کمک کردن به دیگران

Chapter 8

HELPING OTHERS

by Mariko Asano

Introduction

Habitat for Humanity International—or Habitat—is a

nonprofit organization that helps people in need build houses.

Since 1976, volunteers for Habitat have built more than 100,000 houses worldwide. According to Habitat, however, there are still more than 1.5 billion people in the world without decent housing? In the article below, Marika Asano talks about her experience as a Habitat volunteer. She has traveled to the Philippines three times to help build houses for people who need them.

I am 24 years old and I grew up in Nishinomiya, Japan. Several years ago, I went to Negros Island in the Philippines as a Habitat volunteer. This was the first of three trips I have taken to the Philippines as a volunteer. For me, the idea of building somebody’s house abroad Was very exciting. The next year I returned to Negros Island as a Habitat volunteer. This time I Went as a student leader with 28 classmates from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.

Both the staff 3 and the families on Negros Island became dear friends of the Work team I led.4 Meeting these people was Wonderful for each of us. Their lifestyle reminded us of the meaning and value of life. The people also helped us appreciate the more valuable things in life, such as spending time With your family, friends and neighbors; developing close relationships; helping each other; and appreciating What you do have. These things are sometimes forgotten in an affluent country like Japan.

We thought we came to the Philippines to help the Filipino people, but they helped us to see something valuable. They generously offered their food, space, and hearts in a Way We were not accustomed to. (Would you give up your bed for a stranger and sleep on the cement floor at your own house?

When I took my third trip to the Philippines as a Habitat volunteer, I was assigned to a house with young people from around the World.

In my group, there were Filipinos, Americans, Indians, Koreans, and Japanese. We Worked together to complete a house for a family we met on the site.9 On the last day, all of us stood inside a room we had built in just a week, feeling a sense of fulfillment.” Even now we keep in touch across the World. Some of us are actively involved in Habitat in different countries.

Habitat brings people together and helps us realize that people all over the world care about each other. Habitat sends the very important message that We can all be friends. Being involved With Habitat for Humanity has changed my life. I’ve learned that I can make a difference“ in the World.