Thank you for reading our note. “Ibasho no Ibasho” has a diverse volunteer crew, from students to working adults.

This time, we will be talking about one of our volunteer crew, Reepa!

What started this activity?

If someone asks me how I got connected with Cafe Polaris (居場所のいばしょ) I would say , " When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it."( Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist)　

I love Japan and its culture and I always want to know more about Japanese society. All my knowledge about Japanese society is from the society itself. Although I came from a foreign country more than 20 years back, this society has never made me feel that I am an outsider from the first day. Since I felt welcomed I tried my best to be a part of it .

I do volunteering for different groups and organizations but I am most active in a group called "みんなで多文化交流 in江東".
Although I had heard about kodomo shokudo before, I started learning about it while working with some members of "みんなで多文化交流 in江東". Looking at my curiosity Macky San, who is an active volunteer of "みんなで多文化交流 in江東" and also works for Kodomo shokudo suggested me to join the kodomo shokudo conducted by Cafe Polaris.

I remember I was a bit nervous on the first day at Cafe Polaris as I had no idea what I could do to help but the presence of another "みんなで多文化交流 in江東" volunteer, Yuki San made me feel relaxed.

My experiences at “Ibasho no Ibasho”

Everything changed the moment I entered the cafe. All the members including Miyagawa San and the chef behaved as if they know me for years!! What a warm and lovely atmosphere and how positive was the environment! Are we connected from our past lives? Why do I feel so relaxed as if I am home?

After helping at the cafe a few times slowly I come to understand about the unique feeling that I go through whenever I enter the cafe. It's the sense of equality, selflessness, a desire to work together for the society of all the members of the cafe that make it " The 居場所のいばしょ"( A place where everyone feels that they belong-my version)
All the positive energy is gathered at one place attracting more positiveness and spreading at the same time.

My wish

No one should feel lonely at any time of their lives. There should be a place like Cafe Polaris where we can go whenever we want to feel at home. I always have lots of dreams and ideas. Now I want Cafe Polaris to be open everyday so that no one has to wait until weekends to receive the warmth of humanity and also I want a similar cafe in Ojima area where I live .

It sounds impossible and difficult but I have the right to dream! May be one day the universe will conspire in helping me to achieve it!

"Ibasho no Ibasho" is currently only open on Saturdays.

We are exploring ways to make it a place where people can drop in whenever they like. All of our staff work every day with the hope that we can reach those who need it.

Please feel free to drop by.

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