Arrival in Aizuwakamatsu City--School Superintendent Visit

After our visit to Fukushima U., we boarded a bus to go to our home for the next week, Aizuwakamatsu. On the way, Meg gave us some information about the city. It's population is about 131,000 and it's one of the major cities of Fukushima prefecture. 60% of the land is mountains and forests. As we got close to Aizu, we passed Mt. Bandai, a beautiful mountain with an elevation of 63,000 feet and one of the major attractions of the area.

This afternoon, we met with the superintendent of schools of Aizuwakamatsu. As we got off the bus and made our way to the meeting room on the second floor, people in the superintendent's office applauded us. That was a real shock--flattering, a little bit uncomfortable, but mostly it made me feel like we were really welcomed. A very nice touch.

The superintendent and other officials talked to us about the schools in Aizu. They are very proud of their schools and eager to share information about them. They want Aizu to be a city of learning where people are nurtured. They are very proud that they are introducing English in 3 of their 21 public elementary schools, taught by teachers from the U.S. and the U.K. (several of whom were at the meeting). I was surprised to find out that English is the only foreign language taught throughout junior high and high school in Aizu.

The thing that impressed me most was Aizu's "Education of the Heart". This refers to the Aizukko (children of Aizu) declaration which reads as follows:
1. Always be kind to everyone.
2. Always remember to say "Thank you" and "I'm sorry".
3. Always be patient.
4. Don't misbehave to other people.
5. Be proud of Aizu; Respect elderly people.
6.Work hard to follow your dreams.
If you are not supposed to do something because it's bad, don't do it.
If you are supposed to do something because it is good, do it.

How simple, yet how important! A copy of this declaration is sent to every household in Aizu and the children recite it everyday. Teachers serve as role models and give praise for good behavior.