JOEE to Ukraine

On Mondays, at 8pm Japan time, which is 2pm Ukraine time, children in Ukraine can tune in to a JOEE lesson crafted especially for them. Care is taken not to include any mention of planes, buildings or dangerous situations as the children are often tuning in from locations that are in or near to war zones during this time.

毎週月曜日の日本時間午後8時(現地時間午後2時)からウクライナの子どもたちは、特別に工夫されたJOEEのレッスンを視聴することができるようになりました。 この時期、子どもたちは戦地やその近くから視聴している場合も多いので、飛行機や建物、危険な情況に言及しないよう注意しています。

These lessons are organized by a non-profit in Eastern Europe, Smart Osvita, that seeks to bring educational moments to children who might need a joyful distraction from the stressful events that are happening in their lives right now. The website is here: nus.org.ua Daily lessons are listed in Ukrainian with information about the age group and subject matter of each lesson. The listing for Monday, April 18, is shown below. “A Hog Needs a Hug,” was one of the lesson offerings.

このレッスンは東欧の非営利団体「Smart Osvita」が主催するもので、今生活で起きているストレスの多い出来事からの楽しい気晴らしを必要としている子どもたちに教育の時間を提供しようとするものです。 ウェブサイトはこちらです: nus.org.ua 毎日のレッスンと、その対象年齢層とテーマがウクライナ語で掲載されています。 4月18日の掲載情報は、次の通りです。 「ハグを欲しがるホグ(ブタ)さん」というレッスンが提供されました。


During the hour-long JOEE lesson, Hamlet the Pig, along with some of his friends, taught the children English words. About 63 children logged in to the lesson. The moderator was able to unmute children who had a question or a comment, or just felt like talking to a friendly pig. In the process, my pugnacious pig made friends with stuffed animals on the other side of the world. Here is a reflection that I wrote after meeting these dear children, many of whom spoke English quite well!

JOEEの一時間のレッスンでブタのハムレットとその仲間たちが子どもたちに英単語を教えました。 約63人の子どもたちがレッスンにログインしました。 司会者は、質問や意見のある子ども、人懐っこいブタと話したくなった子どものミュートを解除できました。 そうしているうちに、ぶっきらぼうなブタさんは世界の反対側のぬいぐるみたちと仲良しになりました。 この愛らしい子どもたちに会った時の観想を書きました。英語の上手な子も多かったです!

— Ruth Gilmore Ingulsrud

If you feel led to donate in time or money, please remember the children of Ukraine. May they be protected from harm and may the war cease and the residents of Ukraine be able to return to their homes. Please pray and do what you can to help!

寄付や奉仕へと心動かされた方は、どうかウクライナの子どもたちを思い起こして下さい。 この子どもたちが危害から守られ、一日も早く戦争が終わり、ウクライナの住民が自宅に戻ることができるよう、 どうか、祈って下さい。そして可能な範囲でご支援をお願いします。

Walking & Running for JOEE

What are some ways to “Get Fit and Give Back?” The upcoming KIWL Palace Walk is one way that you and a group of your friends or colleagues can get some fresh air and exercise while raising money for a worthy cause. Sign up for the Imperial Palace Walk/Jog that takes place on April 22nd and 23rd near the Sakuradamon Station exit. More details provided when you complete the registration. ¥5,000 (or $50 donation for adults) gets you an exclusive T-shirt. The minimum for students is less.

Photo by Japan Travel

KIWL Palace Walk Sign-Up Process:

1. Go to the KIWL page on the website relating to the Walk. https://www.kiwl.net/events/imperial-palace-walkjog 

2. Click on “register here.” (Note: Begin at the link above in order to get your t-shirt.)

3. At the bottom of the registration page, there is a link to make the donation. https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/kiwl-2022-events/

4. When that page opens up, click on “DONATE NOW” button.

5. After entering “full name” and “email,” there is a button underneath and to the right — ‘Donate in honor’ which should be clicked on.


The following screen will appear:

6. Click on ‘no card’ and there you can add “JOEE” under the words, “In Honor Of” when donating. (See example below.)

That’s it! You’re done. Have a lovely walk or run around the palace grounds on a beautiful day in late April. May your steps lead you to many more paths of caring and compassion as you “Get Fit & Give Back.” Blessings on your journey.

Note: If you would like to make a direct donation to JOEE with no running around involved, you can click on the DONATE button to the left on this JOEE webpage.