Japan link grows with teacher visit

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 339, 12 June 1990, Page 5

Japan link grows with teacher visit

The Waimarino' s link with the Shiga Kogen area in Japan continues with a long term visit by teacher-trainee Hiroe Hayashi this term.

Hiroe Hayashi has completed three years' training in Japan as a special needs teacher and is living in the Waimarino, hosted by Bruce and Nita Wilde of Raetihi Road. She has one more year of study to complete in Japan when she returns before graduating. At present she is helping at the Ohakune Primary School mostly in the special needs class with Nita. She will spend time at Ruapehu College and Raetihi Primary School as well as making regular visits to the smaller schools such as Rangataua and Orautoha. Her exchange is part of the International Internship Programme which aims to introduce to both students and teachers, the cultural arts and customs of Japan. The interns share such aspects as calligraphy, cooking, ikebana, origami, language, traditional arts. Hiroe will be working on case studies of some of the children she works with at the primary schools and will teach Japanese language and culture at the college. Asked why Ruapehu, Hiroe said she wanted to go to a country where there were not so many people but to an area

that has a similar climate to her home area. She says it was a big step to make the

trip, never having been out of Japan before. But that people are very kind and friendly, which makes her happy. "My English is not so good but every time people speak with me they speak

slowly and try very hard to understand what I want to say, this is very kind," said Hiroe. She said she has also found some local people who can speak some Japanese with her.