1344 Tokyo Salesio Gakuen (Social work institution) Korea visit
austraLasia 1344

Tokyo Salesio Gakuen (Social work institution) Korea visit
An exercise in communication in EAO

TOKYO: 2nd December 2005 -- In a series of four separate visits lasting from September to November, Tokyo Salesio Gakuen staff have visited similar Salesian social work institutions in Korea.  The visits were facilitated with the assistance of the Korean Provincial Fr Paul Hwang, and Sr Orsolina Kim FMA, as well as many Salesian confreres in Korea.  Three Salesian confreres from Japan accompanied the staff: Fr Noguchi who is the Rector at Tokyo Salesio Gakuen, Fr Muramatsu, and Fr Tamura.
    The participants in the visits have highly valued their experience.  Their report reads thus: "The Korean staff numbers are smaller than in Japan's similar institutions, but they show such dedication.  We have really learned from them the Salesian spirit of service for poor young people.  Despite a difference of culture and circumstance we shared common feelings - we are all daily dealing with boys who are out of control, and struggling with those difficulties.  Four separate visits must have been a problem for the Koreans but each time the confrere were wonderful; the people were so warm and hospitable.  They brought us by car to many places, translated between Japanese and Korean, and arranged a special dinner for us at the end of each tour".
    This contact between the Japanese and Korean provinces has another element to it.  Fifty years ago, the Korean Salesian presence was an offshoot from Japan.  Now Japan is reaping some beautiful fruit from that early 'planting'.

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