　The Constitution of UNESCO says that "Ignorance of each other's ways and lives has been a common cause, throughout the history of mankind, of suspicion and mistrust between the peoples of the world, and these differences have all too often resulted in war." The UNESCO School (see the note below) is run with an aim of contributing to world peace and prosperity through international understanding and exchange. We give Japanese lessons on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to the families living in a Higashigaoka Sou apartment. These people are orphans who returned to Japan after having been left behind in China during the final days of World War II. We are trying to help them master correct Japanese as soon as possible so that they can spend their daily lives smoothly and live a life full of hope. To that end, it is important to manage the school valuing both quality and quantity as well as treating each person considerately.

　　The number of adult students is getting smaller due to fewer orphans and their families returning to Japan, and also the deteriorating learning environment caused by the severe social situation. It is important to come up with a long-term strategy and an ingenious plan to accommodate this particular set of circumstances. We have gone through various situations in the past, and we must continue our tradition of success for the future. On that account, we need more support from members and we would appreciate your participation.

　　In addition to those adult classes, UNESCO School provides after-school tutoring sessions for about 20 grade school children, plus junior and senior high school students. This Spring, five of them got into junior high school, two into senior high school and one graduated from senior high school. The Spring has brought hope to each of them. On March 25th during the Spring holidays, some of them engaged in sorting unused post card

s in the NFUAJ Office to experience volunteer activities and to learn from social activities. They spent a worthwhile half-day sorting about 9,500 post cards. We would like to implement multi-faceted learning in UNESCO School by taking up various work-study programs rather than just being confined to supplementing school education. We are looking forward to further cooperation from each member.

Note: Meguro UNESCO School was founded in 1954 for Japanese women and children with an aim to inspire the UNESCO spirit of international understanding, wholeheartedly valuing culture and developing a loving peace in the hearts of children who will shoulder the next generation. At present, the school gives Japanese language education in cooperation with Meguro Board of Education and the Higashine-Jyuku Resident Council for the families of orphans who returned to Japan after having been left behind in China during the final days of World War II.