Community Revitalization Project in Kumamoto

On behalf of the local residents of Nishihara Village especially the local farmers, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Global Giving Donors for the generous support to our project.

Since December to April, with your support and in collaboration with the local government and the volunteer group “Nishihara Village Hyaku Oendan”, we have mobilized a total number of 761 volunteers from the different parts of Japan, who have helped in the agricultural activities of the village.

December to March are the busiest months especially among the sweet potato farmers because it is the season for them to prepare the land prior to planting. Despite the availability of machineries to ease the workload, the local farmers are still in need of volunteers who will do manual labors such as mulching.

Meanwhile, earthquake survivor Aizawa (80 years old), a peanut grower who is living and working alone on her farm expressed her gratitude for all the help of the volunteers. Due to old age, she has a difficulty moving and tilling her farm but with the help of the volunteers, all the peanuts were planted. Just like the other villagers, she is excited to demonstrate and teach the volunteers especially the young ones on how to do farming. Aizawa is looking forward to meeting the volunteers during the harvesting period.

The impact of mobilizing volunteers to help assist the farmers especially the elderly is gradually observed in Nishihara Village. Compared to the other neighboring villages without the scheme of volunteer mobilization, the agricultural sector of Nishihara Village is gradually recovering. Moreover, the mere presence of these volunteers is a big help in the recovery of the village.

Summer season is fast approaching and the local farmers will be busy in planting of sweet potato. They will be needing more hands so we are consistently updating our website to encourage and mobilize volunteers.