Summary of Bulletin 41 of Walking Together
P.１ : Comment from Martha G.
Hernández M. del C., the Misionera
Clarisa Superiora general, titled “Appreciation to the dearest Mr. Katsujiro
Kanno and members of Walking Together”. She commented about receiving bulletin
40 and is says that she is always thankful for the information and also about
the prayers that Mother Maria Ines has given.
P.2 : Sr. Adriana Juarez Navarrete mcss
comments about the relationship she has had with Walking Together for the last
6 years. It was a rough start, but with the support of Mr. Kanno it has been a precious
journey. She thanks not only the economic support, but also giving lots of love
to the children and the respect they have received. Lastly, Sr. Josephine
Kamara, who was born in Sierra Leone and also is a graduate of OLG, is very
passionate and is ready to take on the new role as the new MCSS.
P.2 : Greeting message from the new MCSS,
Sr. Josephine Kamara, called “God must govern quickly”. The main message to
thank the supporters and to show that she will also be hand-in-hand with
everyone as Sr. Adriana Juarez Navarrete had been.
P.3～４ : “To the
supporters”(2023/7/31) is a report from Sr. Shirahata. After words of
appreciation to the supporters, she introduces the new MCSS. She also touches
on the fact that she is happy a Sierra Leone sister has become the new MCSS.
Looking at the events, June was the presidential election and therefore schools
ended in June. On July 7th, Dr. Kawashima visited to look after many
clients at Mangebre and Mile 91 Clinic. For Sr. Shirahata, she was able to get
her health checked, to have some Japanese food that Dr. Kawashima brought with
him, and she also enjoyed making curry for Dr. Kawashima and the sisters. As there
were no volunteers from Italy and Spain this year, Sr. Shirahata was able to go
to a different monastery to have some time off.
P.4～５ : The “2023
Financial Report” was received from former MCSS, new MCSS, and Esmeralda Franco
León. There are a total of 2,514 children and students, the total support funds
received was US＄73,495.21. About 75% is for lunch
support, about 15% for educational support. It also notes that there was once
support from the government to purchase food.
P.６～7 : “9th
visit to Sierra Leone – since the last time in 6 years” is a report from Anesthesiologist
Dr. Kawashima. He resigned from his work to visit Sierra Leone and shares his
impression on how Sierra Leone has changed, the effect of COVID, influence of
the Ukrainian War, medical status, etc. Another reason for his visit was to
bring some packages for Sr. Shirahata.
Dr. Kawashima was very surprised to see
progress with the maintenance of the airport and roads. At the clinic, solar
panels and batteries were operating, so they were able to have electricity for
24 hours. However, the medial equipment and supplies were poor, so it was
difficult to perform quality medical practice, sometimes not being able to save
lives. He did not receive the impression that with COVID there were rises in
death toll, and the was in Ukraine seems to be having a big impact on prices.
Dr. Kawashima plans to come back to Sierra
Leone to volunteer for about 1-2 months, every 3 years. He ends his report by
sending a message to medical student and healthcare professionals to visit someday.
P.7～８ : “Voices
from Supporters”.
Messages to Sr. Shirahata, celebration of
the 10th anniversary, etc.
P.８ : “News from
Headquarters”
The “Walking Together” General Meeting was
conducted on September 16th and financial numbers were approved.
Also introduced bags and book covers that Sr. Shirahata has embroidered, that
are introduced on the website blog.
（Photos）
P.1 Children
wearing matching polos (top right ) Mother Marta Clara
P.2 Sr. Josephine
Kamara (left) and Sr. Adriana Juarez Navarrete (right)
P.3 Sr. Shirahata
happy to see Dr. Kawashima
P.5 Children
receiving take-out lunches
P.8 Dr. Kawashima,
giving medical treatment, Sr. Shirahata making curry
Dr. Kawashima and Father Jose surrounded by people of Mangebre
Summary : Hiroko Maruyama Translation : Ayako
Nokuo