Stay Period: March 6 – March 15, 2026
Activities: Origami and tie-dye cultural exchange workshops at the School for the Deaf, Tenri School, and Jump and Smile program
Although this was already my third visit to Embu, the principal, Teacher Oscar, and the boarding students welcomed me with singing and dancing — just like the very first time! Being received so warmly made me feel as though I was returning to a beloved hometown.
Children I had met three years ago spotted me from a distance — they have such sharp eyesight! — and came running toward me, calling my name. These moments of reunion are truly priceless and are the greatest reward of volunteering.
During my stay, I conducted origami workshops where the children learned to fold cranes, frogs, and flowers, and tie-dye sessions where they created colorful patterns on fabric. The joy on their faces as they completed each piece was unforgettable.
This cultural exchange program is one of the highlights of ACEF's volunteer activities, bridging Japanese and Kenyan traditions through hands-on creative art.