UNAIR NEWS ” Students of BBK 7 International Program of (UNAIR) carried out a Volunteer with Elderly and Matcha Experience activity with an elderly community at Sunpu Castle, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Tuesday (February 3, 2026). The activity aimed to introduce Japanese culture while preserving local social and cultural values in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Thirty-two students of UNAIR BBK 7 UNAIR participated in the program and were divided into small groups of two to three students, each accompanied by an elderly participant who served as both a guide and volunteer translation support. This small-group format enabled closer and more personal interaction between students and the elderly community.
During the activity, the elderly participants guided students around the Sunpu Castle area while explaining the history of Shizuoka City and the historical background of Sunpu Castle in English. Students were also invited to enjoy panoramic views of Shizuoka City from an office tower within the area, providing firsthand insight into the city™s urban layout and surrounding environment.
In between sessions, students took part in a matcha experience, tasting authentic matcha tea and hojicha. Through this activity, students not only explored traditional Japanese tea flavors but also learned about the cultural values and philosophy embedded in Japan™s tea-drinking tradition. The experience served as a form of non-formal learning that strengthened cross-cultural understanding and supported the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage.
The lengthy interaction (3-4 hours) also included storytelling sessions in which students and elderly participants shared life experiences. These moments created a warm and meaningful atmosphere while contributing to the social and emotional well-being of the elderly through intergenerational and cross-cultural interaction.
To conclude the activity, each student group presented souvenirs to the elderly participants as a gesture of appreciation, followed by a group photo session. Students expressed strong impressions of the warmth, openness, and life stories shared by the elderly throughout the program.
Through the Volunteer with Elderly and Matcha Experience, BBK 7 International students of 51¶¯Âþ not only gained valuable cultural exposure but also contributed to building an inclusive, sustainable, and mutually respectful community in line with the spirit of the SDGs.
Author: Mochammad Pieschady Boegatura
