2013 年 7 月号 VOL.14

NPO 法人 RASA- SINCE 1985 RASA Newsletter July 2013 Edition, Volume 14

Dear Friends of RASA,

I would like to wish all of you the peace and love of God and thank you for your generosity in helping us. Here, I would like to write a little about our recent activities and our immediate plans for the fu- ture.

On Saturday, May 25th, we had our annual meeting at Hirabari Catholic Church, which was led by Mr. Norio Fujii, our Office Manager. Besides our staff and regular members, I was delighted to see some of last year's volunteers at the meeting. After we finished our official business, they gave a power point presentation of our activities in Angeles City, Pampanga Province, a two-hour drive north of Manila, where we worked last year. Ever since that time, these volunteers have been giving a great deal of their time to support RASA. Their generosity is an inspiration to all of us.

We finished the first of our three study session on Saturday, June 15th. It took place in one of the large dining rooms of Nanzan University, campus. Almost all of those committed to the pro- gram this summer—fifty-two volunteers—were present at the meeting. We will be in the between Thursday, August 15, and Sunday, September 1.

It seems that the government has reduced the ODA (Overseas Development Assistance) funds to half of what they have been providing. Because of this, we decided that RASA alone would provide the funds for our school-building program this summer. However, because our funds are limited, we are only able to build two large classrooms, each with a toilet, in a one-story structure. This pre- sented us with another problem. Most of the schools where we had intended to work (when we thought we would get government financing) want a two-story building. This would save space within the school grounds, so that later more classrooms could be built. But because of our limited funds, we decided that we could only build a one-story structure. Fortunately, we found an elemen- tary school willing to accept our plan. It is in Candon City, in the far north of Luzon Island, in the province of Ilocos Sur. This will require a 7-hour bus ride from Manila, but we are happy that at least we do have a place to work this summer. There are a little over 1,000 children in the school. Can- don is very close to the sea, which will give us a good place to relax when we have some free time. It might be added that the residents at the place where we will work are so delighted that we are go- ing there that they promised to add one more room so that, in total, we will construct a three-room building.

RASA works closely with our sister NPO in the Philippines, Mother Laura Gertrude Seland Founda- tion. We regularly send the staff there funds so that they can run their office in Manila. These funds are also now helping 53 children with their tuition. We also continue to send funds to Cebu to provide food for malnourished children there. In addition, on June 17th, we began a new Feeding Program for malnourished children at Southville, a section of Cabuyao City, Laguna Province, an hour's drive south of Manila. We are able to do this because we are receiving funds from the Mori- koro Foundation.

Whenever I go to the Philippines, my heart goes out to the many good people who are struggling to maintain a decent life. Our RASA activities can only do so much, but it is a joy to realize that we are able to help many people, thanks to your generosity. May the Lord bless you abundantly for this.

Sincerely,

Fr. John Seland, S.V.D.

Main Activities of 2013

Tuesday, January 8: Meeting of Nanzan University RASA volunteers of 2012

Friday, January 11: Meeting to plan how to make a DVD presentation of our 2012 school-building ac- tivities

Sunday, January 13: Report at Hirabari Catholic Church of activities to the adult members of RASA. Three student volunteers from the 2012 school-building program participated.

Tuesday, January 15: Meeting with Mr. Yoshimi Ando at Aichi Rescue to decide on our NPO budget for this year.

Saturday, January 19: Study meeting to plan the budget for 2013

Wednesday, February 6: Meeting to plan how to get the support of former RASA volunteers

Tuesday-Saturday, February 11-16: Trip to the Philippines to celebrate the completion of new class- rooms at Angeles City, Pampanga, and to plan for the next school-building program

Monday, February 18: Monthly meeting of RASA staff

Saturday, February 23: Attendance at NPO study session

Tuesday, February 26: Attendance at NPO study session

Sunday, March 3: Presentation of RASA activities at Nanzan Catholic Church

Tuesday, March 5: Meeting of volunteer support staff; making hand-outs for next year's school-building program; discussion on how to make posters and a DVD of our activities of last summer

