lanka and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Training Center. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: 17 km from Anuradhapura, the capital city of North Central Province and one of the ancient capitals, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. This area is dry, windy and warm.
T: Colombo (you need to arrive by the end of the first day and can leave there after the midnight of the last day)
LA: Excursion, environmental education, farewell party, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 260 US$ to be paid on your arrivals
NICE/13-19 Kurogi 2 (Fukuoka) 02/21-03/12 ENVI 11 vols. (6 int.)
Organized together with Sanson-Juku (SJ) since 2008 (but first time for the short term with NICE). SJ maintain the forest and rice fields by the exchange programs between cities and the country side. In spite of the town’s natural heritage, depopulation (especially of youth) is a serious problem here similarly to many other parts of the country side in Japan. We aim to help with nature conservation and to activate the area through workcamps.
W: We will work in the forests doing activities such as hiking and cutting bushes in maintenance of the forest by which we can contribute to nature conservation through global voluntary power. We will help the local farmers to recover their agricultural lands which got damaged by the flood on July in 2012.
S: Effective cases of activated depopulated areas in each country. Bring some info..!
A: Building in abandoned school. CV
L: Southern part of the Fukuoka prefecture. The Kurogi town is 135,49 km2. There are so many tee trees and terraced paddy fields.
T: Fukuoka airport (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by 12:00 on Feb. 21st and can leave there after 15:00 on Mar. 12th). From Tokyo to Fukuoka airport, 1.5 hours by airplane.
SR: Interest in nature protection & exchange with a community. Adaptability to enjoy a simple lifestyle!
NICE-13-21 Iwami Ginzan 1 (Shimane) 02/25-03/10 ENVI 7 vols. (3 int.)
Organized with Organization of Green and Water (OGW) since 2007. OGW was established in 1992 to advocate for the importance of the prairie and forest in our ecosystem. Iwami Ginzan, a silver mine, was registered as a World Heritage in 2007. But the recent lack of maintenance of the Satoyama forests causes unwanted spread of bamboo forests which will destroy stone hedges nearby and degrade the scenery. The last workcamp cut bamboo trees and had international events for local people.
W: We will do various kinds of work such as making and finishing some wooden play ground equipments with local kids which materials will be slashed from the local forest. We will also do some maintenance of the bamboo forest around the Iwami Ginzan (cutting trees and converting into chips).
S: Similar kinds of activities of forest care and protection in each country. Bring some info.!
A: Private community center (Yukimiru). CV. SB!
L: About 250 km north west of Osaka. Near the Sea of Japan
T: Osaka (9 hours by midnight bus. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on Feb. 24th and can leave there after 15:00 on Mar. 10th). From Tokyo, 6 hours by Shinkansen or 12 hours by midnight bus.
LA: Visiting the historical sites, exchange party, one night home stay, sports, mingling with the elders at the nursing home, party to celebrate 10th anniversary of international workcamps in this place, etc.
SR: Interested in nature conservation
NICE&COM-13-22 Yangon 1 (* Myanmar) 02/27-03/12 KIDS, SOCI 15 vols. (5 int.)
NICE&COM-13-48 Yangon 2 (* Myanmar) 04/28-05/11 KIDS, SOCI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Charity-Oriented Myanmar (COM) since 2012 (first time in this place). COM is a rural development NGO founded by youth in 2007 by language and computer training, raising awareness on health and HIV/ AIDS, educational support for orphans, etc. COM joined the General Assembly of NVDA in 2012 Feb. NICE successfully co-organized the very first workcamp in Myanmar in 2012 Oct.-Nov. and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks.
W: We will do various work in the orphanage in and run by the Buddhist monastery such as playing with the orphans, join their educational activities, help to clean/ maintain the buildings, etc. We may also NVDA’s environmental common actions such as World Tanabata Action and/ or Eco Sponge Action.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Myanmar and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Monastery or Guest house in the city. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: The biggest city in Myanmar. In the orphanage, about 200 boys from all over the country live together with the monks. Also, local girls in low income families come to the school in the monastery.
