The LSB (Long Stay Beppu) Project was organized in 2000 as an independent activity group as part of APS Professor HATADA Nobuyuki's seminar course. It has since become a registered APU club with 30 members. The program focuses its activities on the "Holiday House Project."
The "Holiday House Project" investigates the possibility of introducing the European and American style "long stay vacation" here in Japan. We restore and then manage vacant houses so that they can be used for long-term accommodation. We are currently in the middle of restoring an old home in Uchinari area, Beppu city.
Since starting this project I have become aware of many issues such as the depopulation problems in mountainous areas and the agricultural and various other problems that arise from this. I have seen in person how the locals feel in the face of such problems, something that I would not have been able to learn in the classroom. I also realized that not only money, but support and understanding from local residents are required to make our project a reality. We can not achieve it all on our own.
Currently, we are holding study sessions with local residents, with the aim of turning this project into a successful business venture. We are working hard towards having the holiday house operational in 2009. This is a joint venture with the residents of the Uchinari area. Despite the massive time restraints, this is also hands-on learning activities and we feel that this is an experience we can only have during our years as students. This project is very satisfying and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

The volunteer club "Habitat APU" was established in fall 2005 by APU students interested in carrying out volunteer activities overseas. It is the only students, branch in the Kyushu area acting under the auspices of the international NGO "Habitat for Humanity Japan," an NGO that operates in 100 countries and regions. There are currently 21 students, including 2 international students, involved in "Habitat APU" activities. Volunteer club tend to have a very formal and serious image, but we are just doing what we want to be doing, like students in other circles. That just happens to be volunteer work. Our slogan is to "Have Fun Volunteering!"
We participated in the "Global Village" program in the Philippines during the summer vacation last year. This program involves working with local house owners and carpenters to build houses. In addition to the building, the experience was invaluable in that it gave us the opportunity to learn about the local area and interact with local people.
This summer, in addition to the "Global Village" program, we are planning to host a "Charinko Presen" project, which involves people traveling between Beppu City and Kumamoto on bicycles. Along the way we will make reports on our activities and ask for donations. We are also planning the "Picture Book" project, to give picture books to illiterate children.
Through our volunteer activities I have learned that in developing countries poverty does not necessarily equal unhappiness. People who do not have a lot of material possessions are happy just to have a family and a roof over their heads. Through their carefree laughter I felt the rich spirit they carry in their hearts.
I believe that these extracurricular activities have helped me grow and made my life at university more meaningful.