Walking Together Bulletin No. 52
P1
“THE JOY OF SHARING”
April 24, 2026
By SR. JOSEPHINE KAMARA
"Give with
all your heart, and happiness will be yours"
In this version
of Newsletter I would like to share my reflection on “the joy of sharing”. A
quality which benefits others a lot and makes us happier. Each time we give out
something to another, no matter how little, our hearts grow in love and beauty
for we simply make a difference in the life of others and consequently in the
world.
The joy of
sharing becomes true each day of my life. I see it also being fulfilled in the
life of many people around me.
Life which is a
gift itself needs to be shared. We all have our different capacities and gifts,
putting them at the service of others makes life rich and beautiful. For what I
have can be of great use to other people. For instance in our case as teachers/mentors,
each time we impart knowledge or share content with the pupils, we make a
difference in their lives and it broadens our own horizon of learning too. It
may seem we are the givers but in reality, we receive a lot in return.
Sharing does
not only consist in giving out financially or assisting others economically but
doing so with a heart that seeks the good of the other and making him/he a
priority. Although helping others is a good form of sharing, it requires
generosity and self-giving. Only people who have others in view think of their
good and so wish to help them in one way or the other; for we can always share
our time, energy and resources.
I would like to
make reference to a group of individuals/friends – Walking Together – who
throughout the years have not spared time, energy and resources to make a
difference in the life of a people – in Sierra Leone – they do not know
directly but rather for a humanitarian call. May the joy of sharing be theirs.
Thank you very much Walking Together, for your act of sharing with the people
of Lunsar, Sierra Leone. It has indeed made like easier for so many children
and their families.
Thank you
P2
“THANK YOU,
AFRICA”
April 21, 2026
By Sr. Bernadette
Shirahata
From Life at
the Tokyo Convent
On January 26th, I went to Matsubara Catholic
Church in Setagaya Ward. Some friends of mine from University of the Sacred
Heart are members there, and they often hold bazaars and send donations to
Africa, so I went to thank them. It took about an hour from the convent. I
attended the 9 o'clock Mass, had some tea, and then attended the 11 o'clock
Mass as well.
Afterwards, I went to lunch with my
friends from Sacred Heart. During lunch, they were very surprised when I told
them that people in Africa only get to eat one meal a day. They were also
surprised by the two seasons, the rainy and dry seasons, and the abundance of
fruit. They felt very sorry that they hadn't done anything while living in
Japan on the same planet, and they even made a small donation.
On April 19th, I went to Kashimada Catholic Church. I was guided by Ms.
Marta Tanaka from the "Walking Together" group. Thank you so much for
her coming all the way to Sakurashinmachi; it was a great help. Kahimada is a small town, but the station is
very well-developed and convenient, with elevators.
The Mass was at 9:00 am. The priest was Filipino, and his hymns were
beautiful. After Mass, everyone gathered
in the hall on the first floor to listen to my talk. I spoke briefly, and then
answered questions. Here's what I talked about:
·
Because there's no insurance, hospital visits are very
expensive for ordinary people, even for serious illnesses. Saving money little
by little for medical expenses is very difficult.
·
Students enter elementary school at age six, with six
classes of 40 students each, but by sixth grade, this is reduced to four
classes. Only three classes continue until the third year of high school.
·
Because OLG School has dormitories, students come from
all over the country. Even after graduating from high school, they cannot work
in Lunsar. About 20 students seek donations from people overseas to attend
university.
·
The staple food is rice, but the price of rice has
increased to about five times what it used to be, and almost no one can afford
to buy 5 kg of rice.
·
Previously, school lunches were provided from
kindergarten to high school, but now, due to the high cost, they are only
provided to kindergarten and elementary school. Even then, people have to
travel long distances to buy the cheapest rice possible.
·
School lunches consist of rice topped with a sauce made
from tomatoes, onions, dried fish, and Maggi. Sometimes, yams (large
potato-like vegetables) or beans are served instead of rice.
·
In the past, a cow was purchased on February 12th, the
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but this is now too expensive. Teachers from
Tamagawa Gakuen's elementary and junior high schools in Japan donate every
year, and on that day, they prepare a large chicken takeaway lunch for all the
students. The children take it home and share it with their younger sisters and
younger brothers.
