INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP PROJECT

This project, which originated in Japan, links children in Japan, Jamaica, and Canada through creative projects and sharing experiences.

CONNECTING KIDS – JAPAN, JAMAICA, CANADA

Fumiko Fujikawa, a graduate of the Seneca ECE program, and 3-time SCB trip participant and trip leader, initiated a project to help schoolage children in Japan to understand the lives of children in other countries, starting in Jamaica. The first step was the creation of a book of Japanese children’s drawings, and thoughts which was shared with teachers and children in Jamaica.

Grade 4 children in Ikoma City, Japan at a visit in June 2010

The Jamaican children who were the same age responded enthusiastically to the Japanese children’s questions, and then created their own book of drawings and thoughts which has gone back to Japan.

Jamaican children with lots of questions and lots to tell their counterparts in Japan

The children in Japan were excited to hear the responses of the Jamaican children, and have come up with more questions, including many to ask Canadian children.

A class of children in Callander, Ontario, Canada was selected to participate and they too created a book to send to both countries.

FLAT STANLEY PROJECT

An international exchange of Flat Stanley’s was the next project. Children in all 3 countries have now created their own unique flat person (like a paper doll), and a profile of the character. The “Flat’s” then travelled to each other’s countries and some even joined Lynn on a trip to China. In each country, children hosted a flat person, and took photos of it with their family, pets, and in many different locations. The children had a lot of fun finding locations and situations to photograph their visitors!

Trip leader Fumiko Fujikawa with the man at the paint store, and Japanese Flat Stanleys  in Jamaica 2011

Flat Stanleys go swimming ion Jamaica with SCB participants, win 2011

Flat Stanley goes skating in Canada, winter 2011

Japanese children’s messages and photos with the Canadian Flats, spring 2011

Children in each country will be encouraged to continue to implement projects to get to know each other and to teach each other about their own countries. Our goal is to help children to identify similarities between children all over the world, and to educate them about the challenges faced by people in many countries.