Community and Social Contribution Activities (Volunteer Work)
A Spirit of Service since Our Founding
Founder W.R. Lambuth dedicated his life to social contribution as a global citizen, while the Fourth President of Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) and First Chancellor of Kwansei Gakuin, C.J.L. Bates, championed the school motto “Mastery for Service.” Their spirit has been passed down through generations and continues to inspire students today. Records show that Kwansei Gakuin was involved in relief efforts during the 1891 Nōbi Earthquake, demonstrating the deep roots of our commitment to social contribution. Today, KGU and its students actively engage in community and social contribution activities, continuing their efforts toward building a sustainable society.
Social Contribution Activities Reflecting ‘Mastery for Service’ across Local and Global Contexts
Recent volunteer activities have expanded beyond disaster relief to include diverse fields such as education and welfare. At KGU, efforts range from disaster relief to child-rearing support and social welfare in local communities, as well as educational and research activities abroad. By embodying the spirit of “Mastery for Service” across these diverse fields, we contribute to the creation of a better world.
Disaster Relief (Disaster Volunteer Activities)
Kwansei Gakuin has a long history of disaster relief efforts, beginning with support activities during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. During the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, student athletic organizations conducted street fundraising, and support groups operated volunteer buses, enabling many students to participate in on-site activities. Students have also actively participated in volunteer efforts for major disasters such as the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the 2018 Western Japan Floods, and the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
Rather than simply providing labor, students are encouraged through guidance and individual consultations to engage compassionately and respectfully with each disaster victim. We will continue to support communities in various ways and contribute to their recovery and resilience.
Community Contribution Activities
Childcare and Developmental Support
The Kwansei Gakuin Child Center at the Nishinomiya Seiwa Campus offers two support programs: “Sapo Sapo” for parent-child interaction and “Wing” for children requiring developmental support. These programs utilize research findings in early childhood care and education.
Morning Volunteer Support for Children’s Commute
Students from the School of Education volunteer each morning to ensure the safe commute of children attending Uegahara Elementary School in Nishinomiya. This initiative began in response to a tragic incident in 2001 and has been carried on by successive student volunteers ever since.
International Social Contribution Activities
Community Contribution through Education and Research
Professor Joe Takeda’s seminar in the School of Human Welfare Studies visits NPOs in the Philippines to research and support women’s economic activities. The School of Education participates in educational support activities for children in impoverished areas of Cebu Island.
International Volunteer Programs
Two programs are offered: “UN Youth Volunteers” and “International Social Contribution Activities.” Both programs aim to cultivate creative and capable world citizens who embody our school motto “Mastery for Service.” Students are dispatched to developing countries for approximately five months to engage in social contribution from a global perspective.
Volunteer Activity Support Center: Supporting the First Step toward Social Contribution
Kwansei Gakuin University has established the Volunteer Activity Support Center to centralize volunteer efforts and provide institutional support. The center was founded in 2016, inheriting the philosophy of the Human Service Center (HSC), which was established by students and faculty after the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The Center includes the Human Service Support Office, which serves as a consultation desk for those interested in volunteering. It connects people and places, facilitating smooth volunteer activities and contributing to society.
Student CO (Student Coordinators)
Student CO is a student organization that works with dedicated coordinators and faculty members to promote volunteer awareness events on campus, aiming to invigorate volunteer activities at KGU. They organize events and introduce volunteer opportunities through the Support Office, making volunteering more accessible to students.
Student-Led Social Contribution Activities inside and outside the University
Student Support Staff (Support for Students with Disabilities)
KGU is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive, regardless of disability. As part of this effort, Student Support Staff assist students with disabilities, promoting mutual trust and personal growth through peer collaboration.
Club Activities
Student-led clubs actively engage in a wide range of volunteer activities—from local support such as childcare assistance and neighborhood aid, to disaster relief, international housing support in developing countries, and collaborative research and product development with companies.
Kwansei Gakuin University Volunteer Network (KG-VNET)
KG-VNET coordinates volunteer activities through the Support Office. It supports affiliated organizations through publicity assistance and inter-group networking events, among other initiatives.