Walking
Together Bulletin No.47・English Version.
P．１
“SPORTS AND
CULTURAL ACVITIVITIES AS PART OF EDUCATION”
BY SR. JOSEPHINE KAMARA – REGIONAL
SUPERIOR
As the years pass bye and things change for the better or
for the worse, our way of thinking and our cultural beliefs and manifestations
are also affected. For that reason, education becomes a process of knitting
together academics, socio – cultural and psychomotor aspects of life, by so
doing we enhance our cultural heritage and promote unity amongst us.
In the academic calendar, this time of the year is usual
marked with the Sporting Competition, which takes place on a Saturday, but
preceded by a lot of practices and selection of candidates who will participate
in the various activities like, track and field events, volley ball and
football. The pupils are usually divided into House Colors and the competition
carried out by Houses. The winners of the different activities are given
trophies and prizes as a way of motivating the participants. It is usually a
time of joy and family members attend in numbers to motivate and cheer their
children/wards. Our special thanks to the Japanese benefactors who through
“WALKING TOGETHER” make most of our school activities a success through their
constant financial support.
＜Picture: Students wearing polo shirts in their house colors and
Principal Sister Josephine＞
In alternative years, we also have Cultural display
Competition in the Secondary and High School – Our Lady of Guadalupe – as the
case is this academic year. In it, the traditions and way of life of the
different tribes of our country are show-cased so that the pupils learn to
appreciate their origin and the beauty of what they have, that in reality makes
them unique in spite of the differences.
The Sports and Cultural activities help the pupils to
discover their other God-given talents apart from the intellectual; some find
out that they can dance, sing, write traditional short stories and poems etc.
All is aimed at educating for life and making a
difference wherever they find themselves in life. We hope to keep building and
making and strengthening the good in our pupils.
Thank you.
P.2
“TO ALL THE
MEMBERS OF WALKING TOGETHER ASSOCIATION”
BY SR. KAZUKO SHIRAHATA
Dear
members of the Walking Together Association, it's been a while. The last time I
wrote to you was on November 1st, All Saints' Day. At that time, I remembered
and deeply mourned the passing of our beloved Sister Michiko Negishi. I would
like to thank everyone who visited her grave this year as well.
Thanks
to you, I celebrated my birthday on November 29th, turning 83 years old. The
teachers and students celebrated with singing and dancing, and gave me cookies
and coke.
＜Picture: Sr. Shirahata, celebrating her 83rd birthday,
surrounded by her kindergarten teachers＞
Every
Saturday in January, each school had a sports day. Maria Ines Junior High
School, Maria Ines Vocational Training School, OLG Elementary School, and
Tamagawa Shirayuri Kindergarten had their sports days.
This
year, instead of sports day, OLG Secondary School held a cultural festival.
Different ethnic groups and tribes performed dances and dramatized important
aspects of their culture. It was truly wonderful.
The
Tamagawa Shirayuri kindergarten sports day was held on February 1st, and I sold
cookies, popcorn, sausages, etc. The profit was only 3,000 Leones, but the
elementary school sports day brought in about 19,000 Leones over two days. The
students enjoyed the sports day very much. They are now back to regular
classes.
This
year, all the students enjoyed the "Tamagawa Lunch" on our school
anniversary in December. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to
everyone who helped with this special lunch and to the many people who have
supported us throughout the year. May God always bless you and continue to help
you and your families. We appreciate your generosity. We pray that the Lord
will bless you and that you will continue to be successful.
＜LETTER2 February 23rd.＞
On
February 20th, Kimijima-san, who lives in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, came to
see me and delivered the computer that Representative Kanno had requested from
Pastor Otsuka. He said that he would only be in Sierra Leone for two weeks this
time, and he took time out of his busy schedule to come to Lunsar. When I
opened the box containing the computer, I found a large birthday message card
with letters written by the committee members attached to it. I was so happy. I
felt everyone's love. He also delivered the staples and painkillers that we
ordered. Thank you so much.
Kimijima-san
knew that I was not good with computers, so he was very kind and patient in
teaching me various things. The new computer is the newest model, but it seems
to be easy to operate. I am very happy to be able to send information about
myself and the mission directly to Japan. It is a happy thing for me and for
the students here. From now on, I will be more careful when using the computer
and be careful not to hit the same key multiple times. I would like to send you
many emails. I look forward to your continued support. I will write to you
again.
