Kyoryokutai wo Sodateru Kai was founded in April 1976 to seek public understanding of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program from a private-sector standpoint and to widen the circle of support. In 2013, following reform of the public-interest corporation system, it became a general incorporated association.
Many volunteers live and work like local people in areas far from the capitals of developing countries. The association believes that their two years of experience bring new ideas and values to Japanese society, regards the volunteers as a "treasure" for Japan, and works so that the program is widely understood.
Its activities include encouraging companies to adopt volunteer leave systems and local governments to create dispatch ordinances before departure, holding exchange meetings that ease the concerns of volunteers' families, the "Small Heart Project" that funds volunteers' activities during their service, and support for further study, employment and starting businesses after they return. Individual, corporate and group members support the work through membership fees, and the association cooperates with 48 prefectural and city organizations nationwide.
Key points
- Support for volunteers at each stage: before, during and after their service
- The "Small Heart Project," which turns citizens' donations into support that volunteers see as necessary on site
- A citizens' support network sustained by individual, corporate and group members
Why this organization's work stands out
It plays a rare role, backing the volunteers from the standpoint of those who send them off and support them. It follows how their work helps locally and how their experience is used in Japan after they return.
Besides donations, it introduces many ways to take part, such as becoming a member and receiving its newsletter, joining exchange and report meetings, and sharing information to show support. It shows that there are ways to take part in international cooperation without traveling overseas.
Editor's comment
It made me realize that international cooperation is supported not only by people working in the field. Those who cheer them on from Japan are an important force too.
Details on its activities and how to join are on the official website. If you are interested in the cooperation volunteers, please take a look.