Translated by Alexander Brown
The long-awaited visit to Cairns by Fukushima middle school students finally began on 20 July. In the morning, we held a formal send-off at Corasse in Fukushima City.
The students gave speeches about their experiences of the earthquake and of the last eight years living in Fukushima.
We could see just how hard they had worked in practising their speeches. Then they climbed aboard the bullet train and headed for Narita Airport.
When we commenced our rest and recuperation work with Fukushima children in 2011, we initiated separate overseas projects in Australia for middle school students in Australia and Germany for high school students in addition to our Japan-based programs for pre-school and primary school students.
In Cairns, Maki played a central role in the formation of the Smile with Kids charity. They have held successful annual fundraising events to support the group and were able to welcome four students initially and eight this year.
This year’s students will return to Japan on 1 August and report on their experiences. We hope you can join us for this event at 17:30 at AOZ in Fukushima City.
The students travelled from Fukushima station via Ueno, where they changed trains before arriving at Narita. The children formed into pairs of girls and boys and navigated their own way to the airport.
For some this was their first experience of navigating through the city.
They worked hard to find their way by consulting signs and maps and asking for information from Japan Rail and airport staff.
Along the way they happened upon Richard, 32, from New Zealand on the Narita Express, Rob and his family, Andrew, 52, his wife Karen and their daughter Jane.
They also met American university student James, 21, and finally Sara and Kate.
Upon meeting these travellers, they practised their speeches and gradually improved.
---Participants’ Reflections---
⭐️Karin (14yrs)
Today we travelled from Fukushima to Narita Airport and then on to Cairns. On the way we all practiced our speeches and many native English speakers let us practice on them. I cannot express just how grateful we are to them for giving us their time and showing us they were listening attentively. Even just leaving Japan to travel overseas we had the opportunity to meet so many people. I hope to meet many more interesting people and learn lots of new things.
⭐️Yua (13yrs)
Today was their first time leading the way. It was a good experience for them as they are always leave it to their parents. Andrew and Karen listened to their speeches. It was the students’ first time and they were very nervous. Nevertheless, the listeners were very kind and helped them with their pronunciation. They also asked a lot of questions, but the students were unable to catch what they were being asked. I hope that by the end of the trip they will be able to answer clearly.
Thanks to so many people for letting us chat them up!
]
⭐️Yushi (13yrs)
Today many people were kind enough to listen to us give our speeches. They gave us a lot of pointers. I want to improve my English language ability.
⭐️Ayaka (15yrs)
Today was the day I learned that if I put my heart into it, then people from overseas can understand what I am trying to get across. I met the group with whom I will spend the next 13 days. At first I was very nervous, but as I spoke with them more and more we got to know one another. I gained in confidence thanks to all of the people who listened to my speech. From here on I will do my very best speaking to large groups of people.
⭐️Taisei (13yrs)
After about the third person I started to get used to it and was more relaxed about speaking than I was this morning. I realised that if the other person is doing me the courtesy of listening attentively to me, then must speak as well as I can. They kindly helped me with my pronunciation. I could not say much more than ‘yes’ in response to their questions, but by the end of the trip I hope to be able to reply more decisively.
⭐️Yuuhi (15yrs)
There were many people I spoke with for the first time and I was worried about whether or not I would be able to get along with the other 8 participants. I was so pleased when many people on the bullet train spoke to us. When we arrived at Narita, a number of people from abroad were kind enough to let us practice our speeches with them. I was really happy when I was able to initiate communication and continue the conversation. I was worried about whether or not I would be able to carry on a conversation with my homestay family. However, today I was able to communicate with people in English and my worries blew away. Even if I do not understand all of the grammar, I will try and utilise the vocabulary I know.
⭐️Hirotaka (16yrs)
Today we headed for Australia. At the send off I still had a lot of anxiety and was not very forthcoming in delivering my speech. I received excellent guidance, but I felt I was unable to deliver it well so I am worried about whether I explained myself properly.
⭐️Miko (14yrs)
Today lots of people listened to our speeches. My English is terrible but I really think that I am gaining in proficiency bit by bit. I was also glad that the two of us managed to find our way to our destination. I will keep practising my speech diligently so that by the time I return to Japan I can understand what people are saying in English. Thanks to the many people who listened to our
speeches.