P3
·
There are no entertainment facilities, so the sports days
at each OLG school are a source of enjoyment for everyone in town.
·
There are no entertainment facilities and no electricity.
Children who cannot go to school sit on dusty roads with bloated stomachs due
to unbalanced nutrition.
·
We often see children who are untouched by civilization,
children who still possess kindness. For example, one child asked me,
"Sister, do you like candy?" When I answered, "Yes, I love
it," he put a piece of candy in my mouth. Afterwards, he said,
"Sister, don't eat it all, I'll give some to my little brother and friends
later." They all share the joy of licking candy. Africa, thank you for
teaching me about sharing, Africa, thank you for teaching me to work not only
for myself but for others.
God has allowed me to work as a
missionary woman. And our ministry is made possible by your prayers and
sacrifices. I am deeply grateful. And I pray for each and every one of you and
your families.
Thank you for your continued support.
I pray for world peace.
“SHARING IS HAPPINESS”
By a Junior Secondary School pupil –
Mary S. Momoh
For me, sharing
is a simple but beautiful act of enriching human life, it goes beyond the
exchange of material goods and possessions. It reflects kindness, generosity
and empathy for the other, it makes us human, I can say.
From the
earliest days of my life, my parents taught me to share, they said if I share,
I will be blessed and others too. The happiness that sharing brings is usually
countless and unmeasurable, as much as we give, we receive. When we share, we
acknowledge that others matter, they form part of our lives and we form strong
bonds of friendship.
In school also,
we are encouraged to share the little we have with others: our food, lunch,
knowledge, school materials and friendship. In this way we promote generosity
instead of selfishness, peace instead of discord. Although sharing is
volunteering, yet since our society needs it; I do my best in carrying it out,
so that the society becomes a better place.
In conclusion
the happiness we derive when we share is abundant and others have a place in
our hearts. It helps us to be compassionate and kind, a sign of care for the
other person who is also in need of my help and closeness. By embracing the
spirit of sharing daily, we not only improve the lives of others but also
enrich ours.
Thank you very
much our friends in Japan, for sharing with us what you have and work for.
P4
POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND
RELIGIOUS LIFE OF SIERRA LEONEANS IN THE 20TH CENTURY
By Mr. Alimamy Joseph Conteh,
History Teacher at OLG Junior High
School
INTRODUCTION
The 20th
century was a defining period in the history of Sierra Leone. It marked the
transition from colonial domination under British rule to political
independence in 1961, followed by internal struggles that shaped the nation’s
identity. During this century, the lives of Sierra Leoneans were influenced by
political developments, evolving social structures, economic changes, and
diverse religious practices.
Understanding
these aspects provides a comprehensive picture of how the people lived and
adapted
during this
transformative period.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
At the
beginning of the 20th century, Sierra Leone was firmly under British colonial
rule. The country was divided into two main administrative regions: the Colony
(cantered in Freetown) and the Protectorate (the interior regions). The British
governed the Colony directly, while the Protectorate was administered through a
system known as indirect rule, where traditional chiefs were used to enforce
colonial policies. This system limited political participation for the majority
of Sierra Leoneans, especially those in rural areas.
As the century
progressed, political awareness and resistance began to grow. Educated elites,
many of whom were based in Freetown, started advocating for greater
representation and self-governance. The rise of nationalism in the 1940s and
1950s led to the formation of political parties, most notably the
Sierra Leone
People’s Party (SLPP). Leaders such as Sir Milton Margai played a crucial role
in negotiating
independence
from Britain.
On April 27, 1961, Sierra Leone gained
independence, becoming a sovereign state. However, the post independence era
was marked by political instability. The country experienced a series of
military coups between 1967 and 1968, reflecting weak political institutions.
Later, under the leadership of
Siaka Stevens, Sierra Leone became a
one-party state. Although this brought some level of political control, it also
led to increased corruption, suppression of opposition, and weakening of
democratic governance.
By the end of the century, political
instability had contributed to civil unrest and conflict
SOCIAL LIFE AND STRUCTURE
Socially, Sierra Leone in the 20th
century was characterized by cultural diversity and gradual modernization. The
population consisted of various ethnic groups, including the Mende, Temne,
Limba, and Loko, each with its own customs and traditions. The Krio people,
descendants of freed slaves who settled in Freetown, played a significant role
in shaping the country’s social and cultural life, especially in education and
administration.
