Long-term Japan resident Divina Liza Sato was looking for a way to give back to the community that reflected her natural affinity with children. The result was JOYFUL (Japan Outreach Youth Foundation for Underprivileged Learners), a volunteer group that helps children both here in Japan and in her homeland of the Philippines.

With more than 20 years of experience as an English teacher under her belt, Sato opened her own conversation school in the western Tokyo bed town of Machida seven years ago.

Sato says she feels very much at home in Japan and wanted to take the support and kindness she has received and pay it forward. Drawing on her professional skills, she contacted a local children's home in 2011 and began volunteer English lessons with the children.