Cebu Island Stay: Japanese Language Education Volunteer

Since it was the weekend, I went out to volunteer. It is for the NGO DaredemoHero, which I have been supporting for 10 years.

It is a 10-minute jeepney ride from the English conversation school where I am currently staying. A jeepney is a means of transport for Cebu citizens, similar to a shared taxi.

You can ride for about 30 minutes for around 30 yen.

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This time, there was a lecture on fire safety by fire department staff. The firefighters are wearing long-sleeved one-piece uniforms as shown in the photo.

It was a very hot day. As you can see from the photo, there are no walls, so it is almost the same as being outdoors.

There is a roof to avoid direct sunlight, but it is incredibly hot.

The children are wearing pink T-shirt uniforms, and I am deeply impressed by the firefighter who is sweating while explaining things to them.

Next, we went out into the garden, and
there was a demonstration on how to actually use a fire extinguisher.

The sound of the children screaming and cheering at the blazing fire right in front of them is very cute.

The girl in the photo holding the fire extinguisher is Yvon, my foster child who is a first-year university student.

I have been watching her grow up every year since she was in elementary school, so I felt deeply moved and nostalgic as we chatted about how much she has grown.

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In the afternoon, a Japanese language class was held. The children here are from impoverished backgrounds. They do not have an environment to receive sufficient education, and this organization provides them with a place to study in an air-conditioned room.

How would you feel if you saw your friend speaking English with an American?

Cool!
I admire that!

I think many people would feel that way.

Since many people in the Philippines admire Japanese people, speaking Japanese with a Japanese person is seen as a truly wonderful thing.

Due to poverty, the children have very low self-esteem. The fact that these children can speak Japanese contributes significantly to improving their self-esteem.

That is the purpose of this Japanese language class.

In the Philippines,
elementary school consists of grades 1 through 6,
junior high school consists of grades 7 through 10,
and senior high school consists of grades 11 and 12.

Multiple classes are held according to each Japanese language level.

In the photo below, two university interns are teaching Japanese.

The interaction between us Japanese volunteers and the children is a very enjoyable form of international exchange.

For us, it is a chance to learn about the daily lives of children in Cebu City, and for the children, it fosters self-esteem through communicating with foreigners.

I was able to spend a very good weekend.

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These activities are supported by donations.
If you would like to help, please consider supporting us!

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I am conducting a fundraising campaign.

Donations received via "Support if you like it"
will be used for the children's educational funds.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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