Project Description

1. State the purpose and objectives of this Ministry or Project:
   
   To help the Salesian Sisters of Okinawa by working with the youth. To show the youth of Okinawa the love of Christ and help them grow in knowledge and faith.
   
   
2. Briefly describe the background and present situation of this ministry:
   
   Volunteers teach at San Fransisco Xavier and the Colegio Boliviano Japones. We teach English and computers to all ages, and sometimes other subjects as well. We travel to the comunities to teach religion and lead games with the children. We also help take care of the girls and boys who live in the boarding school in Okinawa.
   
   
3. Total number of people involved in this ministry/project now:
   
   13.
   
   This number includes:
   
   

   # of SLMs:	7
   Local religious:	6

4. What other programs, activities or possible projects are involved in this ministry:
   
   Other possible activities include teaching Catechism or a Bible Study, leading a Sports team, starting a club, private tutoring of English, and anything else you can think of.
   
   
5. Give a brief description of the area in which the lay missioner would be working. Include information such as: rural or urban, income level of area, primary needs of the people in the area, etc.)
   
   Very rural, most people are quite poor and live in mud houses. The main concern is just finding work to meet their basic needs.
   
   
6. Are there any special problems or conditions in the area or project which might restrict some applicants: political, health, personnel, etc. Please describe.
   
   The political situation is always changing, but currently things are calm. There has been recent flooding problems but things are starting to be cleared up. There is also always a risk of malaria or dengue fever.
   
   

Job Description

1. List and describe the major duties to be performed in this ministry or job. Please also include an estimation on the number of hours per day/week you spend on each duty.
   
   Major duties include teaching English or Computers, going to the communities to do oratories with the children, and spending time with the girls who live at the school. One can be as busy as one wants, but on average work is from 7:30 am, a little break at lunch, and then till 9 pm 5 days a week.
   
   
2. What is the missioner's position with regard to other personnel in the ministry or project?
   
   

   Administering or supervising others:	Supervising your students
   Member of a team:	The volunteers and Sisters work together.
   Working alone:	You are free to start your own projects.
   Under supervision of:	The sisters
   Other:

Necessary Qualifications

1. Please indicate below the qualifications or skills considered necessary for performing well in this ministry - i.e. language, special skills, technical training, physical strength, etc.
   
   Must speak Spanish, must be flexible and easy going with a good sense of humor.
   
   
2. What particular areas of academic preparation or educational certification would be helpful for this work:
   
   A background knowledge of English as a second language would be helpful, but it is not necessary.
   
   
3. Describe the experience that would be helpful for this position:
   
   Working with youth
   
   
4. Briefly describe the personal and professional qualities most needed in this ministry:
   
   A person with a deep Catholic faith who is willing to spend a lot of time and energy with youth.
   

Mission Site Living Conditions...

1. Do the SLMs live with the religious members of the community?
   
   No
   
   
2. If "No", where do the SLMs live?
   
   As of now we have two houses across the street from the school.
   
   
3. Do the volunteers have their own room or do they share?
   
   Private
   
   
4. Do the volunteers have their own bathroom or do they share?
   
   Shared
   
   
5. Is there the opportunity for daily mass/Eucharist?
   
   No
   
   
6. What you do for laundry:
   
   Wash it by hand and line dry :)
   
   
7. What are the local medical facilities like (where would you go for an infection, broken bone, etc.)?
   
   The is a Japanese hospital next to our house.
   
   
8. What does your local diet primarily consist of?
   
   Rice and fried things. But if you look you can find fruit.
   
   
9. Is there an ATM relatively close where you have access to money?
   
   Yes
   
   If "No", what is the preferred method of receiving money?
   
   
10. What is your involvement with the religious community?
    
    Working with them every day.
    
    
11. What is your involvement with the greater community (local festivals, invited over for meals, dance groups, etc.)?
    
    This depends on the volunteer. We participate in as much as we can.
    
    
12. What other things do you feel others should know about "Life at your site"?
    
    It`s very hard work, but it`s an amazing experience!