Takuya Kawamoto is a senior at Sophia University. With graduation in
sight, the day he steps down as the leader and the founder of his Campus
Chapter (CC) is fast approaching. For three years, Takuya led his
team in their efforts to realize "a world where everyone has a decent
place to live." To Takuya, this end of an era is not the end of his
relationship with Habitat for Humanity. Rather, he is determined to
continue lead towards the world where everyone has a decent place to live
in the working world.
Acting on his commitment and determination, he became a House Supporter -
a long-lasting way to support HFH Japan's mission.
We interviewed Takuya to find out what he
has felt, learnt and hoped to pass on to the next leaders at Sophia
University. He also shared with us his plans for the future.
What is your relationship with Habitat
for Humanity?
It goes way back to my high school days. I joined Habitat Club and
went on my first Global Village trip when I was a 11th grader. The
experience really touched me - when I found out that Sophia University
didn't have a CC, I had no hesitation in starting one myself.In March 2011, four of my friends and I got together and established
our CC. We have been participating in GVs in countries such as
Malaysia and the Philippines ever since. The CC doesn't just concern
itself with issues abroad - we volunteer in Tohoku and clean
neighborhoods around the university. Giving back to our community is
important to us.
What did you learn as a CC
leader?
There are three things that I learnt:
1. Management skills
It was nothing but easy starting an organization from scratch. In fact,
I devoted all my time establishing and running the CC - no part-time
job, no internship, just CC. The soft part of establishing an
organization, like creating unique CC culture, values and identity,
especially took time. Another challenge was to keep the members
motivated. The past four years were definitely testing, but I learnt to
never give up in the face of adversity - that I should always listen to
people around me and stick with my friends.
2. People skills
The biggest challenge for me as a CC leader
was to make GVs happen. I was the only member who had gone on GVs, and
convincing other members to join in was extremely difficult. In the
beginning, I would be turned down either by the fellow members or their
parents so often that it really brought me down. It was hard, but I never
gave up because I knew giving up would mean the end of the CC. I continued
talking with members and their parents, and, in the end, had ten members
sign up for the GV in Malaysia to build a house with the home partner
family. It was extremely rewarding. This experience taught me the power of
passion.
3. Habitat
for Humanity in Japan
Since I went to an international
school, everyone I met during my school years new
Habitat for Humanity. That's
why it was so shocking for me to find out there was no CC at
Sophia University. I eventually realized that not all Japanese
people knew about Habitat unlike the international community I was
accustomed to. I believe that this situation can be changed when
more and more universities establish CCs and students across the
country work together.
Why did you decide to become a House
Supporter?I am determined to continue my
involvement with HFH Japan after graduation. On top of supporting
CCs, I would like to play a role in spreading Habitat's message in
Japanese society so more people recognize the work of Habitat and
the significance of the poverty housing issues. By becoming a House
Supporter, I am hoping to show CC graduates one of the ways to stay
involved in the cause and keep supporting the mission.
Any message to students around the
world?
"I am so lucky to be living in Japan" -
a lot of GV first-timers feel like this after their trip, and I was
certainly one of them. I was fortunate enough to go on four GV trips
and the feeling got stronger every time. The feeling of appreciation
became passion, and the passion led to action. I devoted so much to
establish and run the CC, and it gave me so many things in return.
Being a CC member is not just being a volunteer. See yourself grow
and make life-long friends at CC!
Thank you so much, Takuya.
We look forward to continue working
with you towards a world where everyone has a decent place to
live.
Become a House Supporter
today!