Nov. 11, 2020
Serving Together with Entrepreneurs, Residents and Immigrants for Gojomemachi, Akita, a Town with Populations of 8,800
Gojomemachi in Akita Prefecture is a small town with a population of 9,000 people, and native and immigrant residents engage in various activiries fro the community development. In this town, there is an organization called "Dochavengers" which is made up of a variety of members including immigrants, entrepreneurs, residents and local businesses. Their goal is to find solutions in their area of expertise.
The SLC will collaborate with the "Dochavengers" to run a SL program in Gojomemachi from spring recess in AY2020, where ICU students will work with members of the "Dochavengers" in service activities such as running an abandoned school office, making use of vacant houses, promoting immigration and settlement, and supporting start-ups and businesses.
- Photo (left): "Monokatari" a house abandoned by its occupants for a long time, has been renovated. In this ground floor space, there are various expressive activities carried out such as selling old books and materials, reading books to children etc.
- Photo (center): "Share Village" an old house that was about to be demolished was renovated into an accommodation facility. Anyone who pays 3,000 yen called "nengu" can become a village resident and stay there (a potential place for students to stay).
- Photo (right): The second floor of Monokatari beautifully renovated by a design expert. It is used for high school students to study, etc. (a potential place for students' reflection).
Through the SL program, ICU students are expected to work together with local people using what they learn in ICU, to address various issues in society with a common goal of community development.
PR video of Gojomemachi
[For ICU students] Community SL duing Spring Recess
Starting from spring recess in AY2020, you can participate in the SL program in Gojomemachi. The application deadline is Thursday, Dec. 10. Please submit an application form via SL_Support (Moodle).