T: Yangon (You need to arrive by 19:00 on the first day and can leave after 12:00 on the last day).
LA: Sightseeing in the city, exchange with the youth of COM, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! There are some possibilities to change the place and the project.
PF: 200 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE&LGV-13-23 Mahiyanganaya 1 (* Sri Lanka) 03/03-03/16 ARTS, CONS 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Lanka Green Volunteers (LGV) since 2012 (first time in this place). LGV is a new NGO founded in 2011 to promote voluntary service, environmental protection and improve rural life. In 2012, LGV was affiliated in NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia). NICE co-organized 3 workcamps and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks. The place is home to the Veddh meaning people of the forest and the descendants of the tribes that inhabited for thousands years.
W: We will 1) Draw paintings and on the wall of the temple and do some construction work, 2) Develop the primary school’s garden with the children and 3) Renovate the middle school with the students and the local community. Be flexible to do anything needed.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Sri Lanka and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Government field center. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: 180 km from Colombo, in the South East region of Matale. The area is dry, historic and yet less developed. The main industry is agriculture and livestock farming thanks to Mahaweli River water.
T: Colombo (you need to arrive by the end of Mar. 3rd and can leave there after the midnight of Mar. 16th)
LA: Excursion, environmental education, farewell party, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 265 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE-13-26 Ikata (Ehime) 03/07-03/21 AGRI 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with a local group, Kikuya, since 2008. Kikuya is a Community Group formed by local young people to think of the future of their small village. Ikata town is famous for oranges that are the main industry there. But the town has been facing the depopulation, lack of workers since most of young people leave the town. Number of abandoned orange farms is increasing and the town is losing traditions and customs. They want to work with volunteer to animate the town and revive orange farms.
W: We will be divided 2-3 persons and work with farmers in each orange farm, mainly harvesting and take care of orange trees that is not rely on agrichemical and chemical manure. So, it is good for health and nature. We will also clean up the town and find good site points of this town.
S: Rural development. Bring some info.!
A: Volunteers house in the town. CV. SB!
L: About 350 km northwest of Osaka. Sata Peninsula in Ehime prefecture.
T: Osaka (8 hours by bus and train. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 20:00 on Mar. 6th and can leave there after 12:00 on Mar. 22nd) From Tokyo, 8 hours by bullet train or 14 hours by midnight bus.
SR: Some Japanese language
NICE-13-29 Minami-sanriku 1 (Miyagi) 03/10-03/20 RELI, AGRI 6 vols. (3 int.)
NICE-13-40 Minami-sanriku 2 (Miyagi) 03/21-03/31 RELI, AGRI 6 vols. (3 int.)
Organized together with Fukko Yoriki Wakame Project (FYWP) since 2012. FYWP is a group of 19 local fishermen founded after the giant earthquake. Though fish farming of seaweed, oyster and shells was the main industry with rich sea, it was completely destroyed and many are giving up to do it again. So, this group has stood up to revive their fishing. NICE organized 3 international workcamps mainly to join planting and harvesting seaweed with very nice exchange between fishermen and volunteers!
W: We will help to harvest wakame seaweed that is important and not difficult for vols. Seaweed farming needs work only for planting (Oct.-Nov.) and harvest (Mar.-Apr.). We may also do some other community work such as talking with elderly people of temporary houses and play with kids, so be flexible!
S: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info.!
A: House near the working place sharing with the carpenters. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: The northeastern coast of Miyagi prefecture. The scene of the coats is beautiful and registered as a National Park. One third of people here used to work for fishing, farming and forestry.
T: Tokyo (6 hours by bullet train and bus, or 9 hours by buses. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
LA: Excursions, parties, etc.
SR: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.
NICE/12-31 Rh. Dagan 1 (* Malaysia) 03/12-03/24 ENVI, MANU 15 vols. (7 int.)
