JICA BLUE CARAVAN is a nationwide event born from the JICA Volunteers' entrepreneurship support project (BLUE). It links the experience and perspectives of returned volunteers to the practice of entrepreneurs, companies and local governments, and invites participants to think together. This is its first time in Amagasaki, Hyogo.
Speakers are Kana Aikawa, who launched a shea butter business after serving in Ghana, and Shohei Kobayakawa, who runs a guesthouse in Nose, Osaka after serving in Fiji. They will talk about what they learned abroad and how they applied it after returning home.
In the second half, people from companies, financial institutions, local governments, universities and the community, as well as returned volunteers, will join a participatory workshop on local issues. Anyone interested in starting a business, taking on local challenges or international cooperation is welcome.
Key points
- Hear how returned volunteers from Ghana and Fiji put their experience to use
- A workshop with people from many backgrounds on local issues
- Free to attend, with optional networking afterward
Why we recommend this event
It is a chance to hear directly from people who have continued businesses and community activities, about what comes after international cooperation experience.
Because it is open to students, professionals, local governments and companies, it is a welcoming place for anyone interested in international cooperation but unsure how to take the first step.
Editor's comment
This event shows a path of bringing overseas experience home and turning it into new work and new places in your community.
If you live in the Kansai area, please consider joining. You can register from JICA's event page.