IPYG Environmental Cleanup Volunteer Activity
The IPYG Kobe Branch has initiated regular volunteer activities to inspire young people to develop a love for their communities and to actively engage in promoting peace. The primary objective of these activities is to ensure their sustained operation and consistent implementation.
Since 2022, the environmental cleanup initiative has been continuously carried out and has maintained steady participation. Every Saturday morning, IPYG members take part in cleaning the streets of prominent Japanese tourist spots, including Osaka City, Nagoya City, and Namba Village.
The ongoing commitment of the volunteers has caught the attention of local citizens and organizations, leading them to express interest in collaborating with IPYG. Over the past year, around 900 people have participated in approximately 50 cleanup volunteer activities. The IPYG Kobe Branch has formed partnerships with Osaka City and local civic groups to further expand their volunteer efforts.
Before starting each cleanup activity, IPYG Kobe Branch members discuss the purpose of the volunteer work and their reasons for participating. Members are driven by the belief that if young people lead by example in practicing peace, they can create meaningful change and achieve lasting peace.
The Kobe Branch is also making effort to sustain and grow their volunteer activities by incorporating fun and engaging elements, such as wearing character costumes, to encourage young people to take part in local beautification and peace initiatives.
“I am excited about the prospect of collaborating as future partners. It’s a pleasure to be involved in the street-cleaning volunteer work organized by HWPL and IPYG, and to have the Rotary Club’s name recognized in this context,” said Uemura Yuta, chairman of the Moriguchi Rotaract Club. “It is truly impressive to see so many young people coming together each time. I look forward to supporting each other’s organizations and working together in the future.”
Yamamura Atsushi, the representative of the Society for the Making of Beautiful Japan, said, “I had a great time collaborating with HWPL. Next time, we will assist in gathering people for the event as well. I am pleased to have learned about HWPL and IPYG this time. I look forward to more cooperation between us in the future.”