JICA volunteer Lima Tokumori teaches peace lesson about Okinawa to La Unión students in Peru

JICA volunteer Lima Tokumori teaches peace lesson about Okinawa to La Unión students in Peru

Lima Tokumori (center) at La Unión Private Elementary and Middle School in Lima, Peru on November 6 after her peace lesson including material on the Battle of Okinawa and her demonstration on the sanshin.


 

December 4, 2017 Correspondent Heiji Taira of Ryukyu Shimpo reports

 

On November 6, La Unión Private Elementary and Middle School for students of Japanese descent in Lima, Peru, held a lesson on peace education as part of an integrated curriculum.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer Lima Tokumori of Naha City delivered a lecture to the third-year middle school students in attendance.

 

Tokumori began by greeting the students using Shimakutuba (Okinawan languages).

After teaching the students about the difference between haisai and haitai (namely that men say haisai and women say haitai as a greeting), she explained more about Okinawa’s unique culture.

 

Before showing the documentary Okinawa: Yomigaeru Senjyo about a woman who lived through the Battle of Okinawa, Tokumori said, “There are many fun things about Okinawa, but today I want to teach you all about Okinawa’s sad history, as well.”

After showing the film, she conveyed to the students how important peace education, the peace movement slogan nuchi du takara (life is a treasure), and “Irei no Hi” (Okinawa Memorial Day) are to Okinawan people

 

Next, students divided into groups to earnestly discuss their feelings about the documentary, and how to create a peaceful world.

 

At the end of her lesson, Tokumori explained the history of kankara sanshin (sanshin made from cans), and performed Asadoya Yunta on her own sanshin.

 

La Unión’s principal Edith Martínez and second secretary Masaki Hisano in charge of culture and education at Peru’s Japanese embassy attended the special lesson.

Hisano said: “There are people with differing opinions around the world.

The important thing is to respect others’ opinions so we can live together. I want you to tell me how we can all create a peaceful world together.”

 

Translator’s note:

Shimakutuba is not to be confused with uchinaaguchi. Shimakutuba is a term for all dialects originating within Okinawa Prefecture, whereas uchinaaguchi refers to the dialect mainly used centrally on Okinawa Island

 

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)

 

Go to Japanese

 


　


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