Let's support mandarin farming in edge of peninsula!

International Workcamp  Erabu1(Kagoshima) 3/1~3/14

Work camp information
Code NICE-21-0301A
Project name Erabu 1
Location Kagoshima,Japan
Periond 3/1~3/14
Type Agriculture
Volunteers 8 menbers (Who live in Japan now.)
Background This project is actively working for SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized with a group of farmers since 1995. The project has been held mostly in March, but stopped in 2011-17 due to the local circumstances and revived in 2018. Since the workcamps have been successful, they have decided to continue. The project started by the links with the President of NICE who had a farm stay here in his student days. The island has rich, beautiful sub tropical nature with corral leaf on the beach without being polluted by the tourism. As the location is isolated and very far from the cities, they can hardly get the paid workers to help their farm work, so vols. help it to protect their industry and life! *Outcome of this workcamp: In 2020, 6 vols. greatly contributed! Without them, the farmers could not manage to ship the flowers in time for the mid. spring day that makes huge difference to their life! They told to the vols. "please come back here!". Please see the long-term goal of this project as Local SDGs at (only in Japanese, but you can enjoy the pictures!); https://www.nice1.gr.jp//files/user/top_photo/Local-SDGs-Erabu-2020.pdf
Work The volunteers will be spilt into 3 farms (without change in the whole period) and mainly help to harvest the flowers and other work such as selection and rapping of flowers. Working hours will be 08:30-18:00 (sometimes, even longer) with some tea and lunch breaks. There will be pocket money to be used for meals (besides the lunch on the working days) and a part of the travel cost to the island.
Location Okino erabu island. It originally belonged to Ryukyu kingdom of Okinawa islands which deeply effects the culture. It had been once occupied by the USA after the World War II, but returned back to Japan in 1953.
The nearest international airport is Naha. The ferry runs every day (Naha 07:00 - Wadomari 14:10, Wadomari 12:00 - Naha 19:00. 4,340 JPY for one way). Vols. need to arrive at Naha by the end of Feb. 28 and can leave there after the beginning of Mar. 15.
Accommodation [Pension with a view of the sea] It's a nice building with cooking utensils and bedding! Take turns cooking for yourself.
Map
Recruitment information

▼ Recruitment information

Voices of planners and participants I sometimes worked overtime at night, but when I saw my father and mother working, I was able to do my best. You can also take a break by drinking the specialty brown sugar shochu and talking. I definitely want to come again! (Past participants)
Through my skin experience, I learned that the flowers and vegetables that I usually buy casually are brought to the table or at home due to the hardships of the farmers. Don't forget to always thank. (Last leader)
Other activities Excursion on the island (limestone cave, etc.) on the free days (maybe, Mar. 3 and 10), welcome/ farewell parties, swimming in the beach, etc.
Other [Local SDGs ]
Requirement Very good Japanese (no problem for the daily and work conversation). Respect to the culture and farm life and high motivation to work hard. You don't need much power, but patience to keep (and positive attitude to enjoy!) the same work.
Charm * You may be able to create a second family / home on the southern island!
* You can enjoy agriculture and island life!
Total cost
What is included in the participation fee

Participation fee (domestic) (Click to see table for details *Japanese only.)

《Free for Accommodation and Food》
The venue usually provides free transportation and equipment necessary for accommodation, meals and work during the participation period. Please do not assume that you will be provided with accommodation and meals for the amount you paid.

What is NOT included in the participation fee
 

Transportation expenses

Due to meeting and breaking up at the venue, you will need to use a train, bus, or plane to reach the meeting place by yourself.
Tickets will be arranged by yourself.

Other personal expenses

○ Free travel expenses before / after participation(Fee for transportation, food, accommodation, admission materials, etc. There is a big difference depending on the person.)
○Expenses for free time during the participation period(Fee for transportation, sweets, alchol drinks, souvenirs, admission, etc. Usually it is about several thousand yen.)