Dreams to Reality
2025-04-25 01:40:09

Transforming Dreams Into Reality: The Unique Hiring Story of a Social Venture NPO

Transforming Dreams Into Reality: The Unique Hiring Story of a Social Venture NPO



In a remarkable move for the nonprofit sector, the Suma Universal Beach Project has recently hired its first university graduate as a full-time employee set to begin in April 2025. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive beach experience for everyone, regardless of disabilities, ensuring that all can enjoy the beauty of the seaside. While it is rare for NPOs to engage in new graduate recruitment, especially in Japan, this organization stands out with its mission to turn "can'ts" into "can's" through universal beach initiatives.

A Rare Move in the NPO Landscape


The reality is that many single-unit NPOs exist under tight financial constraints. According to a survey by the Cabinet Office for the 2020 fiscal year, the average operational income for certified NPOs is approximately 95.99 million yen, while a general NPO averages around 21.98 million yen. Furthermore, data reveals that over 30% of certified NPOs have zero paid full-time staff, illustrating the challenges of talent acquisition within this sector. Such statistics highlight the considerable barriers NPOs face when broadening their full-time employment offerings, especially for new graduates.

NPOs: The Undervalued Choice for Graduates


According to the 2024 graduate employment ranking conducted by Gakujin, not a single NPO made the top 50 list. The 'Job Hunting White Paper 2023' from Recruit Career indicates that primary factors students seek in employers include job stability, salary, and career development opportunities, while fewer than 10% prioritize social contribution. This reveals that, although appealing, the NPO sector remains a less common choice for recent graduates amid growing concerns regarding job stability and salary expectations.

International Comparisons: Japan's Growth Potential


The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare's report comparing global nonprofit sectors indicates that Japan’s NPO workforce makes up only 4.2% of the total labor force, a stark contrast to the United States’ 9% and countries like the UK and Germany, which hover around 5-6%. This discrepancy significantly affects graduates’ career choices, further contributing to the low number of individuals pursuing careers in NPOs compared to Western nations.

The Importance of Hiring New Graduates at NPOs


The decision to recruit new graduates stems from a desire to bring forth innovative ideas and vibrant energy. The Suma Universal Beach Project aims to challenge the traditional path for young professionals by providing opportunities to work toward social causes. In a landscape dominated by job security and financial compensation, the initiative underscores the importance of integrating meaningful work into the career choices of emerging professionals.

Voices from the New Generation: Yuuki Shibata


Yuuki Shibata, a new staff member who combines roles as both a physiotherapist and lifesaver, passionately encapsulates the mission of the NPO: "The beach should be a fun and free space for everyone." Shibata's journeys in both fields have exposed him to the barriers faced by those with disabilities and the elderly. Inspired by this reality, he is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can safely enjoy ocean activities, underlining the organization's ethos of making a universal beach a reality.

Vision Towards a Universal Beach Culture


Founded in 2017, the Suma Universal Beach Project aims to create inclusive beach experiences. What’s fundamental to their operation, however, goes beyond merely having the right facilities; it revolves around fostering a mindset that encourages everyone to challenge the ocean's barriers. They believe that overcoming these obstacles leads to self-confidence and a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity.

Currently, the project has established universal design beaches across 31 prefectures, promoting their vision further with upcoming events, including a summit focusing on universal beach initiatives leading to all 47 prefectures having similar projects in place by 2035. Through these efforts, the NPO hopes to cultivate a culture of challenge and inclusivity that reaches far beyond the shoreline.

Concluding Thoughts


Through their new graduate hiring initiative, the Suma Universal Beach Project offers a new pathway for recent graduates. They are not just employees; they are change-makers motivated by a commitment to social betterment. In light of these developments, one can only look forward to the progressive impact this social venture will have in reshaping perceptions and opportunities in Japan's nonprofit sector.


画像1

Topics People & Culture)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.