P.3
“MY UNIVERSITY
EXPERIENCE”
BY CATHERINE B. ARUNA
Arriving at the University of Makeni – UNIMAK – Fatima
Campus in Makeni, Sierra Leone, to study Human Resource Management, was a
moment filled with anticipation and excitement. The sprawling campus, set
against the backdrop of lush greenery, promised a new chapter in my academic
journey. As I stepped onto the campus, I was immediately struck by the vibrant
atmosphere and the sense of community that permeated the air. The first day was
a whirlwind of experiences, from navigating the campus to meeting new friends,
and facing the challenges of university life.
＜Picture: Ms. Catharine B. Aruna＞
One of the most rewarding aspects of my first day was the
opportunity to meet new friends. During the orientation program, I was
introduced to a diverse group of students from various backgrounds. We bonded
over, shared experiences and aspirations, forming connections that would last
throughout my time at UNIMAK. My new friends were instrumental in helping me
navigate the campus and understand the university’s culture. We often spent our
free time exploring the campus, studying, sharing meals, and discussing our
dreams for the future. These friendships provided a sense of belonging and
support, making pleasant the transition to University life.
Lectures began shortly after orientation and
matriculation. The teaching style was different from secondary school, with
more emphasis on independent study and presentations. Initially, I found it
challenging to adapt to new lecturers and their teaching methods, but over
time, I improved my comprehension skills.
The campus environment was vibrant and diverse, with
modern facilities that supported learning. However, challenges such as feeding,
transportation, and housing were present. Balancing these with academic
responsibilities required careful time management.
I remain grateful to my Japanese benefactors who made
things easier for me by their financial support.
In my second year, I experienced significant personal
development. The university environment encouraged independence and
self-discovery. Engaging in presentations and group projects enhanced my
communication skills, which were not emphasized in secondary school.
P.4
“OUR CULTURL
DISPLAY COMPETITION”
BY HANNAH Z. FORNAH – Level 2 of
High School
Our Cultural Display Competition this year took place on
the 25th January. It was one of its kind and many people including
our parents were in attendance to see us express our culture and traditions as
Sierra Leonean children that we are.
We were – the whole School – divided into 4 House Colors
: YELLOW, PINK, MAUVE and BLUE, each House represented a major tribe in our
country and the history and cultural heritage of each Tribe was presented. I
had the opportunity of dancing in one of the Groups and I loved it.
＜Picture : Ms.
Hannah Z Fornah＞
Apart from having enjoyed the Show, I learnt a lot from
what was said and I appreciated very much the richness of each tribe.
Such an activity as the Cultural Display has many
positive effects in our lives. It helps us to:
·
Be proud of who we are and of our traditions
and customs as Tribe’s people.
·
It encourages cultural awareness and
appreciation.
·
It teaches us to be out spoken, expressive
and self-confident in sharing what we know and have learnt.
·
It strengthens the bond between us as people
of the same country, though of different Tribes.
·
It
fosters Team work and collaboration amongst us and our Teachers.
·
It helps build our Emotional intelligence and
skills, such as dancing, singing, acting etc.
I feel blest to be at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Secondary
School, Lunsar and I hope to be a good dancer in the future, as part of my life
activity.
P.4
“MY EXPERIENCE
AS A STUDENT TEACHER”
BY MISS KADIATU Z. SESAY – STUDENT
TEACHER
Teaching has always been my dream in life; as a child and
a teenager, seeing my uncle who acted as a father to me, prepare his lessons
and marked assignments/tests of his pupils with great dedication really called
my attention and I wanted to do the same someday.
Having had the opportunity to study in the University and
about to graduate I am very much excited to be inserted into the school system
to carry out my practical – Teaching Practice – at the Our Lady of Guadalupe
Secondary School Lunsar. The whole thing has been interesting though
challenging.
As a student teacher, I am given the opportunity to put
my knowledge and skills into practice in a real classroom setting. I had
learned in the University how to manage a classroom, engage with students and
adapt my teaching methods to meet the needs of different learners, today that
has become a reality in my life.
The most important thing I have learned during the
Teaching – Practice is to be confident. In my first teaching session I was a
little shy before the students, even while offering them the appropriate
information. After that session, I became more comfortable each day in front of
the students making my class more interactive and innovative.
