Summary
of “Walking Together” Bulletin No.35
The first 4 pages is news from Sr.
Shirahata. (No.1 to 3)
News
no.1 (Jan 17) expresses appreciation for Yuka Nishiyama who passed away last
December, followed by the Virgin Mary celebrations on December 13th
in all the schools as well as the annual “Tamagawa Lunch” that many were so
excited about. Then on December 17th was the Kindergarten Christmas
Party where girls got handmade dolls by Sr. Shirahata and boys with car toys
that moved as a gift.
News
no.2 (Jan 30) covers the celebration of 2 sisters from the Kenema Monastery who
were the first ever in Kenema to take monastic vows. On that same night, Sr.
Shirahata got Malaria but has been gradually recovering after getting infusion
therapy for a week. Also talks about the track and field event at the OL grade
school on Jan 29th.
News
no.3 (Feb 22) talks about what has happened after the tragedy the November
storm brought last year. Funds collected by a Japanese company saved a
kindergarten that flooded since the roofs were blown off, how support from
Spain helped recover Maria Ines Middle School that was destroyed and also the
OLG Middle School whose walls were torn down. On February 19th, the
kindergarten track and field event took place.
Following the news is a letter of
appreciation from a mother (Ishiatu
Deen kabia) whose child goes to a kindergarten that
is supported through the Walking Together Scholarship.
The right half of page 4 to the left
side of page 5 are voices from supporters.
Pages 5-6 is a report from “Walking
Together” HQ staff, Marta Tanaka called “Education for the children in Africa –
Still so much that I can do”.
There
are many children in Africa who cannot read or write, but if they are able to
use English, then they can apply for a scholarship and move on to a higher
school. There was a politician who himself fought an illness, but at the same
time fought for a better the education environment that was being affected by
the bad economic conditions in Argentina. He kept saying “there is still so
many things that I can do for the children”, and Ms Tanaka remembered Sr.
Negishi saying the same and that was very influential to her. It also pushed
her to also think that “there is still so much more that I can do”.
Pages 6-7 are announcements from HQ.
・Support
fund status : Although tough conditions continue with COVID, achieving support
as in the original budget. The economic conditions in Sierra Leone continue to
be tough, and transfers between local banks has been difficult, so need to
watch out to see that money is being transferred safely.
・Farewell
to Yuka Nishiyama : Ms. Nishiyama has been on staff since the establishment of
this organization, but passed away on December 6th. She was fighting
terminal cancer but always took part in staff gatherings with a smile and since
becoming part of the Advisory Board, she was very good with communicating to the
staff about updates. The staff sends feelings of appreciation and voices of
regret, but will keep reliving how she lived and take next steps with the
people of Sierra Leone.
・”Sr.
Shirahata Embroidery Support” : We announced a tote bag that was made with Sr.
Shirahata’s embroidery, and have received more than 10 orders. All sales will
be allocated as “Sr. Shirahata Embroidery Support Fund” and we would like to
use to support with providing lunch to the children.
P8. “Photo news” with 8 photos
From top left and down : “Anniversary of
Virgin Mary of Guadalupe” march
OLG Grade School march
Sprinting with bare feet! Course
line made from sawdust
The nearest child with great start
Top right and down : Three-legged race
also popular in Africa
Being careful with fashion on track and
field day
Tote bag and Sr. Shirahata’s embroidery
（Explanation
of photos）
P1 (top right) Happy kindergarten girls
after receiving Sr. Shirahata’s handmade doll
(top left) Sr. Shirahata’s embroidery
(bottom left) Happy kindergarten boys with gift toy
P2 (top left) Anniversary of Virgin
Mary, march throughout town
(top right) Sr. Shirahata’s handmade doll
P3 Store at the track and field event
P5 Sr.Negishi and Ms. Marta Tanaka
(Copy:Hiroko Gotoh、 Translation:Ayako Nokuo)