Calling for applications for 'Youth Communicators for a Nuclear-Free World 2019'

Peace Boat is calling for “Youth Communicators for a Nuclear-Free World” who will participate in Peace Boat's East Asia Voyage (August 4-23, 2019). Applications are open for youth between 18 and 35 years old, who can convey messages for peace and nuclear abolition based on the legacies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We look for ardent, young peace activists who are motivated to explore new ways of passing on the legacies of the A-bomb survivors.

It is now time to spread the message of the hibakusha to the world

This summer, 74 years will have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today we are witnessing a newly created momentum for the abolition of nuclear weapons in the international community. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted at the UN in July 2017, and at the end of the same year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), of which Peace Boat is an International Steering Committee member organization.

In this global movement, the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons is given more attention globally, however, at the same time, there is growing tension between nuclear-weapon states. As the average age of the hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bombing) is more than 81 and memories of the war are fading, it is an urgent task to spread the message of “never again” that the hibakusha have been calling for almost seven decades.

How do we share a vision for a future without nuclear weapons with people in countries where nuclear deterrence is widely believed? How do we talk about the humanitarian consequences of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to people in Asia, where Japan invaded and occupied, and the gap in historical recognition still remains an issue?

An increasingly large role and responsibility are expected of younger generations who have taken the messages of the hibakusha to heart. What is particularly important is the passion and motivation to advance abolition of nuclear weapons with people from around the world. Someone who can talk about the experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from a wider perspective, with multiple points of view, is needed.

Practicing new forms to pass on the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in English

Peace Boat calls for a “Youth Communicator for a Nuclear-Free World” who can explore new ways to pass on the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
If you would like to be a messenger on behalf of the hibakusha, or if you would like to discuss how best to create a peaceful future in Asia with other youth from around the region, this is the chance for you!

You could be a Youth Communicator if...

-You have visited Hiroshima or Nagasaki, have listened to the testimonies of the hibakusha and would like to share their messages with the world with your own words.

-You have studied about the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and of the experience of other victims of nuclear exposure. You have been involved in nuclear activism and would like to share your experience and knowledge with other youth and find new members to join the movement.

-You have been practicing peace education as a teacher, and you'd like to discuss with youth from other countries about how the messages of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are portrayed in history education in Asia and to gain skills and new insights as an educator.

A three-week voyage visiting three countries in East Asia

The selected Youth Communicator(s) will join Peace Boat's East Asia Voyage (August 4-23, 2019, from Osaka to Kobe). This voyage visits Hiroshima on August 6, and Nagasaki on August 9, and then Busan (South Korea) and Vladivostok (Russia). It also visits Muroran and Ishinomaki, where there will be opportunities to think about nuclear issues within the context of nuclear power plants and disasters.

The Youth Communicator(s) will participate in Peace Boat's Global University 2019 as a participant and will join onboard seminars as well as port programmes. In Global University, the Youth Communicators will have the opportunity to present about nuclear issues to other participants, call for nuclear abolition in ports of call, and/or organize activities onboard for the realization of a world without nuclear weapons.

Example of activities

-Guiding Peace Park and nearby sites in programmes in Hiroshima and Nagasaki for other participants. Arranging an exchange session with local organizations and facilitating such sessions.

-Facilitating discussions onboard reflecting on programmes in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

-Introducing your own involvement in anti-nuclear activities to other participants. 

-Conducting a petition for a nuclear-free world on the ship.

-Presenting and/or making a public speech for nuclear abolition in port programmes in South Korea and/or Russia.

Youth Communicators are exempt from some travel expenses. We look forward to receiving applications from passionate youth who are motivated to contribute to building peace in Asia whilst utilizing their past experiences.

Eligibility

The selection committee will evaluate applications based on the following eligibility criteria:

a) The applicant has knowledge and experience to be able to make a presentation and/or speech on nuclear issues, having a strong interest in peace, nuclear abolition, and peacebuilding in the Asian region.

b) The applicant is motivated to learn from other participants and civil society organizations from other countries, and willing to collaborate with others regardless of age or nationality.

c) The applicant has an adequate command of English to conduct (a) and (b).

d) The applicant is strongly motivated to further continue with activism for a nuclear-free world in his/her country, region, and/or community after the voyage.

e) The applicant is between the ages of 18 and 35 at the beginning of the programme.

f) The applicant is able to participate in the Global University programme as a whole (including pre-voyage orientation on August 3) that takes place on the East Asia Voyage, and also meets other requirements to participate in the Global University programme.

g) The applicant is able to participate in other pre-voyage training and post-voyage programmes (transportation will not be covered by PB).

How to apply

Please download the application forms here for both Youth Communicator for a Nuclear-Free World and for Peace Boat's Global University, and email the forms to univ@peaceboat.gr.jp by the deadline.

Application Deadline

April 30, 2019 (17:00 JST)

Application process

The selection committee will evaluate the applications based on the eligibility criteria above. A Skype/phone interview may be conducted.

Results

-Applicants will be informed of their results individually in late May.

-The selected Youth Communicator will be published online on Peace Boat's websites.

-The selected Youth Communicator will go through pre-voyage training.

Others

a) The applicant must have a valid passport.

b) The programme starts on Saturday, August 3, 2019, in Osaka and ends on  Friday, August 23 in Kobe.

c) The applicant must pay the following:

Onboard programme fee 188,480 yen

*This includes all accommodation and meals, tuition fee of Global University, exposure programme fee, and transportation during the programme. (The regular fee is 439,480 but Youth Communicators are exempt from much of this and are only required to pay the above amount themselves.)

d) Other fees incurred:

-Port charges 21,600 yen
-Onboard tips 10,000 yen
-International tourist tax 2,000 yen

e) Visas may be necessary depending on nationality. This must be paid by the applicant, however, Peace Boat will help with the application process.

f) International travel insurance is mandatory, and this must be paid for by the applicant. Applicants are free to choose their own insurance, however, Peace Boat's travel agency can also provide guidance.

g) In ports that are not included in the Global University programme, the applicant may participate in regular optional tours. This fee must be born by the applicant.

h) The cabin type onboard will be a four-people ensuite room without windows.

i) Private expenses such as laundry, phone/fax, and bar bills must be born by the applicant. Transportation costs from your home to the port of embarkation (Osaka) and transportation costs from your port of disembarkation (Kobe) to your home, related accommodation and luggage
transportation fees must be born by the applicant.