Another valuable lesson I have learned as a student
teacher is the importance of building strong relationship with my students,
thereby making the teaching and learning effective.
I thank the school Administration of giving me the
opportunity to practice teaching in the school.
＜Picture:
Classmates and Ms. Sesay back row center＞
P.５
NEWS FROM THE WEST
THE FLEA MARKET CONTINUES
BY MIYOKO FUKUYOSHI-KITAKYUSHU AFRICA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION
It
has been 11 years since Sister Negishi passed away. She was 75 years old. She
worked hard for the people and lived a life that I believe she had no regrets
about. I also turned 75 this year. I am living a life full of regrets. I don't
want to be called a sister just yet. Please let me work a little harder for the
children of Sierra Leone.
I
participated in the flea market on October 20th. My broken spine was hurting so
I couldn't gather my belongings. But a Soroptimist brought a lot of pottery and
other things to my house, and on the day, one man helped me set up the hanger
rack, set up a table for the pottery, and prepare everything until the store
was open. There were three sellers, all in their 70s. One of them helped out
despite severe back pain. When the store was over, the same man came back and
busily cleaned up again. It was a happy and grateful day. A flea market where
you can experience the kindness of people. I'll keep going. Until I collapse...
♪ ♪ ♪
＜Picture: Bustling flea market＞
P.6
NEWS FROM THE EAST
THE FIRST CHARITY-STYLE “FLEA MARKET”
BY MIKI HAYASHI – SETAGAYA CHURCH/HAYASHI GROUP
With
the spirit of recycling and SDGs in mind, we started a flea market in
Shimokitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo in 2021. When we asked Father Sekine of the
Setagaya Catholic Church if we could borrow a space, he suggested that if we
were going to do it anyway, we should try to convey people's feelings with a
clearer theme. Father Sekine then told us about the situation in Sierra Leone.
I'm ashamed to say that I only had a vague knowledge of Sierra Leone, so I
remember being shocked by the poverty and difficulty of living in this country.
Wanting
to help even a little, we decided to hold a charity-style "flea
market." At the flea market, we talked with various people, including
those who don't know about the suffering in Sierra Leone, and those who used to
support Sierra Leone at school but were wondering what is going on now.
Holding
the newsletter of the "Walking Together Association," I once again
feel the importance of knowing, not forgetting, and continuing.
＜Picture: A corner of the flea market＞
P.6
COMMENTS FROM OUR SUPPORTERS
¨ I was relieved to see that Sr.
Shirahata returned to Lunsar and was playing the piano with the children in the
photo. K.O, Kanagawa
¨ Thank you for always sending us
the newsletter. May you calmly prepare to welcome your child during Advent. May
the Ordinary Holy Year, which begins on the 24th, be a wonderful year of grace.
I pray for the health of all the headquarters committee members during this
time of great temperature differences. K.N, Osaka
¨ Happy birthday, Sr. Shirahata.
Your letters always show me the true way to live my faith. I am especially
encouraged by your perspective, your trust in God and your response to reality
when you are faced with unexpected difficulties or illness. I sincerely pray
for Sr. Shirahata's health and for the work you love. M.H, Nagasaki
¨ Thank you for the 46th newsletter.
Sr. Shirahata's words "The burden of old age is a gift from God" made
me feel like my burden was lightened. I am grateful. K.K., Hokkaido
¨ Thank you to everyone. "May
everyone be in peace" "May the whole world be in peace"
K,H,Hyogo
¨ Thank you for the newsletter. I am
always saved by the smiles and shining eyes of the children. I wish you a happy
Christmas and a happy New Year. M.K, Saitama
¨ Principal Kamala, who guides the
students with "high aspirations and self-discipline and self-study",
has encouraged me, an 82-year-old. I will deepen my feelings of "walking
together with the students and children". K,I,Tokyo
¨ Thank you for always sending us
the newsletter. The bright smiles of the children of Sierra Leone, who live far
away, give me energy. I hope that this Christmas will be a blessing for the
children of Sierra Leone. K.T., Kanagawa
¨ I would like to wish all the
sisters, headquarters staff, supporters, local children, parents, and teachers
a happy Christmas! K.K., Kanagawa
¨ Hope this will help with the
children's school lunches! This is the money that many of my friends have
pooled together over the past year. I am grateful for the kind actions of my friends!
