NY School

NY School 

May 27, 2011

On May 19 I visited a Japanese school located in a NY suburb.   Despite short notice, the teachers were kind enough to allocate a “lecture” time for me by shortening their regular class hours.  I was very grateful for their thoughtfulness.


It appeared that the impact of the earthquake was felt in a big way by these children living abroad.  Japan is their home country wherever they are.  All of the children took initiative to hold a “charity concert“ on March 18.  They asked themselves what they could do to help.  As a result, they performed and raised money along with local people.  Some children baked and sold melon bread to raise money. They volunteered their labor to raise money…What a wonderful idea!   Such idea is rare in Japan.

Upon reviewing the question cards collected from the children, I found that their common question, regardless of their grades, was, “What happened to children in Japan?” They all wanted to know what was happening in Japan, their home land.

During the 1-hour session, first I briefly explained what type of tsunami devastated the town while presenting data.  Frightening photos may not be appropriate for young children. Showing a photo of a building tilted 90 degree angle, I asked, “Which side is a ceiling?” and explained why the building had ended up that way.    “How do you think a car got up on the third floor of the building?”  I though of ways to keep 1st graders to 6th graders interested.

“What do you think elementary school teachers in Onagawa want to have most? “　　（ーAnswer: a play ground. A temporary housing compound doesn’t have one.）
“What is the most popular job among Onagawa elementary school children?
　　（ー Answer: a member of Japan self-defense force）

I think that the quiz session made it easy for lower grade children to understand.  Also I think that I was able to convey that kids in the disaster areas were cheerful and doing their best.

At the end of the lecture, the students presented me with a chorus.  It was a lovely song,“You Can, Ai-no-Kuni (the country of love).” It was one of the songs sung at the March 18^th charity concert. A kind of song that gives the audience energy…a song about everyone is connected… I wish they could some day sing together with Onagawa school children.  These students drew pictures and wrote messages on Japanese paper.    As one of “Hug Japan” activities, we want to continue spreading the “Message Relay.”