Nanakubo Shionen

To date, one of the most rewarding community outreach experiences we've been able to take part in was when we all went to share a little holiday joy and spirit at the Nanakubo Shionen (Orphanage) in Tsurouka. Immediately upon arriving, we were greeted with joyous smiles and eyes filled with wonderment from all the children there that have so little.

Nanakubo Shionen cares for 47 children, all between the ages of 3 and 18. The children's histories are mixed, with some having been abandoned at an early age, having no families at all, while others come from dysfunctional homes. While some children do actually have families with whom they keep in contact with, the city and prefecture has deemed their family living environment unfit, and have thus taken co-custody, and the accompanying role of primary care taker. At any time, there are between 10-20 staff members at Nanakubo Shionen. Their roles range from support staff, to guidance counselors, to social service workers, to nurses. All children receive their education at any of the outlying public schools in Tsurouka, whether it is kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, or high school.

So why did we go? What did we do? We went to Nanakubo Shionen with the hope of spreading a little holiday joy to those that are less fortunate. About 15 of us took part in the event, all Shonai based ALTs. Restrictions forced us to hold the event at the actual orphanage, so any ideas of field trips to the beach or to a nearby park were quickly dismissed. We had to make do. Knowing that we had two rooms at the orphanage to work with, one very large, (same size as your average gym) and one very small (same size as your average classroom), we planned accordingly.

We really wanted to make the event as fun and enjoyable as possible for the children!!! We thought up an array of simple games we could set up and play in the gym. With everything from ring toss, to 4-square, to basketball, to duck-duck-goose, to team egg races - one person balancing an egg (a ping pong ball was used this time, less messy) moves from one side of the gym to the other, then transfers the 'egg' onto their teammate's spoon without dropping it. The other then teammate races to the other side of the room balancing the ball on their spoon. First team to make it successfully across wins! Fun and joy was shared by all!!!

The smaller room was made into an arts and crafts room. Bringing an assortment of Santa Claus hats and beards, along with a Polaroid camera, we took Christmas pictures with all the children. Using their imaginations, and the construction paper and pens we brought, the kids were then able to make their own Christmas cards; into which now they could put their new pictures. A memory they can hold onto and have forever.

Another hour or so was spent just playing with the kids and handing out presents. Looking around the room, you could just tell that everyone was having a great time. In one direction, you�d see someone giving kids �airplane rides� on their back, running around the room. In another direction, you�d see a group sharing candy and playing with toys. Right next to them was a big group of people playing basketball. All in all, it was a great day! One that I think and hope will be remembered and cherished by everyone.

By Brian Naumann.

Back to top