Western education expanded
significantly during this period, largely through missionary activities. Schools were established across the country,
promoting literacy and Western values. As a result, a new educated elite
emerged, particularly in urban areas. English became the official language,
while Krio developed as a widely spoken lingua franca.
Urbanization was another important
social development. Many people migrated from rural areas to towns and cities,
especially Freetown, in search of employment and better living conditions. This
led to the growth of urban centres but also created social challenges such as
overcrowding and unemployment.
The role of women also evolved during
this period. While women traditionally played key roles in agriculture and
trade, their participation in formal education and politics was initially
limited. However, as the century progressed, more women began to access
education and contribute to national Development.
P5
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES
Economically, Sierra Leone remained
largely dependent on agriculture during the early part of the 20th century.
Most people lived in rural areas and engaged in subsistence farming, producing
crops such as rice, which was the staple food. Cash crops like cocoa, coffee,
and palm oil were also cultivated for export.
A major turning point in the economy
came with the discovery of diamonds in the 1930s. Mining quickly became a
dominant sector, attracting both local and foreign interest. In addition to
diamonds, other minerals such as bauxite and rutile were exploited. While these
resources generated significant revenue, much of the wealth was controlled by
foreign companies during the colonial period.
The colonial economic system was
structured to benefit Britain, with Sierra Leone exporting raw materials and
importing manufactured goods. This limited industrial development within the
country. After independence, the government attempted to manage the economy,
but corruption and mismanagement hindered progress. Overdependence on mineral
resources made the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices.
By the late 20th century, economic
decline had become evident. Poor governance, unemployment, and unequal
distribution of wealth contributed to widespread poverty and dissatisfaction
among the Population.
RELIGIOUS LIFE AND BELIEFS
Religion played a central role in the
lives of Sierra Leoneans throughout the 20th century. The country was
characterized by religious diversity, with Islam, Christianity, and traditional
African religions coexisting peacefully.
Islam was widely practiced, especially
in the northern and eastern regions. It influenced daily life, education, and
cultural practices. Islamic schools and teachings were important in shaping
moral values and community life.
Christianity, introduced by European
missionaries, was prominent in Freetown and among the Krio population. Churches
established schools, hospitals, and other social services, contributing
significantly to education and health care.
Traditional African religions also
remained important, particularly in rural areas. These beliefs included the
worship of ancestors, spirits, and natural forces. Secret societies such as the
Poro (for men) and Bondo (for women) played vital roles in socialization,
cultural education, and community governance.
One of the most remarkable features of
Sierra Leonean society was its religious tolerance. Muslims and Christians
often lived together peacefully, participated in each other’s celebrations, and
even intermarried. This spirit of coexistence became a defining characteristic
of the nation.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the 20th century was a
period of profound change for Sierra Leone. Politically, the country moved from colonial rule to independence but
faced significant challenges in governance. Socially, it experienced cultural
diversity, educational growth, and urbanization. Economically, it transitioned
from an agricultural base to a resource-dependent economy, though not without
difficulties. Religiously, the country maintained a strong tradition of
tolerance and coexistence among different faiths.
These political, social, economic, and
religious developments collectively shaped the lives of Sierra Leoneans and
laid the foundation for the country’s modern identity.
P6
“JOURNEY TO MY BAPTISM”
By Lydia Kyoko Waki,
Advisory committee member
In Search of Something to Fill the Void
It was the
spring of 2019—seven years ago, looking back. At the time, my career as an
executive coach was flourishing, and I was blessed with wonderful friends and
colleagues. Yet, I remember feeling a persistent sense of emptiness and
solitude, as if something vital was missing.
Seeking a way
to change this state of mind, I began devouring books. It was then that I
encountered the works of Ayako Miura. Starting with Hyoten (Freezing Point), I
eventually found my way to her Michi Ariki (The Unknown Road) series. I was
moved by how she, bedridden with severe tuberculosis, encountered Christianity
and deepened her faith through doubt and struggle. I saw a flicker of light,
thinking that perhaps if I embraced faith, I could finally say goodbye to this
inner void.
