P. 1~2 : “We Walk with “Walking Together””
by Sr. Josephine Kamara, new MCSS.
Born and raised in Sierra Leone, Sr. Josephine
Kamara, is a graduate of OLG. She became a believer in 1994, and in 2022 became
the principle of OLG, and is now the new MCSS.
She has focused a lot of her work to
raising the level of education for girls living in Sierra Leone, and has been
fortunate to see many girls achieve college level educational skills. Those who
cannot afford to move on to the next level, are supported through the funds
from “Walking Together”.
In order for a better lifestyle, Sr.
Josephine Kamara plans to bring in extra curricular activities such as music,
sports, theater, etc. into schools, and hopes that the support funds can help.
P. 2~3 : “Dear Supporters” (2023/10/25) by
Sr. Shirahata)
While she writes about her hopes for world
peace and activities in the missionary, also touches on the accident of Sr.
Esmerlda, who is recovering. She also says to not worry about her, that the
sisters are in the hand of God and God does not expect more than we can do.
The 50th anniversary since Sr.
Yoshida’s vow on November 3rd, visit to Sr. Negishi’s grave, and
word of thanks for the charity concert are also covered.
P.3 Return message from Sr. Esmerlda, after
receiving a message from “Walking Together” representative
Sr. Esmerlda was told by the doctor that
“it is a miracle you are alive”.
After buying beans for lunch, she
accidentally went off the road and her car flipped in the woods. The heavy load
of beans piled up on her and she cracked her ribs, but no damages to her
intestines. She is feeling pain, but is happy to be alive.
P 4~5 : “Long awaited Sierra Leone” by Yuka
Matsubara, student at Tokyo University.
Yuka majors in International Social Science
and is studying Sierra Leone politics in a ”Human Security” program. She
visited Freetown for 3 weeks in September 2023, looking throughout the city,
and also visiting the Sierra Leone University museum, the National Diet
Library, and Ministries.
Yuka was first a bit worried if she could
spend 3 weeks in Sierra Leone, but was helped by a family whose child is
currently studying abroad in Japan. Freetown was full of cars, bikes, keke (3
wheel bike), people, and Yuka could not cross the street by herself. Roads,
electricity, water, was not an issue in terms of infrastructure.
Lunsar was a bit different compared to
Freetown – very calm. She visited the Clara School and hospital. She felt the
strong relationship between the sisters and people of the city, as they would
greet the sisters. When visiting the school, Yuka could tell that the Clara
School is supporting the education of Lunsar, and also is a great place to
learn about nutritional education.
Yuka was impressed with how active Sr.
Shirahata was, and she was also happy to spend a lot of time with the children.
The impression she had before visiting and after was different, so she wishes
to visit at least once every 6 months, so plans he next trip in February or
March 2024.
P 6~7 : “Voices from supporters”
- Very happy to see the new MCSS, Sr. Josephine Kamara. Sr. Negishi
must be very happy.
- Touched by Sr. Shirahata’s message and would like to say “thank you
and please take care”
- Impressed by Dr. Kawashima and his passion and aspirations
P 7 : “News from Headquarters”
In the general meeting on September 16th,
2023 activities and financial reports, 2024 plans, budget, human resources
related matters were discussed. On November 4th, charity concert
“Ensemble Jubilate” was conducted at the Catholic Setagaya Church.
The bulletin is summed up by words from the
representative. While the world still experiences painful situations, we are
warmed by the smiles of the Sierra Leone children. Hoping the Christmas Holiday
brings happiness to all.
<Photos>
P1 : OLG Middle School students and Sr.
Josephine Kamara
P2 : Sr Shirahata making a doll
P4: (from left) Sr. Maria Roa Ventura, Sr.
Shirahata, Miss Yuka Matsubara
P8 : OLG Middle School Volleyball Team and
Football Team (won the regional sports event)
OLG Grade, Middle, High School students all
studying hard
Summary : Hiroko Maruyama
Translation : Ayako Nokuo