Fundraising for kids in Fukuoka (from Facebook)

For the second year in a row, our students raised money for the thousands of kids in Fukuoka who do not get to eat three meals a day or get to go to other classes after school like most other kids. It was so heartwarming to see them bringing ¥100 coins from their allowance to put in the donation box!

Last Saturday, we were privileged to host 田口吾郎さん Mr. Taguchi CEO of NPO いるかねっと during our monthly Kids’ English gathering. This extremely busy man with a big heart took time to come talk to our students and receive the very small donation compared to the amount he receives from major companies. He shared with us about their work which has expanded a lot even in the past year since he last came and shared with us.

Mr. Taguchi said that there were just 8 volunteers 10 years ago and now they have hundreds, most of them giving of their time in between their full-time jobs. I challenged our students to also become adults who give of their time and blessings to help those in need. We pray that our students will not just learn English, but also learn to look outside of themselves, see the needs of other people, and DO something about it.

Thank you, Mr. Taguchi and everyone at いるかねっと for all of your hard work! God bless you!

Mr. Taguchi’s presentation and me presenting him with the small donation full of love from our students

Lunch together after the gathering at one of our new favorite restaurants, the one and only Korean restaurant in our neighborhood. It was great to be able to hear from him more about their work and also get advice from him about starting a Free School and food bank later this year. We’re looking forward to working more closely with Mr. Taguchi and his staff at いるかねっと!