First exchange between Mie and Malaysia!
Today we carried out activities via Webcam link between Mie University and the University of Malaysia, Sarawak! With 25 kids in Mie and 35 kids in Malaysia! In total 56 kids participated.We did "Nazoren" this time as well and both Japan and Malaysia were really excited. Nazoren is a guessing game where you guess the answer based on 5 hints.
We used the "Language Grid Project"'s Language Grid Toolbox's machine translation system, but from now on since we'll also be working with Wikipedia, we'll be able to translate Malay. The kids tried their hardest discussing hints, so their friends in the other country would be able to guess the answer with fewer hints and were checking whether it would get across properly to the other group.
With just one hint of "Dorayaki" from Malaysia the Mie kids sucessfully guessed "Doraemon". At the same time they were surprised to learn that the Malaysian kids knew Doraemon.
In the results of the pre-activity survey done by the children in Mie, 76% of kids said their feelings in regard to Malaysia were "OK", but in contrast on the post activity survey 76% of the kids said they "love" or "like" Malaysia and the majority of the children's feelings towards Malaysia changed to friendly feelings.
With comments like "I learnt that they are fun and interesting people", "I learnt that it is similar to Japan" and "I felt for the first time that even if the words are different you can still connect [with people]" showing what a fun and fulfilling day it was.
I received comments from the facilitators about what fun they had, as well as issues and plans for improvement from their own point of view. The children, as well as the staff, felt that they were able to understand each other and that once again their connection is deepening. I think that is also because of PANGAEA carrying out regular activities through out the years.
I want to continue creating a special place where even more kids and staff can feel a "bond" and ask for everyone's continued warm support and encouragement.
Takekazu Hanada a.k.a Hana-pooh
Chief Administrative Officer
In the results of the pre-activity survey done by the children in Mie, 76% of kids said their feelings in regard to Malaysia were "OK", but in contrast on the post activity survey 76% of the kids said they "love" or "like" Malaysia and the majority of the children's feelings towards Malaysia changed to friendly feelings.
With comments like "I learnt that they are fun and interesting people", "I learnt that it is similar to Japan" and "I felt for the first time that even if the words are different you can still connect [with people]" showing what a fun and fulfilling day it was.
I received comments from the facilitators about what fun they had, as well as issues and plans for improvement from their own point of view. The children, as well as the staff, felt that they were able to understand each other and that once again their connection is deepening. I think that is also because of PANGAEA carrying out regular activities through out the years.
I want to continue creating a special place where even more kids and staff can feel a "bond" and ask for everyone's continued warm support and encouragement.
Takekazu Hanada a.k.a Hana-pooh
Chief Administrative Officer
Posted by: kumakinoko | 1. Activity Report
