On 13 August 2026, four young Japanese volunteers—Christina, Ayari, Kota and Sawada, all from Japan—and two religious sisters from the Institute of the Canossian Sisters, Sister Mektilde and Sister Beatrix, left Japan for Indonesia to take part in a volunteering experience. After a long journey involving several stopovers, the group finally reached its destination, where they were warmly welcomed by the people of Nurobo.
During their stay, the young volunteers took part in numerous opportunities for meeting and sharing with the Sisters and the children of the community. They also visited people who were ill and elderly residents in the area. Particularly significant was the way in which the young people managed to overcome the language barrier and build genuine relationships with the local community.
Together with the girls from the Canossa Women’s Empowerment Centre and the boarding school, the young Japanese volunteers introduced them to aspects of the cuisine of their country and taught them a few simple phrases in Japanese. At the nursery, primary and lower secondary schools, the children quickly learnt how to fold paper using the origami technique, creating colourful decorations.
After ten days filled with new experiences, new friendships and special memories, the time came for the group to say goodbye. On their final day, the young volunteers had lunch with the Sisters and the girls from the boarding school. Afterwards, they all danced a traditional Japanese folk dance, the Bon Odori Tankō Bushi.
They returned to Japan with joy in their hearts and a desire to share this wonderful experience with others.