E.W., Saitama Prefecture
¨ Thank you for sending us the
newsletter. Please use it, even if it is only a small amount. I am a Buddhist,
but I really sympathized with what Sister Shirahata wrote. I pray for
everyone's health. M.S., Tokyo
¨ Sister Shirahata has been
evangelizing in Sierra Leone for a long time and is a role model for us. I am
always moved when I read the newsletter. Y.H., Hyogo
¨ I hope that our daily lives
without war will return. S.T., Hokkaido
*Due
to space restrictions, we have omitted many valuable letters.
P.7
NEWS FROM HEADQUORTERS♪
*
On November 21st, we transferred 1.8 million yen for three months of school
lunch support. Until last year, we only transferred two months' worth of school
lunch support at this time, but this year we were able to transfer three
months' worth from September to November.
*
Thanks to your support, we were able to transfer $25,316 (equivalent to 4
million yen) on January 28th as the second transfer of this year. The breakdown
is as follows:
①
1.8 million yen for three months of school lunch support This time.
We
transferred the three months' worth of December, January, and February. We will send the
remaining 5 months in two more transfers.
②
Education support and scholarship 1.2 million yen
Currently,
about 10 students are studying at university relying on this scholarship.
Therefore, we are grateful that we were able to send the scholarship at this
time.
③
Kindergarten teacher salary subsidy 800,000 yen
Elementary
and junior high school teachers are paid salaries by the government, but
kindergarten teachers do not. Currently, there are about 18 kindergarten
teachers, so this does not seem to be enough. We would like to make this a
major issue for future consideration.
④
Special lunch cost 100,000 yen
Every
year, on December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a special lunch
containing meat is served to all students, which is a special event that is
only held once a year, and is a great source of enjoyment for the children. We
were not able to send this money in advance, but we had asked the district
chief to "please carry it out as usual, as we will definitely send the
money." And this year, we were able to send the money by making a
designated donation for a special lunch at Christmas time.
⑤
Christmas gift expenses: 100,000 yen
This
is the annual Christmas gift expense for kindergarteners from Sr. Shirahata.
This expense is covered by the proceeds from the Sr. Shirahata embroidery
support.
*After
this, in addition to the school lunch support expense, we plan to provide
general support expenses, medical support expenses, and Mile 91 Clinic support
expenses. This concludes our report of gratitude.
P.8
◆
Sold out
The
"Momoyo Pouch" introduced in the 46th issue of the newsletter has
sold out due to the cooperation of the Catholic Kashimada Church concert. The
"Sister Shirahata Embroidery Support Work" has also sold out due to
the cooperation of the Tamagawa Gakuen Exhibition. Thank you very much for your
long-term cooperation with the website. We will inform you as soon as new works
are available.
◆
New computer has arrived
As
reported by Sr. Shirahata, the long-awaited computer has arrived for Sr.
Shirahata. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Pastor Otsuka of
Machida Calvary Fellowship, Development consultant Mr.Kimijima and all of Sr.
Shirahata's younger siblings who provided the funds for the purchase.
＜Picture 1&2: Running race and
Tug of war at sports day.＞
＜Picture
3: Mr. Kimijima and Sr. Shirahata’s
smiling faces after successful setting of the computer.＞
＜Picture 4: Sr. Shirahata explains
to the regional superior while looking at a birthday message board, with Mr.
Kimijima.＞
＜Picture 5: Sister Shirahata has a young sister button
her collar.＞
◆
Editor's Note
à
In an email from Mr. Kimijima, who had safely delivered the
computer, he wrote, "Sister Shirahata looks very healthy and I'm
relieved," which made me feel relieved and grateful.
à
This 47th issue has fewer photos of young children
than usual, but it is full of gratitude. *
à
I pray that Sister Esmeralda, the kindergarten principal, will
recover quickly and return to work. *
à
Professor Takehiko Ochiai from Ryukoku University visited Lunsar
with his niece. We will report on this in the next issue. (By Katsujiro Kanno)
(Translation by A. Yamamoto)
Overall, my journey at the University of Makeni has been
transformative, offering both challenges and opportunities for growth but I
hope to continue striving forward to achieve my aim of making a difference in
the society.