Saturday, March 9: Second meeting at Wire Aichi to discuss the distribution of Aichi Morikoro Funds

Wednesday, March 13: Study session at Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Center on how to raise funds

Saturday, March 16: Meeting to prepare for the financial inspection of RASA

Monday, March 18: Monthly meeting of RASA staff

Wednesday, March 20: Meeting to plan the 2013 school-building program

Saturday, April 6: Meeting of the volunteer support staff and

Sunday, April 7: Meeting of the volunteer support staff and

Monday, April 8: Monthly staff meeting

Friday, April 12: General meeting to collect and organize various data

Saturday, April 13: Meeting to make a plan for a general meeting

Tuesday to Friday, April 16-19: Trip to Philippines to prepare for the Morikoro Feeding Program at Southville

Saturday, April 20: Inspection of finances

Sunday, April 21: Preparation for presentation at Ping-pong House

Monday, April 22: Making documents to solicit funds for our 2013 trip to the Philippines

Tuesday, April 23: First explanation meetings to students at Nanzan University Seto campus and Nagoya campus about our summer trip

Monday, April 29: Second explanation meetings

Saturday, May 4: Volunteer support staff meeting to prepare for Student Exposition at Nagoya's Cen- tral Park

Saturday, May 18: Student Exposition at Central Park, Sakae

Sunday, May 19: Student Exposition at Central Park, Sakae

Friday, May 24: Presentation of RASA school-building program at Shukutoku University

Saturday, May 25: General Assembly at Hirabari Catholic Church picture3

Sunday, May 26: Participating in Philippine Festival at Nagoya International Center

Friday, May 31: Meeting to prepare RASA Newsletter

Saturday, June 15: First study session with volunteers for summer school-building program picture3

Sunday, July 7: Mass at Hirabari Catholic Church and collecting donations afterwards

Monday, July 8: Staff meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fujii

Saturday, July 13: Second study session

Sunday, July 21: Mass at Nanzan Catholic Church and collections donations afterwards picture4

Saturday, August 3: Third study session picture4 The Growth and Progress of RASA

RASA's Beginnings Way back in the summer of 1981, a Jesuit friend of mine invited me to visit him at his parents' home in Dindigul, a large city in Tamil Nadu, located in southern India. Taking advantage of my vacation that year, I decided to pass through India on my way home to the States. With this in mind, I took a plane from Nagoya to Mumbai (then called Bombay) and stayed for a day at our Divine Word Missionary house there. A few hours of free time gave me a chance to take a short walk around the neighborhood. The first noticeable sight was a large slum close-by. And so I decided to see what I could during the short time I had. I do not know how many people lived there, but one could see a long line of shacks stretching out for a long distance alongside some defunct railroad tracks. Practically all of the shacks were flimsy, the better ones made of brick or wood, but most a combination of various materials. After a heavy squall, puddles of water laid stagnant on the ground, which I imagined would soon evaporate in the scorching 40 degree heat. In the middle of a large field stretched out in front of some of the shacks, a group of boys were playing marbles. People were passing through and from the shacks, seemingly busy with their daily affairs. In front of one of the huts a woman bent over a large basin of water as she washed some clothes, while a very small child crawled along the ground, picking bits of things up from the ground and giving each a sample taste. The women didn't seem to notice anything unusual. Feeling misplaced, I headed headed back towards the street, a bit disappointed in myself for lacking the courage to go further and to learn more about the place. Back in Japan after the vacation, I soon became involved in teaching again at our university (Nanzan) in Nagoya. But always lingering in my mind was the thought of that slum. What was it like to live there? How did the people earn their livelihood? What did they do when someone be- came sick and needed medical care? The questions wouldn't go away. One day, I heard of a Jesuit priest, Fr. Isamu Ando, who was taking volunteers to . After a phone call, I decided to visit him in Tokyo. I became impressed by his program and decided to bring students from Nanzan University, in Nagoya, to Tokyo, where we would tie up with his volun- teers and go together to Thailand. It was an Exposure Program and, for us in Nagoya, it was a small beginning: in 1982, there were only four of us: three students and I, along with twelve students from various schools in Tokyo. We merely stayed with farming families in Ubon, in the easternmost part of the country, trying to learn from them how they lived and what their values were. Needless to say, it was a new and very enriching experience and for the first time ever we realized what it was like to live poorly and to make the best of life with the barest of necessities. Immediately after returning to Japan, Fr. Ando called for a meeting in order to decide on a name for our organization. Since we planned to work mainly in the countryside, the word, “rural,” was the first that came to mind. Our work would involve going to Asian countries, thus we added the word, “Asia.” We wanted to be in union with the poor and to learn from them, and so we added one more word, “solidarity.” The final word, “association,” came as a matter of course. Thus, from now on, we would be called Rural Asia Solidarity Association. (More will follow in the next issue.)

