Support Mentally Disabled Persons in Japan with United Planet

  Japan

• All Other Areas: 
Chiba

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Dates: Available year-round

Description: It is said that there are 120,000 mentally disabled people living in Japan. However, many feel that the current government support structure does not enable such people to live a full life. Usually, they cannot attend traditional schools and it is rare for them to find work at a company. Post-graduation, they typically spend their time at welfare facilities for the rest of their lives.

We work with our partner, a non-profit organization that owns a recycling shop in Sakura, Chiba (one hour from Tokyo). The organization is run by mothers with mentally disabled children. They began in 1994 by opening a community center for the disabled on Thursdays to make a place for their children to spend time, outside of a welfare facility where the mentally disabled are separated from the general life of society.

The community center increased in popularity and they expanded their services from Tuesday to Friday. In 2001, the organization also opened a recycle shop to employ mentally disabled people. United Planet volunteers will work from Tuesday to Friday alongside a supervisor to help the mentally disabled employees wait on customers and display goods. Sometimes they work off-site, doing such things as cleaning the local park or making Braille name cards at a local office. Volunteers will accompany the employees on these outings with a supervisor.
UP Japan Quest This volunteer opportunity requires no language or other skills. Staff speak English. The objective of the organization is for volunteers to become aware of the challenges facing the mentally disabled in Japan.

Highlights: Volunteers will take Japanese lessons and participate in other exciting cultural activities (e.g. flower arrangement, tea ceremony).

Additionally, volunteers can choose from the following destinations:
1. Historical and cultural districts in Tokyo (Asakusa and Ueno)
2. Downtown area in Tokyo (Harajuku, Shibuya, and Sinjuku)
3. Downtown area in Tokyo (Ginza) and Tsukiji fish market
4. Hiking at Mt. Takao (near Tokyo)
5. Kamakura, a historical city nearby Tokyo

Qualifications: Basic Japanese is an asset, but is not required.

Cost in US$: From 1,645 USD

Not Included:
* Lunch
* Commute from host family to volunteer site

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: International volunteer travel is often filled with unpredictable surprises, such as transportation delays, local holidays, etc. Cultures may vary greatly and you might feel outside of your comfort zone in some situations. People, including the local population and fellow Quest participants, might have different religious, ideological, racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. United Planet offers volunteer opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds and request that volunteers strive to always be: flexible, courageous, open-minded, tolerant and compassionate. United Planet volunteers are offered pre-departure training and materials, which include cultural adjustment tools and other tips to help you adjust to your new surroundings.

Age Range: 18+, minors must be accompanied by guardians

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Japan Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

United Planet's Mission Statement: As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.

Year Founded: 2001