Photo By Cpl. Abigail Brown | Marissa Marquez, a military spouse volunteer, and Neo Oshiro, 5, pose for a picture...... read more read more
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GINOZA VILLAGE, OKINAWA, Japan - Marines from various units within the III Marine Expeditionary Force and military family members spent the day with children from the Ginoza Kindergarten here, Aug. 4.
The event included participants from Camp Hansen's 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group; Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, and 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.
"The purpose of this event is to continue building good relations within the community and to allow the Japanese children to show off their English skills," said Kaori Tanahara, Camp Hansen community relations representative.
During the visit, volunteers played with the kindergartners during their outdoor playtime before heading to the pool for a small swim party. Marines and spouses seemed to have as much fun as the children as they played tag and built sand castles inside one of the school's sandboxes.
"I love it," said Lance Cpl. Rebecca Ortego, combat engineer, 9th ESB. "This is way too much fun for a workday."
After playing in the sand, the volunteers and children changed into swimwear and took a dip in the school's pool. They taught the children how to play some water games.
"My favorite part today was playing in the pool," said Neo Oshiro a 5-year-old kindergarten student. "They gave me a ride on their back in the pool and I thought it was cool."
The teachers at the school appreciated the volunteers coming out and visiting. In addition, the teachers gained insight on how Marines deal with children.
"This gave the children a positive stimulus," said Momoko Nakama one of the kindergarten teachers. "Seeing Marines interact with kids gave us a fresh look on how Marines deal with kids."
Other Marines and family members are encouraged to come back in the future, she said.
"I would like more to come every day if possible," Nakama said.
To wrap up the day, the group returned indoors to sing songs and play games. The children showed off their English skills by introducing themselves to the volunteers and explaining the parts of the body. In the end, the group sat in a circle and ate candy together.
"Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and have fun at the same time," Ortego said. "I want to see other Marines get the chance to do what I'm doing."
To find opportunities in volunteering in local Okinawan communities, contact your base community relations representative.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2009 20:08 |
| Story ID: | 37956 |
| Location: | GINOZA VILLAGE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 230 |
| Downloads: | 126 |
This work, Ginoza kindergartners practice English with Marines on Okinawa, by Cpl Abigail Brown, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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