Organized together with RH. Dagan Long House since 2008. Iban tribe, the indigenous people in a tropical Sarawak state have been living in a traditional way with the nature. Their traditional way of life became endangered as the local young people started to move to the city looking for jobs. In this workcamp, we will stay at the Rumah.Dagan Long House and learn about the traditional wisdom for them and revitalize the village!!
W: We will maintain the roads, the footpath and the waterway with concrete as there are frequent landslides, share with the local people about how to sort garbage out since the village is quite far away from the city and does not have a proper garbage collecting system.
A: Homestay at the Long House, bathing in the small stream nearby! You will need to help them with some household chores. SBN.
L: 1 hour by car from the nearest town. Iban tribe owns its unique culture like enjoy drinking!! They bathe and wash dishes in the nearby river. Fresh chicken, fish and vegetable are scrumptious.
T: Kuching (you need to arrive by the end of Mar. 12th and can leave there after the midnight of Mar. 24th)
LA: Jungle trekking, learning Iban language, exchange program, visiting local schools, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 400 RM (about 130 US$) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE-13-32 Nabari 2 (Mie) 03/12-03/26 ENVI, ARTS 10 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with "Akame no Mori wo Mamoru kai", a local environmental NPO since 1999. Being located near from both big cities of Osaka and Nagoya, there were some plans of a golf link and disposing industrial garbage and local people have stopped them by "Woods Trust" movement. They formed this group in 1996 to collect donations to buy and protect lands, to own a pension to enjoy nature, to maintain forests, to create a pond for dragonflies, to host national copse meeting, etc.
W: We will do forest work such as maintaining the footpath, cutting bamboo and grasses, burning grasses, etc. Some works involve the use of blades and machineries (we will teach you how to use them). We may work even in rain. Sometimes, we will exchange with elders coming to get day service here.
S: Local participation to protect nature and Greening Asia. Bring some info.!
A: Eco-resort Akameno-mori (Log house). CV. SB!
L: About 60 km east of Osaka. There are famous falls nearby many hikers visit. The climate in this season is quite cold, so don't forget to bring warm clothes.
T: Osaka or Nagoya (1 hour by train from both. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 12:00 on Mar. 12th and can leave there after 17:00 on Mar. 26th)
LA: Symposium on forest preservation and possibly visiting school, hiking, mingling parties, etc.
SR: Motivation letter is needed! Strong motivation for conservation forest work. Physically strength.
NICE/13-34 Asakura (Fukuoka) 03/15-03/26 FEST, ARTS, KIDS 8 vols. (4 int.)
Organized together with “Kodomo-Art” since 2004. Kodomo art, Society of Children's Theater Works and Community Development, was founded in 1972. They have held the international child art festival for several years. They want to activate this area through art and cultural promotion in the future for kids and build the fruitful network of a child and a cultural art organization. We aim to involve local people to promote global understanding, friendship and solidarity through this festival.
W: We will help to prepare the festival, such as site management and decoration. We will promote this festival to local kids through the visiting the kindergarten and the nursery school. We will do the activities for children to spend the festival with a lot of fun.
S: Unique art festival. Bring some info.!
A: Local house. CV. SB!
L: Small town in the mountains, 60 km south of Fukuoka. Good access by highway bus from Fukuoka.
T: Fukuoka (1.5 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by 12:00 on Mar. 15th and can leave there after 15:00 on Mar. 26th). From Osaka, 5 hours by bullet train or 12 hours by midnight bus.
LA: Exchange parties, excursion, etc.
SR: Interest in art and Kids!!
Open to NVDA members only (not for non-members, sorry…)!
NICE&COM-13-35 Loikaw (* Myanmar) 03/15-03/28 AGRI, EDUC 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Charity-Oriented Myanmar (COM) since 2012 (second time in this place). COM is a rural development NGO founded by youth in 2007 by language and computer training, raising awareness on health and HIV/ AIDS, educational support for orphans, etc. COM joined the General Assembly of NVDA in 2012 Feb. In this place, NICE successfully co-organized the very first workcamp in Myanmar in 2012 Oct.-Nov. and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks.
