On the 9^th of September, Linden students participated in a lecture at group school Japan University of Economics, entitled 'With Myanmar; what we can do'.

To begin, JUE president Tsuzuki Asuka, who is also school president of Linden, gave respect to those who continue to fight to provide support for Myanmar, as well as talked of the importance of ensuring children have opportunity to learn regardless of borders.

Afterwards, the some 500 students and teachers listened to a lecture from the various people who helped support Myanmar from various angles.

From honorary professor Katsuyuki Imoto, a report was given on things such as how the money raised in response to the March earthquake was used.

Miss Tsuzuki from year 7 had a chance to give questions

And Akie Abe, chairwoman of the group hosting the event, gave greetings to round out the lecture and bring it to a close.

After the lecture finished, students gave their impressions such as that it was an opportunity to think about the true coming together and sustained efforts that come a step beyond 'support', and that they felt how through each person reexamining themselves and through many small steps, it can become a power to connect the world.

Below, we'll introduce thoughts from three students who participated in the fundraising and lecture.

Miss Itou
'After the fundraising, and through participating in this lecture, I was able to reaffirm the serious state that Myanmar is in. In particular, many of the participants focused on 'beginning with what we can do', which left a strong impression.
Whether you do it on your own or in cooperation with many others, what's important for fundraising is to find what you can do now and move towards action. For me as well, I felt that I wanted to put full effort into what I can do, and that feeling has become a basis for confidence.'

Miss Komiya
'Through the fundraising and participating in the lecture, I felt how each step connected to each other. Through learning the situation on the ground, I was able to learn once again how how my small actions have meaning, and had the opportunity to think deeply on the meaning behind our activities.
When I think about how the fundraising I participated in had some small impact, I feel motivation to attempt bigger things in the limited time available. I would like to continue actively studying and learning everything I can about societal issues.
Thank you for this valuable opportunity.'

Miss Ohmitsu
'Through this lecture, I learned support is not "compassion" but "coming together". In particular, the idea that "even if not for long, you can save people's "hearts"" left a strong impression.
In addition, as the speaker said, not just "at that moment" support such as food and water, but things that allow the region to sustain itself, but sustainable support such as teaching how to raise food is important.'

We will continue offering our students opportunities to focus and act upon societal issues.