Project with Japan
1000 Paper Cranes (Senbazaru) Project-Exchange with Japanese Students
Articles Published About the Event
Comments After the Event
We would like to send out a huge thank you to all of our volunteers, Dr. Ten Brink, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and the DKG Japan chapter for a truly beautiful Gift Exchange for Peace Ceremony on July 19th.
The gift exchange was hosted by Ms. Hatsue Kitahara, a retired teacher and administrator, from Kochi, Japan, Dr. Barbara Ten Brink, and Mr. Charlie Gutierrez from AISD, and was an event of Austin’s Teen Science Cafe. HTS volunteers from LASA, Anderson, Austin High School, Bowie, Kealing Middle School and Small Middle School were all present at the event. Teachers and representatives from the schools receiving Senbazaru (the sets of a thousand paper cranes) were also in attendance, as well as leaders of the DKG International Chapter. In all, we had over one hundred attendees. It was a true honor to meet the delegation from Japan, and to receive the eleven sets of Senbazaru, which were beautifully arranged to form the Texas flag. They were absolutely stunning, and will be treasured in the schools they were given to. A fantastic sopranist sang a phenomenal rendition of the Senbazaru song, that really captured the solemnity of the event. HTS volunteers reciprocated with a lovely paper Peace Quilt that had squares from many different students. The quilt represented the different cultural identities in HTS, and all the people praying, and working, for peace. Volunteers also brought hand made cards and posters for the delegates. We finished with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, put on by HTS volunteers. The entire ceremony was incredibly beautiful and inspiring, and a true symbol of peace and friendship. We are incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity. -----Elisabeth Torres-Schulte "The Gift exchange event with Kochi, Japan was delightful and a unique experience. I specially loved the Orizuru song and the thoughtfulness behind all the words and symbols like making the cranes in the colors of Texas flag. The Japanese candy was yummy and the gifts beautiful." -----Ari Sharma
About the EventSenbazaru is the word in Japanese for origami cranes. This is peace education project inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki.
Sadako was a 2 year old Japanese girl in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb destroyed her city. At 12 years of age, she was diagnosed with radiation-caused leukemia. A Japanese legend purported that one who made 1000 origami cranes would be granted a wish. Sadako decided to make 1000 origami cranes, and her wish was to live. Sadako passed away less than a year after her diagnosis. Her wish, though, was granted because her memory lives in all of us who wish for peace and a world free of atomic wars. The children from Kochi, Japan started the 1000 Paper Cranes Project. They created 1000 origami cranes to be delivered to students in Austin. Health Through Science is a student organization that promotes wellness and health. We are honored that Austin ISD chose us to advertise this project to all the schools we are involved with. HTS Chapter leaders in 5 high schools and one middle school will work together to develop a paper quilt formed by 3”x 3” squares done by AISD students. The exchange will take place during the DKG Conference in Austin on July 19th at 3:45 pm. Project advisers: Hatsue Kitahara, Japanese Representative, DKG-International Society for Women Educators Dr. Barbara Ten Brink, Science Special Projects Specialist, Austin ISD Sara Fyke, Teen Science Café Network Outreach Coordinator, Science Education Solutions |
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Interview with Dr. Ten Brink about the Project with Japan
Please skip to 17:00 (minutes) to watch the AISD TV Segment about the Project with Japan
Breaking Down the Barriers from Austin ISD TV on Vimeo.