W: We will mainly join farm work such as maintenance of rice fields, organic vegetables, community farms, etc. We may also so some educational activities to the children who cannot go to the schools and NVDA’s environmental common actions such as World Tanabata Action and/ or Eco Sponge Action.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Myanmar and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Church. Be ready to enjoy simple life (incl. bathing in the small stream nearby!). CV. SB!
L: Small village near Loikaw town of Kayah state (Eastern part near Thai border). It takes nearly one day by bus from Yangon. Cooler than Yangon, but March is in a hot season! People are so warm and kind.
T: Yangon (You need to arrive by 19:00 on Mar. 15th and can leave after 12:00 on Mar. 28th).
LA: Excursion, cultural exchange with the youth, etc. Possibly, concert with popular musician as well!?
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! There are some possibilities to change the place and the project. Only Asian vols. from NVDA members.
PF: 240 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE/13-36 Minamata (Kumamoto) 03/16-03/30 ENVI 14 vols. (7 int.)
Organized together with Minamata International Friendship Association (MIFA) since 1992. Though there was a big tragedy of public pollution 40 years ago, it’s completely safe now and Minamata is pioneering to be ecological town by distinguishing garbage into 21 categories, etc. The workcamps have been creating a forest on the reclaimed land to bear new lives as a symbol of revival, with strong wish of the patients as well as doing various community works to activate local communities.
W: We will mainly work for renovation of the bamboo gate in Eco House and making bamboo charcoals. We may also clean the beaches, help to research the living in the wet land, maintain the workcamp forest by transplanting the seedlings, helping local former, run World Tanabata Action, etc.
S: Future plan of Minamata and World Tanabata Action. Bring some info.!
A: Public hall (we will barrow the bathrooms of neighbors that creates nice exchange). CV. SB!
L: South west in Kyushu island. People are cheerful and many of man like to drink sake!! If lucky, you could enjoy parties under cherry flowers!
T: Fukuoka (3 hours by train. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by the end on Mar. 15th and can leave there after the beginning on Mar. 30th). From Osaka, 6 hours by bullet train or 12 hours by midnight bus.
LA: Home stay, exchange parties, elementary school visit, etc.
SR: Interest to protect nature and to exchange with people.
NICE&LGV-13-39 NaNuPa (* Sri Lanka) 03/20-04/02 KIDS, SOCI, ENVI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Lanka Green Volunteers (LGV) since 2012 (first time in this place). LGV is a new NGO founded in 2011 to promote voluntary service, environmental protection and improve rural life. In 2012, LGV was affiliated in NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia). NICE co-organized 3 workcamps and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks. We aim to build friendship with orphanage kids, so they’d feel not along as well as widen recognition about the marginalized community.
W: We will play and doing activities with the kids who has become orphans by inner war (that was finally finished in 2009) as well as renovate the orphanage building and color wash. We may also collect plastic and poly ethylene bags and covers at heritage site. Be flexible to do anything needed.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Sri Lanka and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: Training Center. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: Capital city of North Central Province and one of the ancient capitals, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. Climate is warm, windy and humid.
T: Colombo (you need to arrive by the end of Mar. 20th and can leave there after the midnight of Apr. 2nd)
LA: Excursion, environmental education, farewell party, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization!
PF: 265 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
Applications for international volunteers should be sent to MCE!!
NICE&MCE-13-43 Greening Mongolia (* Mongolia) 04/26-05/09 ENVI 16 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with MCE (Mongolian workCamps Exchange) since 2002. Before 1990, the forests were covered with 10% of land, but 7% today, caused by cutting trees without any controls and forest fire. There are increasing activities by some organizations to plant trees but it takes a long time here to grow trees and the current and water level of river has been decreased. So we should also join this movement and summer workcamps of MCE keep watering, so the forests have been grown quite well.
W: We will plant trees in MCE orphanage project site by digging holes, planting trees and watering the plants. May is the best and only season to plant trees in Mongolia. We may also visit the orphanage, World Tanabata Action, plant vegetables in the orphanage farm, etc. depending on the situation.
