Obento box lesson unites youngsters

A study of Japanese food, language and culture brought a cohort of 70 Broome students together recently as part of an interactive project.

Students from St Mary’s College, Broome Senior High School and youngsters from Broome Primary who study Japanese through the Schools of Isolated and Distance Education took part in a Japanese immersion workshop at the University of Notre Dame on June 20.

The workshop was presented by the Department of Education, with support from St Mary’s, the Japan Foundation and the Hyogo Education Office WA.

It was co-ordinated by St Mary’s College Japanese language teacher Abhaya Yapa who was joined by fellow Japanese language teachers Anne Becker from SIDE and Karen Worth from Perth, along with Education Department language advisor Yuko Fujimitsu and her team.

The workshop theme centred on obento, the Japanese lunch box, and was designed to embed Japanese culture, hands-on activities and real-life scenarios within the study of language.

A number of students said the workshop enabled them to feel more connected to the wider study of Japanese culture and language, and help develop their confidence.

Representatives from the schools and family members attended the final presentation and a Japanese obento day was held at Broome Primary, BSHS and SMC.

Ms Becker said the workshop was a great opportunity for students from Catholic and government sectors to work together to promote cultural, linguistic opportunities and work as a team to break down barriers and strengthen community relations.