The annual meeting of the ECIEA will take place as follows:
Date: Apr. 21 (Sun.)
Place: Ebetsu International Center
Subject: Report on activity in 2001
Report on final accounts
Plan of activity in 2002
Budget and other related matters
A convivial get-together will be held after the meeting. We
look forward to seeing lots of ECIEA members at this meeting.
Please mail the enclosed postcard by April 15 (Fri.) to let
us know whether you will attend the meeting.
I joined the Doll Festival Party which was held by ECIEA on Mar. 2(Sat.) with my Japanese-class students. When we teach Japanese to people from other countries, it is very important to introduce the culture as a background of the language, however, it is hard for us to do both in a 90-minute class. So we appreciate the ECIEA for its various events that give the students the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture. We enjoyed music, AMAZAKE (sweet alcohol made from fermented rice) and a display of dolls. It was a very heart-warming party. All the students seemed satisfied to make their speech in Japanese. The following is a quote of the e-mail from one of the students to me about the party. (Ms. Kyoko Kamada)
I am very appreciated in Hinaﾕs festival and party. The food was also very delicious specially the cake, it was very tasty. I really like the music. They played the music instruments very lively. The enjoy time was gone by so fast. However, I will never forget the best time in Ebetsu International Center. I will keep our good impression and sincere relationship of us in my mind. Hope to see you again.(Ms. Pranee Rodtian)
You can read more messages from other foreign attendees on
ECIEA's HP in English version.
(http://www.webone.ne.jp/~eciea/index-e.html)
Just click Bulletin Board.!!
Thoughts on "Nowadays in Afghanistan" Meeting
I participated in the meeting during which Dr. Nishimura, of
Iwamizawa, reported on Afghan refugee camps he had recently visited.
He explained with slides, so I could understand the situation.
I recognized the refugees by newspapers and television, but
I was astonished to hear that the refugees could not actually
get relief goods. Seeing pure children in the camp, I remembered
the scene that we experienced after the World War � and "how
a man makes miseries."
Dr. Nishimura said, "When I see Afghan children, I think
that Japanese children are happy. And I remembered my parents'
stories about the aftermath of World War �." So, it is important
that I tell my own story to the younger generation. Transferring
relief goods directly to the refugees, as Dr. Nishimura's group
did, is the most effective method of help. I realized that NGOs'
activities are very important. Global support for the refugees
is absolutely necessary for them upon return to their villages
because over 20 years of civil war has ruined their land. The
earth of Afghanistan cannot support growth; it is a barren land.
I hope that Dr. Nishimura's activity gives hope to the children
of Afghanistan. (Mr. Mitsuru Takao)
Quote from Dr. Nishimura's E-mail
Thanks to the fund, and by meeting participants, I was able to
raise 7,602 yen. I will contribute this to the HLPJ Volunteer
Fund and I promise that the money will be used effectively for
the younger generation. Through this activity, I was able to
make friends with many people! It would be wonderful if volunteer
activities like those in Ebetsu could be launched in Iwamizawa!
Lecture "Surprising Andean Festivals"
About 100 people were attracted by Ms. Tomoko Suzuki's interesting
and exciting speech on Mar. 17.
She left us with the following message:
This was my third time to lecture in Ebetsu on Peru. This time I talked about the strange and surprising festivals in the Andes. During Andean festivals one sees bleeding, divinity and beautiful traditional clothes, and enjoys music, liquor and special foods. I wonder if it's possible for me to share with you the essence of Andean culture. I see something mysterious and important there that we have lost in our busy urban life. Why don't you share the mystery with me someday in Andes?
～From the Audience～
I enjoyed hearing about various festivals; I know some
of them, but most of them were quite new to me. I was surprised
to see some incredibly dangerous festivals through slides. Each
place has its own variety! I had a very good time today listening
to the wonderful folklore music as well.
(Mr. Kuwamura from Sapporo)
Cross-country skiing gathering
A cross-country skiing gathering was held on Feb 17 in Nopporo Forest Park. Among the participating group were six students from Thailand and Indonesia. Some of them were beginners. In the beginning, it was hard for them, but they quickly got the hang of it! Even though it was the first time for them, some of the students attempted the intermediate course! But they sometimes screamed on the steep slopes! Anyway, all of them had a great time on a sunny day. After skiing, we had lunch and mingled at the "Miki" tearoom near the park. (Ms. Hisae Sato)
「After Joining in Cross-Country Skiing Gathering」
It was the first time to join in this event for me. In the beginning
I felt uneasy, but soon after I could enjoy both skiing and interchanging
with other students. Far from noise of the town, with fresh air
in the park, I could relax a lot with nice sweat. Now I think,
natural atmosphere made me have such a great time. I would like
to join again.
(Mr. T. Sugita)
If you want to know joiners' impression about this one, please check http://www.webone.ne.jp/~eciea/
The party was held on February 15, a day of bright sunshine.
For me, it was a first experience, and I thought I wanted to
participate in it when I read the fax message from Ms. Kasai.
Conversation became lively surrounding Lara, who is going back
to Australia, and Malcolm, who came back to Japan. Ms. Okawa,
Lara's host mother, said, "I feel lonely because a daughter
is leaving," but she also was encouraged to see "her
daughter" grow. Mr. Yasogi, who works for ECIEA, can travel
the world alone. I envy her. A high-spirited high-school girl
attended ... unfortunately I cannot remember her name. A kid
was brought by her mother, who works for the home stay committee.
And others made the party fun. Mr. Yanagihara, who keeps a record
of events, took pictures saying, "I'll take your smile."
The fun time ended after singing to Mr. Ito's piano accompaniment.
Although we didn't have any special programs, I found the party
pleasant and valuable. Each guest brought fun things to talk
about casually. I'd like to attend this kind of party at the
next opportunity.
(Ms. Mayumi Suzuki, Support Committee Chief)
Apr. 3rd(Wed.) Executive Committee
7:00 p.m. ～ International Center
5th(Fri.) Translation Committee
10:30 a.m. ～ International Center
9th(Tue.) Social Event Committee
1:30 p.m. ～ International Center
21st(Sun.) General Meeting
2:00 p.m. ～ International Center
12th, 19th, 26th (Fri.) Translation Study
10:30 a.m. ～ International Center
May 1st(Wed.) Executive Committee
7:00 p.m. ～ International Center
10th(Fri.) Translation Committee
10:30 a.m. ～ International Center
14th(Tue.) Social Event Committee
1:30 p.m. ～ International Center
17th, 24th, 31st (Fri.) Translation Study
10:30 a.m. ～ International Center