S: The future plan of international workcamps in Mongolia and Greening Asia. Bring some info.!
A: GER (Mongolian traditional tent) and Youth hostel. Very warm sleeping bag is needed! CV. SB!
L: Buhug river, located 45km far from Ulaanbaatar. The temperature will be about 10-20 C, but be careful sometimes weather will be changed lot. Sunny, sometimes rainy and windy.
T: Ulaanbaatar (MCE will kindly pick volunteers up at the airport! You need to arrive by the end of Apr. 26th and can leave there after noon on May 9th.
LA: Cultural exchange program, excursions, etc.
SR: To like planting work and simple nomadic life. Mongolian speakers are welcome! For more info. and applications, please contact with MCE: mce-mn@magicnet.mn
PF: 320,000 Tugrug (about 200 Euro) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE&COM-13-51 Taunggyi (* Myanmar) 05/14-05/27 MANU, AGRI, ENVI 15 vols. (5 int.)
Organized together with Charity-Oriented Myanmar (COM) since 2012 (first time in this place). COM is a rural development NGO founded by youth in 2007 by language and computer training, raising awareness on health and HIV/ AIDS, educational support for orphans, etc. COM joined the General Assembly of NVDA in 2012 Feb. NICE successfully co-organized the very first workcamp in Myanmar in 2012 Oct.-Nov. and continue till 2013 to share know-how and networks.
W: We may work for environmental protection, farming, etc. in the farm, organize cultural exchange events, etc. Be flexible to do anything needed. We may also NVDA’s common actions such as World Tanabata Action to prevent climate change and/ or Eco Sponge Action to protect water environment.
S: Future plan of workcamps in Myanmar and global cooperation for it. Bring some info.!
A: To be fixed. Be ready to enjoy simple life. CV. SB!
L: One of major cities in Myanmar and it takes nearly one day by bus from Yangon. May is in the end of very hot season! COM has been organizing training programs in this place for years.
T: Yangon (You need to arrive by 19:00 on May 14th and can leave after 12:00 on May 27th).
LA: Excursion, cultural exchange with the youth, etc.
SR: High motivation to work and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! There are some possibilities to change the place and the project.
PF: 240 US$ (may be changed) to be paid on your arrivals
NICE-13-53 Maki 1 (Nagano) 06/19-06/30 AGRI, MANU 8 vols. (4 int.)
Organized together with Maki Farm of Kyodo Gakusha (KG) since 2000. KG is a NPO running 5 organic farming communities in Japan where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, those who want to learn farming, etc. in order to change our society from competitive to cooperative. Maki Farm has 5-10 members and is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains), so once it became an abandon village in 1970s.
W: We will help their organic farming (weeding in rice and vegetable fields, planting vegetables, taking care of goats and chicken) and also carry the things from the town, renovate the trails, help their house work, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (05:30-18:00 with some brakes) and hard.
S: Similar type of communities in each country and their networking. Bring some info.!
A: Building for volunteers in the farm. CV. SB!
L: Very isolated, but beautiful place near “Japanese Northern Alps”. About 900 meters asl. There are something remained here that most of Japanese areas have lost in modernization.
T: Tokyo (4 hours by express train or 6-8 hours by bus and train. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 04:00 on Jun. 6th and can leave there after 24:00 on Jun. 30th.)
LA: Visit to the elementary school, foot ball and baseball (optional), exchange party, etc.
SR: Good Japanese language is not necessary, but still welcomed. You need to be physically strong and flexible to respect the way of the local host. Motivation letter is needed!
- 2024/03/15 NICEが加盟し、代表を務めているNVDA（アジア・ボランティア発展ネットワーク）の会報Vol.16が届きましたので、シェア致します！ NICE News
- 2023/12/10 We are happy to share the newsletter of NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia) where NICE is actively working as a President (for the third time since 2020)! NICE News
- 2023/12/05 NICE's projects info. starting 2024 Jan.-Jun. has been completed! Colorful, attractive programs in Japan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Laos are waiting for you! NICE News