It felt a lot like Christmas morning in Tokiko Powell’s classroom at MacArthur High School. Students in her Japanese class unwrapped gifts sent to them by fellow students at Yasufuruichi High School in Hiroshima, Japan, as part of the Kizuna Project.
MacArthur students learning Japanese have been operating as long-distance pen pals with Japanese students learning English. They recently mailed each other a token from home. MacArthur students were excited to unwrap unique candy, bath bombs, soaps, stickers and other trinkets. Some even received handwritten notes from their new friends in Japan.
“The fact that we get to learn Japanese from them, and they’re learning English from us is really cool,” said senior Torie Williams. “It’s a bonding experience to be able to exchange gifts and learn about their lives.”
Torie mailed her partner an American flag bandana. Other students shared bookmarks, candy and beaver nuggets from Buc-ees.
The Kizuna Project has provided a truly authentic experience for our students. They’re immersing themselves with new cultural connections and discussions which strengthens international ties. Many of the students have aspirations to visit Japan one day, and this project brings them one step closer to achieving that travel goal.
This amazing opportunity gives our students the chance to not only master a new language but also gain a deeper understanding of the culture they’re studying.
There’s no shortage of opportunities to expand your horizons at North East ISD. Check out our World Languages at NEISD to discover a new cultural connection.
