Malawi 便り

Hi, everyone! This is Kyohei. How are you? I hope you are all fine, also being truly sure that everyone, especially M2 students, must have been mentally and physically released from his/her own thesis.I strongly want to say “Otsukare samadesita!!” to M2 students. 　　

Time goes by very quickly. Half a year is has already passed since my life as a JOCV member in Malawi started. By the way, do you know anything about Malawi? Malawi, a small inland country located in southeastern part of Africa, is often under the spotlight on its national character, not on its cultural traits. Malawi is called “the warm heart of Africa”. Do you know what it means? It actually indicates “people” in Malawi. Indeed, the word “people” pops into my mind first whenever I am asked about the impression of Malawi. People here in Malawi are conservative, easygoing, cheerful, friendly, and kind.

However, frankly speaking, my life in Malawi is very hard because of the difference of everything between local people and me; life standard, culture, the way of thinking, and various senses such as sense of value, philosophy of life, view of religion and morality, and sense of occasion. These differences have hindered my activity as well.

As for my activity, there are mainly two things. The first one is to assist primary school teachers to teach the subject called “expressive arts”, which is a combined subject consisting of music, dance, physical education, needle craft, drama and creative arts. The other one is to promote the function of extracurricular activities at primary school. I am in charge of all schools (11 schools) in one zone to which I am assigned.

From now on, I would like to introduce more about my life and activities on a regular basis. Even though there are many challenges which make it difficult for me to be active, I have enjoyed living in Malawi thanks to all the people accepting me. More importantly, everyday is the day of learning here, so I feel very grateful for being given this precious opportunity. Thank you!!

Kyohei Takeuchi