Report on RASA's Activities in 2012

Student Presentation of Our School-building Program at Angeles City

On Sunday, January 13, three volunteers from last year's program presented a power-point lecture of our work at Angeles City to the people of Hirabari Catholic Church. On Sunday, March 3, they gave the same presentation, this time at Nanzan Catholic Church. This was done at both plac- es as a sign of gratitude, since every year the faithful give us considerable donations to help us in our work. After the presentations, there was a question and answer session, lasting about an hour. In this way, we felt that we were able to give everyone a better picture of our work in the Philippines, as well as to bind all of us together in an effort to do what we can for people struggling to make ends meet.

Student Exposition at Sakae

Every year university students have an opportunity to give the public a demonstration at Central Park, Sakae, of their particular activities. This year, RASA's volunteers took advantage of this op- portunity to open a booth there for two days: Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. In imitation of the “sari-sari” mini-stores in the Philippines, the students sold various articles, in particular, “Seland's Soap” and ginger tea (both made by our Mother Laura NPO in Cebu). The students also prepared six large panels of photographs showing our activities in Angeles City, while distributing RASA pam- phlets to passersby. It was very encouraging to see how interested many people were when they stopped to see the panels and talk with the volunteers

.

Philippine Festival

Every year, a Philippine Festival is held at Nagoya International Center, organized by Ms. Linda Taki, the Chairwoman of the Chubu Philippine Friendship Association (CPFA) and Ms. Marita Cas- taneda, President. After the main lecture in the morning, various groups are given the chance to in- form everyone about their activities. Since RASA is committed to the Philippines, each year we are able to share our experiences with the audience. Once again, the students gave a power-point presentation to show everyone what we accomplished in our last tour. We are also very grateful to the organizers of the festival for allowing us to open a booth. In this way, too, we were able to meet many people who were able to learn about our work on behalf of the Philippines.

Ping-Pong House

On Sunday, April 14, the RASA volunteers participated in a friendship meeting with elementary and junior high school students at a place called, Pingpong House, run by an international Help the Chil- dren NPO. The children were very surprised when they heard that the life style of many Filipinos differs so much from theirs, for example, the door in many Filipino homes is often left wide open dur- ing the day. Because of this and, of course, because of the inherent friendliness of the people, there is a constant stream of visitors. It is also quite likely in most homes to enjoy a “merienda,” a small snack in mid-afternoon. Riding a jeepney, too—a kind of converted jeep that servers as a taxi or small bus—is another unique feature of life in most Filipino cities. One boards the bus in the rear and, after taking a seat, passes the fare to the driver, which often involves the cooperation of people sitting between the passenger who is paying the fare and the driver. Then, if there is change, the driver will then pass it back to the passenger, again requiring the good offices of other passengers who return the extra amount to the said payer. Upon hearing about such things, the children be- came very interested, many of them saying, “I want to go to the Philippines.”

Our New Logo

We recently decided on a new RASA logo. It combines the color of the Japanese flag—red—as well as that of the Philippines—blue. One can see, also, that the colors blend in with each other to form a unity. Furthermore, a flame burns brightly in the center of the logo, the sym- bolism pointing to the love and concern for one another that binds the people of Japan and the Philip- pines together.