However, there
were no Christians in my immediate circle. I grew up in a household where
Buddhism was only practiced for funerals and memorial services, and my mother
belongs to a generation that often harbors a strong distaste for
"religion." I wanted to hear from someone who had actually received
baptism as an adult while remaining active in the business world. That is how I
found Mr. Hideki Kamiya, a prominent figure who, after a successful career in
investment banking, became the first Japanese person to establish his own
investment bank in New York. Having worked in venture capital myself, I could
easily imagine the magnitude of his achievements. At the end of his book,
Farewell to Greedy Capitalism, I found his email address and took a leap of
faith by sending him a message.
"Ms. Waki,
I am so glad you reached out," came his warm and immediate reply. He
introduced me to Father Sekine of the Setagaya Catholic Church and Mr. Kanno of
the "Tomoni Ayumu Kai" (“Walking Together” Association). Father
Sekine told me, "You are welcome anytime," and so I began attending
Sunday Mass whenever I felt inclined. Over the following years, including a
period during the pandemic when I visited less frequently, I felt content simply
spending time in prayer at my own pace.
Ten Minutes of Only Prayer
The turning
point came in October 2023. A dear friend of mine collapsed from a subarachnoid
hemorrhage, and I was the one who found her. In a phone call just moments
before, she had told me she had an excruciating headache. Since we lived alone
and held copies of each other’s keys, I rushed to her apartment. She was
already unconscious on the floor, and her pet Chihuahua was running around
frantically as if to say, "Help!"
I called for an
ambulance immediately. Knowing that with brain injuries, moving the patient can
be fatal, I could do nothing but wait. During those ten minutes until the
paramedics arrived, I was truly left with nothing but prayer. Hugging the
Chihuahua, I prayed over and over, "God, please save her life."
Thankfully, she
made a full recovery and has returned to work. That experience of having
"nothing but prayer" is what ultimately led me to baptism.
I began to
seriously consider baptism around the spring of 2024, after she was discharged
from the hospital. When I realized near Easter 2025 that the Easter Vigil was
the primary opportunity for baptism at Setagaya Church, I was struck by the
urgency: "There is only one chance a year!" I then decided, "If
my feelings don't change over the next year, I will receive baptism." It
must have been God’s providence; by 2026, my resolve remained unshaken.
As a coach, I
believe that anyone can achieve their dreams. However, it is also a reality
that there are uncontrollable events—such as death and illness—that cannot be
overcome by effort alone. In encountering these, I have felt the preciousness
of having an anchor for the soul.
P7
Living as "Lydia"
I chose
"Lydia" as my baptismal name. I arrived at this name after explaining
my background to an AI, which suggested several candidates. Lydia is a
self-reliant businesswoman who appears in the Bible—a woman who worked hard yet
kept her "heart’s door" open to the word of God.
"The Lord
opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was
baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged
me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' And she prevailed
upon us." (Acts 16:14-15)
I was deeply
moved by the blessings I received: a friend from my student days in Singapore
who rejoiced, saying, "Now we are brothers and sisters," and the warm
welcome from the church community. When I shared the news on Facebook, I
received 900 "likes," many from Christians and Protestants I had
never even met.
I do not
believe that faith is completed the moment one is baptized. I see it as
something to be nurtured over a long time—sometimes feeling God close,
sometimes perhaps forgetting, yet always growing.
I am still a
novice on this journey of faith, but I look forward to walking this path with
you all.
May God’s grace
be with you abundantly.
“SURROUNDING
SISTER SHIRAHATA”
By Atsuko
Okano, Staff Member of “Walking Together”
On Sunday, April 9th, we invited Sister
Shirahata to Kashimada Catholic Church for a gathering where we enjoyed tea and
sweets while chatting with her. Kashimada Church has been donating the proceeds
from bazaars and charity concerts, to the "Walking Together"
organization. While we've shared information about the "Walking
Together" organization's activities, most people are unaware of the
situation in Sierra Leone. Taking advantage of Sister Shirahata's stay in
Japan, we organized this gathering to allow everyone at Kashimada Church to
learn about Sierra Leone. Sister Shirahata is someone who always walks
alongside us, and she has dedicated herself to the education of children in
Sierra Leone for so long that she says, "I am now African." We strongly
wanted everyone to meet her and hear her voice for themselves!
