Service Trip at Iriomote Island in Okinawa

During spring break, 14 high school students went to Iriomote Island in Okinawa. We hiked and kayaked through the mangrove forest with local guides, who explained the vast biodiversity of the island and how the ecosystem is being harmed. Then, we participated in a beach cleanup to experience one way we can be an ethical tourist and learned about the issues around the wastes that wash up on the shores from all over Asia. We also dyed cloth using natural colors and discussed ways we can consume goods in an ethical manner and how conserving traditions can be linked to conserving nature. On the last night, we had a surprise visit from a local student who played the sanshin for us during our BBQ. Thank you SEKAI Education and Us 4 Iriomote for creating such a memorable trip for us!