e-ShortNews

Shotaro Kimpara, youth member of Meguro UNESCO Association

Using the spring vacation, Youth members of Meguro UNESCO Association, Mitsutoshi Masuda, Keiko Okamura, Mari Kawaguchi and myself, visited Myanmar for a nine day study tour.
It began when Mari, a friend of mine, invited me to Meguro UNESCO where I learned from a student from Myanmar about his country. Since I was interested in education, I decided to support young people’s activities in Myanmar and thus joined the tour.
The objectives of the tour were: 1. assess the educational situation of Myanmar to evaluate what Meguro UNESCO can do, 2. support Mr. Sai Non Nutt, who is assisting Kyaugkone Primary School, learn about his activities and build a good relationship with the school, 3. learn about Myanmar and tell people about Japan, 4. visit the war memorial to pray for the peace.
Kyaungkone Primary School is a school which Mr. Sai Non Nutt is supporting and giving advice for its reconstruction and operation. He used to play an important role in Meguro UNESCO when he was studying in Japan. We also had an opportunity to talk with Ms. Khin Su Wah Hoke and Ms. Moe Hnin Tun, who were cooperating with Mr. Nutt, and got to know how the school was founded and its current situation. We enjoyed visiting the school, telling students about Japan and had a nice fellowship time with students and teachers.
Also, I strongly felt the importance of peace when I visited the war memorial for Japanese soldiers. The ruins of ancient Buddhist temples in Bagan led me to understand the history.
We youth members are eager to help Kyaungkone Primary School using this precious experience.