On the day, about 30 parishioners gathered. Mr. Katsujiro Kanno, the
representative of the "Walking Together" organization, also
participated and brought delicious sweets.
The sister answered various questions
for us.
·
Where in Africa is Sierra Leone?
It's in the west of Africa... (explained while
looking at a map)
·
It's said to be one of the poorest countries
in the world, isn't it?
They eat only one meal a day.
Some children die from starvation.
When they get hungry, they eat mangoes
and nuts growing by the roadside to stave off hunger.
When there's no rice, they eat beans.
·
What's school like for the children?
There are only eight textbooks in each
class.
Many of the teachers are local, so they
teach in the local language.
It's difficult to teach classical music
because the kids start dancing right away (laughs).
P8
·
What is Mass like in Sierra Leone?
Unlike Mass in Japan, there's drumming,
and it's very lively!
The sister, who longs to return to
Sierra Leone as soon as possible, told us about the local situation while
gazing into the distance. She spoke of children taking home lunches from school
to share with their families. She mentioned that there are many Muslims, they
are all very kind. We learned that the sister deeply cherishes the pure
kindness of the Sierra Leonean people, who coexist with many fearsome stray
dogs.
Listening to the sister's stories and
looking at photos of smiling children in Sierra Leone, we were made to reflect
again on what true richness is and what happiness is.
After the gathering, we enjoyed a
pleasant time having lunch with the sister, Mr. Kanno, and several members of
the "Walking Together" group. As I was leaving, I asked the sister,
who was carrying a large, heavy-looking backpack, "What on earth is in
there?" and she replied with a feigned innocent look,
"Cash!"...I've now become a HUGE FAN of African sister Shirahata.
♪ANNOUNCEMENT FROM HEADQUARTERS♪
▼Thanks to your support, Headquarters
was able to send the third donation of the year on April 17th.
We sincerely thank you for your
support.
This donation includes $11,250 (1.8
million yen) for three months (March-May) of school lunch support, $1,250
(200,000 yen) for Mile 91 Clinic support, and $625 (100,000 yen) for medical
support at OLG School.
The donation to Mile 91 Clinic was made
with the hope that Sister Shirahata would be able to receive immediate medical
attention if she were unwell. Sister Shirahata is currently living in Tokyo,
but we are grateful if this donation can be of even a little help to the
medical activities in the region, which are facing very difficult financial
circumstances.
▼We have received news that Sister Yoshida has
returned to Japan in good health after completing her work in Sierra Leone and
Nigeria.
▼Mr. Michael Howell, son of advisory
committee member Kimiko Howell (former “Sierra Leones Friends” representative),
sent us an email. Kimiko was urgently hospitalized in December with aspiration
pneumonia, and subsequently, her Parkinson's disease and other conditions
worsened, leading to her transfer to a long-term rehabilitation hospital. His
mother's overall condition is weakening, and he is very worried. We sincerely
pray for her recovery and for her to enjoy peaceful days.
▼The
"Message from Mother Martha" and "Voices from Supporters"
sections could not be included in the printed edition due to space limitations.
We will introduce them on the blog of the "Walking Together" website.
Please also see the blog for "Introduction of Works by Sister Shirahata
Embroidery."
▼In the
previous issue of the newsletter, we informed you about the representative's
health problems, and we apologize for causing you worry. Thanks to your
support, the medication has been completed, and he is now in good health. Thank
you so much for all your prayers.
We are now
facing days of intense heat and extreme temperatures.
We sincerely
pray that you all remain healthy.
(Katsujiro Kanno)
◆Pictures
P1 -A daily life overflowing with the joy
of sharing
-Celebrating Independence Day by
wearing the colors of the national flag.
P2 -Sr. Shirahata with an embroidered
mobile phone pouch slung over her shoulder.
P3 -Miss Mary S Momoh
P4 -A signing ceremony with the chairman
of the conference and the leader of the Siera Leone Delegation
P5 -A view of a town where an Islamic
mosque and a Christian church stand side by side.
P6 - The author, Lydia Kyoko Waki
P7 - A performance celebrating
Independence Day
P8 - Sr. Shirahata speaking at a gathering
(Translation by
A. Yamamoto)