Since the new term started at Mie University last May, I have been convinced that we are on the right track for our children. At the Mie activity site (or the Village of Mie University), participants were chosen by lottery: some are new, while others are ongoing; some go to the same school, but others don't. Nevertheless, the participants have been getting to know each other and deepening their friendship by attending our onsite activities. Plus, they have learned social interaction skills and fostered consideration toward other kids whom they know only through our online activities. I know we still have a long way to go, but positive attitudes and behaviors of our children give me huge hope for the future.

Slowly but surely, our projects have been moving forward. A couple of projects were added to our Must-Do lists. Because we received subsidies from the Assistance for Long Life, Child Care and Disability Projects, run by Medical Service Agency (WAM), we are able to develop distinct content for inpatient children and deliver our activities to a hospital playroom. Furthermore, our art contest, funded by the USB "Kids in the Arts" Program, is awaited.

We have many thanks to all our board members, who have been tapping into their personal network to publicize Pangaea membership. Over all, the number of Pangaea members has increased. If you already signed up for our newsletter, then we urge you to become a Pangaea member individually or corporately. Please join our team!

Mr. Hiroshi Shimamura, the president of Elab-experience Inc., is the Pangaea writer this month. He has been a big supporter of Pangaea technically and inspirationally; he enthusiastically pushed his proposal, launching Pangaea Activity at Mie University, forward. Because his ideas matched up with our project plans, we decided to implement our program at Mie University. We deeply appreciate his contributions, especially his expertise and the technical volunteers from his company.

See you next month!

Yumi