Responding to the demand of sixth graders at Nakane Elementary School that they want to 'see, listen to and eat' something Asian in their class of comprehensive learning, five of our friendship members helped us out. They come from Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. The children made groups according to which country they were interested in. Some learned to put on traditional Korean clothes, while others prepared traditional cuisine.

　We also learned to sing a well known Taiwanese song together. The Nepali group　cooked curried rice, while the Vietnam group made egg rolls. They even tried to substitute for a spice, which is not available in Japan by mixing other vegetables. They couldn't have been　more serious!

　We enjoyed the class so much that it took longer than expected. Teachers thanked us and asked for another such opportunity again. I felt such an exchange program couldn't be possible without peace.　
　

Becoming an Operator?

　　　　　　 　　　A Story from the French Course of UNESCO 　　by Shimosato Youichi

　It is difficult to remember even alphabets of a foreign language. This is a story which alphabets helped a person who had learned it in a UNESCO French course.

　　 If you want to build plants in a foreign country, what you have to do first is to set up a camp with your branch there. Then lots of people ask you to employ them. They really want to work at a foreign firm called SOCIETE IHI.

When I went to Algeria five years ago, the applicants called me directly because they were kept out due to the civil war between the government and the Islamic extremists. I have to answer all the phones. I used to take a French course of UNESCO, thus I spoke with them in French. I talked to a lot of Algerian applicants,so that younger staffs at my office ask me for my help when they get phones from Algerians. I cannot thank the course enough!

　

The head office of the Meguro UNESCO Association is finally open to you!

Address: 2-24-3, Gohongi, Meguro-ku Tokyo 153-0053

(c/o Gohongi Elementary School)Phone: 5725-6150Fax: 5725-6160

Access: 6-7 minutes from Yutenji Sta.One might come from the Meguro Ward Office by crossing

Komazawa St., passing Moriya Kyouiku Kaikan and going through a tunnel under Toyoko Line.

You will soon find the office on your left hand side.

　As we stated in the previous newsletter, our bureau is established on the same premise of Gohongi Elementary School. We thank Meguro-ku, the Meguro Board of Education and Gohongi Elementary School.

　On September 25, many officers including Mayor Yakushiji, School Superintendent of Education Oshio, Deputy Superintendent Katou and Vice-principal Mikami visited us and promised to help us as when possible. On October 3, the 48th anniversary of our Association, we formally celebrated our new start. Again we had numerous guests to celebrate it together. We showed 62 national flags. 62 is the number of countries from which participants at the Retreat for past 13 years come from. We introduced all the countries' names to students. From now on, the new bureau shall be managed by volunteers. With it as the base for our civilian support for UNESCO, we'd like to carry out our missions more eagerly. The office is open from 1 -4 p.m. on weekdays. Volunteers are of course welcome.　Why don't you join us?　 Please feel free to visit us and have fun with us!

Event Planning Meeting: Dec. 1 (Sun.) 13:00 - 17:00; Kitchen of Meguro Kumin Center

　　　　　　　(We'll make udon experimentally for our year-end party “Bonen Festa”)

Launching the Committee's Regular Meetings: Dec. 8 (Sun.) 14:30 - 17:00; Meguro UNESCO Office

Bonen Festa: Dec. 22 (Sun.) 13:00 - 17:00; Kitchen of Meguro Kumin Center

- Making of noodles eaten on New Year's Eve & sugoroku game -

The first Regular Meeting: Jan.19 (Sun.)

Inquiries: T. Hashinaga (Tel: 044-777-1754)