NEWS FROM JASH

The RESSEI Committee founded in 1988 in commemoration of the canonization of St. Philippine Duchesne, is a committee within JASH (Japan Alumnae Association of the Sacred Heart) which has as it's motto " helping people in need in the spirit of prayer and building bridges between different peoples and cultures". To carry out this purpose, many activities take place throughout the year to assist the RSCJs who are active nationally and internationally. One important project has been the Japanese Language Summer Programme which was requested by the RSCJs teaching the Japanese language in foreign countries.  Our JASH alumnae's awareness for such a programme was raised and since 1991 it has become a yearly event.

On August 2nd, 1998, 16 students who had acquired a basic knowledge of Japanese at the Fujin Women's University in Taiwan arrived in Tokyo to participate in the 8th JASH Japanese Language Summer Programme for Overseas Students. Sr. Miyama, a Japanese RSCJ who teaches Japanese language at the University in Taiwan and has been responsible for the welfare of the students from the start of this programme, again accompanied the students.

During 4 weeks the Taiwanese students were given an intensive course in Japanese to improve their language skill as well as many opportunities to come in contact with our culture and lifestyle and deepen their understanding of Japan. Daily 4 hour language classes were given by specially trained JASH alumnae using teaching materials especially prepared for this programme. After 4 weeks, the students were able to give presentations in fluent Japanese and even recite their own "HAIKU" ( a short Japanese poem) to the alumnae who gathered for a farewell lunch for the students.

Our University in Tokyo generously provided the dormitory and campus facilities while the alumnae cooperated to make all necessary arrangements including meals and all other necessities.The students were also taken on overnight trips to visit shrines, waterfalls and lakes and have the opportunity to experience both the history and nature in Japan on weekends. They were also invited to stay at the homes of the alumnae giving them an opportunity for really Japanese experience as they shared their meals, went to summer festivals and watched TV with their host families. There were also debates organised with the Japanese University students as well as participation in a traditional tea ceremony, learning "origami" (the art of paper folding), how to dress in a kimono and visits to the traditional theater "Kabuki" and Disneyland.

This summer programme is organised by members of JASH but it would not be possible without the support and assistance of the University of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo and many others who give generously of their time. What motivates us all is the spirit of the Sacred Heart, a precious gift which we have gained through our education. We hope we have been able to share a part of this spirit with the students from Taiwan and look forward to see how they will develop and make use of their 4 week stay in Tokyo in the future.

We would also like to inform you that our University of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of it's founding on October 23rd, 1998. The University Alumnae will join the RSCJs, the Faculty and guests in a Mass of thanksgiving followed by a tour of the newly completed wing of the University. We ask our AMASC friends throughout the world to join us in prayer on this day so that our University may continue to fulfill St. Madeleine Sophie's vision of "educating women with self confidence and sensitivity rooted in faith and with a strong intellectual formation". 1998 also marks the 90th anniversary of the Sacred  Heart in Japan as it was in 1908 that four young
RSCJs arrived from Australia and opened the first school in Tokyo.