Habitat for Humanity: Change & Growth-Global Village-in Thailand
Yui Shinohara (Faculty of Policy Studies, 2nd Year)
As part of the work in Habitat for Humanity, I went to a GV in Thailand during my spring break. GV is a short form of Global Village, a project where we build houses for people without homes or people living in poverty.
I felt, beforehand, that I really wanted to help out those people who are living difficult lives in the GV of Thailand. The reason is that the GV I did in India, last summer, ended up as an enjoyment. This time, I had a stronger will and flew to Thailand.
However, Thailand was no longer a developing country. I headed to the north of Thailand in a place called UdonThani, where there was a shopping mall, with a normal life similar to Japan. Taking a drive around UdonThani, there were rural areas, but it didn’t seem like something was needed. People there were living a normal life. I met a homeowner who wanted a home to solve his family problems. No matter what their reasons may be, I think we should always built houses for the needy. But then I asked myself, why do I put more priority on the extremely poor people than the slightly poor people? There is no exact answer to this question but I do want to approach to the extremely poor people because there are many, especially children, who are having difficulties.
Coming back from Thailand by plane, I have decided I want to study abroad in Spain. I made this choice because the company I want to work at requires many language skills. By possibly getting into the United Nations and JICA, the two international agencies, I want to give a hand to those people who are facing many challenges and needed help. I want to help out people like a woman who was treated as poor. I want to save the children who accidentally involved in the beggar business, and lost their future dreams.
Shinohara, center “The children are the treasures throughout the world”
I want to rescue the children who have to follow what their parents have said. I have also planned to study English at New Zealand, even though I can’t speak English very well. I have realized the importance of being able to speak many languages opens up many doors to things I want to do.
During the GV in Thailand, I was able to think about myself and look back to myself. By experiencing many setbacks, I was able to know what I really want to do and what my dream is. The GV was a big turning point for me and built me into a stronger person.