Letters from Scholars

Although the number of children we have been helping by way of scholarships has been rather small, ever since the beginning, we have had a scholarship program. Now, however, we would like to open the program up even more, asking all of our benefactors if they would like to support one or more children in their education. The process is rather simple. Mother Laura will select suitable children and then send us here in Japan letters from the children, along with their individual pictures. We will also receive some background information about the children, for example, their family, the interests of the children, and their schoolwork. We might add that, once the children begin to receive scholarship funds, the staff of Mother Laura will begin to supervise them, visiting the families periodi- cally and making sure that the children are doing their best at school. The important thing, of course, is to ensure that the children are profiting from their education so that, hopefully, they can mature and eventually contribute to the good of society.

Why Do We Have a Food Program in Southville?

RASA volunteers went to Southville, Laguna Province, in the summer of 2010 where they built three classrooms. Because we were not able to meet the requirements set down by the ODA (Overseas Development Association), RASA had to use its own funds. Fortunately, we were able to meet ends because the local government contributed $20,000.

Southville, located about an hour's drive south of Manila, is what night be called an "immigrant city." with 15,000 families living there. Originally consisting of rice paddies, in the year 2007, the capital city, Manila, relocated these families to this area, since it was felt that Manila was too crowded. Each family was given a loan of $1,200 to build a small home. As might be expected, most families had only meager savings, with the result that most of the homes are very small and crude, some having only one room, besides a tiny space for a toilet and another for a kitchen. Not surprisingly, the larger homes of better-off families are very few in number. Unfortunately, there are no opportuni- ties for people to farm, the price of the land being beyond their capacities. Also without surprise is that the number of malnourished children is very large. We became immediately aware of this when, on the very day that we arrived there, we learned that a small child had just died because,when a high fever set in, she had not the physical strength to overcome it.

The Beginning of the Program

One day, while we were building new classrooms in Southville, a ten-year old girl, seeing Fr. Seland, greeted him as she was going to school. "Hello!" he responded, "how are you doing today?" "Not very well," she replied. "I haven't had any breakfast and I'm hungry." That night, Fr. Seland learned from his host family that this was not an uncommon occurrence; many of the children came to school without having had any breakfast, one result being a loss of attention during the lessons, not to mention the debilitating health factors. On the following day, a meeting was held at school, at- tended by the school principal, several teachers, some mothers, and Fr. Seland, who had brought along some extra funds for such emergencies. It was decided that a simple food program would be started. Emma, the woman in charge of the Parents Teachers Association, immediately enlisted the help of some volunteers. Other decisions would take some time, of course, but at least a tentative plan had been decided. Be as it may, thanks to financial assistance from RASA, the actual program began in March of the following year, and went on for one full year, until March of 2013. 50 chil- dren came each day for a nutritious, hot meal served at midday.

The Morikoro Fund

In the Fall of 2012, we learned of a voluntary NPO network, the Morikoro Fund, which was es- tablished soon after the close of the World Exposition site, in Seto, in the year 2007. So successful was the Exposition that it was decided to use the funds gained to support various Japanese NPO or- ganizations, most working within the country, but some also outside. Thanks especially to the hard work of Tadako Fujii, who wrote countless forms (twelve pages in all) and who attended just as many countless meetings, the committee in charge of disbursing the funds granted RASA the amount of 980,000 yen in order to continue the Feeding Program at Southville. The number of children would be less, twenty-four each day, but the equipment would be updated and salaries would be given to those carrying out the program there. More stringent rules are also being required, for example, we were directed to hire a social worker in Southville to monitor everything. Also, the food served to the children had to contain enough protein and calories, periodic evaluations had to be made, and data about the program sent to us to ensure that everything was being carried out well. In order to fulfill all of the requirements, RASA was asked to add another 200,000 yen of its own money. It might be added that, in addition to receiving a full meal each day, the children also learn the importance of hy- giene, proper etiquette, and good table manners. In an effort to continue the program in the future, we would also like to make the people in Southville active participants in this very worthwhile project.

