On a warm spring day of April 13th, we have had April's TWP (Travelers With a Purpose) meeting, gathering 31 travelers with purpose including a few brand new freshmen.
The first presenter was the group of high school students at American School In Japan (ASIJ), who were a part of Habitat Japan's volunteer troop for this spring season - We have mobilized a total of 21 teams/337 volunteers for the international house building program (The Global Village (GV)). ASIJ has been an active participant of the GV trips every year since 2006, and this year, they have visited and worked in the Philippines. The youngh volunteers seemed a bit shy at first, but they managed to share their stories with photos they took and answering questions from the interigued audience like; "What was different about this trip compare to the ones last year?" and "Is there any change you feel before and afther the trip?" One significant point the whole team seemed to share and enjoy was that they helped build a long house for several families instead of individual houses, which resulted in a lot of interaction with the local community.

【Left and Center】Three ASIJ students presenting
【Right】Three WHABITAT members reporting "Build-a-House Workshop"
The second part of the evening was all about the charity event "Build-a-House Workshop" for Haiti. It was organized in partnership with Natural House Project, as a part of the "SPRING LOVE" at Yoyogi Koen Park on April 3rd and 4th (Details).The presenter was a part of WHABITAT, a Campus Club at Waseda University, and the special guest appearance by the Natural House Project representative. The report captivated the audience as if they are re-experiencing the event, many wanted to sign up for the next workshop.
Lastly, Habitat Japan supplemented information on opportunities for those Habibito, or the travelers with purposes. They were Updates on Habitat's Disaster Response Efforts in Haiti, a couple of Special Interest Events in Mongolia(June) and Nepal (October), and scheduled panel discussion with the former mayor of Yokohama, Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka(June).
The two hours were packed with hot topics, smiles and with deep thoughts. Many stayed at the venue, Ben's Cafe for relaxed and casual conversations.
The next meeting is scheduled for the beginning of June. The details will be announced on our web site so please stay tuned. Everyone is welcome here!
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◆The Next "TWP meeting"
Date: June 2nd, 2010 (TBD)
Time: 19:30?21:00 (TBD)
Venue: Ben's Cafe (Takadanobaba)
Admission: Free for everyone!
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◆Want reminders for the upcoming TWP meetings?
Sign up (by sending a request to info@habitatjp.org) for the TWP exclusive mailing list for free to receive e-mail reminders about the Travelers with a Purpose activities.
◆What's "Travelers with a Purpose" Meetings?
Habitat for Humanity Japan's "Travelers with a Purpose" (TWP) is an informal gathering for people (HABIBITO) to discuss and share their experiences and interests in volunteering, travelling, and other Habitat activities.
◆The reports on the past TWP meetings:
≫Feb. 2010 meeting
≫Dec. 2009 meeting
≫Nov. 2009 meeting