On March 3, nine employees from M&G Investments Japan (M&G) volunteered to make improvements at the Elizabeth Saunders Home, an orphanage in Oiso. Established in 1948 for Japanese war orphans, the facility is one of the largest and oldest orphanages in Kanagawa Prefecture.
The project involved the repair of the 40-year-old Asanagi dormitory, the oldest of the three buildings on the grounds. Within the dormitory, Habitat is constructing eight 4.8 square meter sized “yagura” modular rooms to provide private space for the children. In preparation for the build, Habitat had previously replaced the floors and interior walls, repaired the lighting fixtures, moved the lighting wiring, and removed dilapidated partitions.
On the day of the project, Habitat staff and interns, who are architecture students at campus chapter universities, provided the volunteers with detailed instructions on assembling a yagura room and using the construction tools. The volunteers were nervous, but they were focused and worked hard. They began by attaching the four wooden walls and laying the carpet. One of the orphanage staff jokingly said, “I wish I could take a nap on this carpet,” which made the atmosphere more relaxed. Once the doors were installed, the room was complete. In half a day, the volunteers constructed two units.
Each Yagura room will have a bed, desk, chair, and bookshelf. We look forward to seeing how the children decorate their rooms to create a comfortable space within the newly renovated dormitory.
We would like to thank M&G for their support and participation in our volunteer efforts. Through the repair of the orphanage, Habitat aims to create a safer and more secure home for the children.
