International Exchange  “Friendly Anzu”

   In Hitachi city, there are more than 30 groups taking part in international exchange activities. In this series, we would like to introduce some of them.
“Friendly Anzu”
   When you hear about “Friendly Anzu”, you might simply recognize it as Japanese language classes held by volunteers. But some of their activities go back to 20 years ago. In 1985, the late Ms. Nakagawa, who was dispatched to South Asia by International Women’s Education Association for research on educational situation, reported in the meeting that so many children do not have the opportunity to learn in those countries. She suggested Ms. Kyoko Kamada (the present President of Friendly Anzu) to show a movie “A teacher in the country” of which scene was laid in the Northeast region of Thailand. Thanks to the support of 60 executive committees of 15 groups such as PTA and cultural affairs groups in Hitachi city, the running of this movie spread to various places in Ibaraki prefecture. The profit made by the movie resulted in setting up Hitachi branch office of SAEFI (Supporting Asian Education Fund Ibaraki). This is the first step of this group’s activity and they have moved ahead aiming for international collaboration. In 2002, the group was named “Friendly Anzu,” which is associated with one of the popular trees in Hitachi city. The current Japanese members are 73 while foreigners from 13 different countries are 50.

The main activities are as follows:
(1) Overseas educational support:
   Promotion of literacy education by a mobile library in Thailand and Laos
Workshop for making teaching materials and raising skilled teachers
Receiving trainees for practical training at kindergartens
Marketing handicrafts made by Asian women
(2) Japanese language class:
   Established in 1995, held on every Tuesdays and Fridays in a small group per level
Can join any time, as there are no semester systems
(3) Thai language class
   Held on the second and the forth Saturday by a volunteer who used to study in Japanese language class. Around 10 people are regularly studying.
(4) World cooking class:
  Held every other month to introduce various cooking of each country
Popular and always crowded. Maximum participants 20.
(5) Flower arrangement class
   Held twice a month (the second Wednesday & Friday) to enjoy Japanese four seasons and deepen understanding of Japanese culture. \300 for materials
(6) Publicity activities:
   Publication of “Friendly Anzu” 4 times a year
Ms. Kamada and Mr. Kohsaka in charge of Japanese language class stated their hopes as follows: “To promote various activities for world peace, understanding for Japanese culture and overseas educational support, we need more volunteers. As for the members of Japanese language class, it is desirable for them to continue studying until reaching a certain level. It is also necessary to secure the place where many people can get together. Furthermore, it is important for both Japanese and foreigners to work out mutually for better understanding of each other’s culture.”
   If you are interested in their activities and can spare a few hours, please join in “Friendly Anzu”. We are sure you will be most welcomed.