Additional Notes to This Edition

1. RASA's Staff

In the year 2009, RASA was established as an official NPO. Since that time, we have con- ducted three General Assemblies. Also, our staff has increased from an initial two members to six, each one with professional qualifications in their respective field. This has given us a certain confi- dence that our decisions are based on a good amount of experience. In addition, because of the larger number in our staff, we are now able to reach out to more people than ever.

2. The Newsletter

We also intend to increase size of our newsletter—from size A4 to A3. It will be folded which will make it easier to send by regular post. We also intend to include in the newsletter a report of our activities after we return from our tour this summer. And, as in this present newsletter, we want to publish up-to-date information about the children who apply for a scholarship.

1. 3. The Activities of the Volunteers

There is no doubt that many problems beset today's society—too many to mention. On the other hand, we cannot but be encouraged by the self-sacrificing spirit of the young people who join us in our activities. Imagine: the volunteers who go to the Philippines pay for the program from their own pockets, many of them working at part-time jobs over a long period of time. They also give up a large part of their time during the summer vacation. And while in the Philippines, they work hard in the hot sun. Our aim, of course, it to help the children of poor families in that country to get a better education. But we also want to further the maturation process of the students who participate in the program. Actually, in just a matter of eighteen days, they are changed by what they experience. They come to see how people in that country manage to smile, even when they are beset by the problems brought on by poverty. And so we go ahead, buoyed up by the generous spirit of these young volunteers who, hopefully, will influence many others by their example. Our hope is that you will continue to support us so that many other students will also join us in our effort to help those who are in need.

RASA’s Budget for the Year 2013(in year)

Topic Breakdown Yearly Result Estimate Budget Last Year’s Notes Costs Costs ⅠCurrent Budget １Members fee Regular members’ Dues 385000 520000 280000 ２Income Cost of send volunteers 12164000 105000000 4830000 57participants

Gifts 2543864 2000000 1735056

3 Various Business Received 419 500 433 Operations Received from various 44300 80000 75310 From bazars sources Summary of Cur- 15032583 12965500 7025799 rent budget

ⅡCurrent Expenses

1perating costs Building a school in the 1250000 1300000 3849752 Philippines Scholarships 1600000 1600000 1600000

Food Program for Mal 432000 438000 432000 nourished Children Cost to send Volunteers 6882105 8000000 2820755

Total cost 10164105 11338000 8702507

2 Staff Expenditures Salary Allowance 300000 0 0 Cost for meetings 258603 100000 80900 Volunteers’ Supplies Traveling Expenses 876538 800000 789762 Bu trip

Transportation and 172616 500000 42285 Postage correspondence Supply Utensils and 462022 0 20215 Two comput- Equipment ers Supplies 242011 500000 134970 Software

Printing 0 20000 15204

Taxes 0 0 0

Miscellaneous Cost 340465 360000 Parking Homepage Fee Advance payment 1039890 0 0

Management Cost 3392145 1680000 1357577

Total Current Budget 13556250 13018000 100687810

Balance of current 1475333 △52500 △3042982 Budget expenses Money left from last 5096881 5096881 8139863 year Money Remaining 6573214 5044381 5096881 for Next Year

Four years later, I was at another, much larger slum, in another country, the Philippines. Along with other Divine Word fathers, I had just finished a Justice and Peace workshop at our house in Los Banyos, about a two-hour drive south of Manila. Returning to Japan meant going to the airport in Manila. That was on a Saturday. My plane left for Nagoya on the next Monday. On Sunday, a young Filipino priest invited me to say Mass with him. “It's at Smokey Mountain,” he said. “It rained last night, but don't worry; we'll take some boots.” As we made our way to the chapel (which was open to the sun, having no roof), we passed through part of the dumpsite. At one point, a small group of people was gathered in front of one of the huts. When we came near, a woman beckoned us inside. There, lying on the ground on a thin blanket, was a small, twelve-year old girl. “She died a few hours ago,” said the mother. “The doc- tor told us that it was because of malnutrition.” Once again, on the flight back to Japan, the questions began to circulate in my mind. But this time I decided to do something to help