What is IVS? 

▶︎International Voluntary Service (IVS) is a global movement that promotes peace and sustainable development through volunteer work. Volunteers from different countries collaborate on community-based projects addressing social, environmental, and cultural issues. IVS fosters cross-cultural understanding, personal development, and global citizenship, emphasizing principles of non-violence and tolerance. The movement aims to create positive social change through grassroots action and international solidarity.

Chanthea KEAT (Mia) – Cambodia

Mia is a Secretariat Member of NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia) and a recent graduate of Paragon International University, where she majored in International Relations. She is currently doing internship at NICE, while also volunteering in Japan.

● Activities on site:

• Maki & Tatsuya 1: Snow removal to help preserve traditional old houses in a community living environment.

• Ikata (first half): Harvesting and maintenance work in a citrus-growing area facing population decline

• Shiiba: Community and traditional house maintenance in one of Japan’s three most remote villages

Nanako Tanabata – Japan

Nanako is a university student based in Tokyo. She recently participated in a volunteer workcamp in Cambodia, where she taught English at an after-school learning center and helped build an organic farm. She has also joined an international workcamp in Vietnam and is interested in cultural exchange through international volunteering.

Khay – Myanmar

Khay is a student from Myanmar studying Business Management in the Liberal Arts Program at the Myanmar Institute of Theology. She is currently participating in the AVS 2026 Program with Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN), where she is completing a 10-week internship in Kathmandu. At VIN, she supports daily management and administrative work while gaining experience in how an international NGO operates, and she has also joined a workcamp focused on child protection.

Areerat MANSALUNG (Min) – Thailand

Min is a full-time staff member at the international volunteer NGO DALAA in Thailand. He is currently participating in the AVS program in Japan and doing an internship at NICE (Never-ending International WorkCamps Exchange). Through this experience, he is learning about international volunteer programs and strengthening cooperation between volunteer organizations in Asia.

Activities on site:

• Maki & Tatsuya 2: Snow removal to help preserve traditional houses in a community living environment.

• Ozuchi: Snow clearing to protect traditional houses in a historic architecture preservation district.

• Ikata (first half): Harvesting and maintenance work in a citrus-growing area facing population decline 

• Shiiba: Community and traditional house maintenance in one of Japan’s three most remote villages 

• Akame: Forest maintenance in the Satoyama (cutting and clearing trees), caring for free-range chickens, and harvesting mushrooms.

Yu-Lun HSU (Yurin) - Taiwan

Yurin is a university student from Taiwan majoring in Japanese Language. She is currently participating in the AVS program in Japan, where she joins community-based volunteer activities such as helping preserve traditional houses through snow removal and assisting local farmers with flower harvesting and shipping on a remote island. Through these experiences, she enjoys learning about Japanese culture and connecting with local communities.

Activities on site:

• Maki & Tatsuya: Snow removal to help preserve traditional old houses in a community living community.

• Ozuchi: Snow clearing to protect traditional houses in a historic architecture preservation district.

• Erabu: Assisting with flower harvesting and shipping at a local farm on a beautiful and welcoming remote island.

Network for Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA)

Website : www.nvda-asia.org

Instagram : @nvda_volunteering_in_asia

Facebook : @nvdaasia

Contact : secretariat.nvda@gmail.com