Event Report, Okinawa Chapter March 2018

Local members gathered at OIST for a kick off event for the year.
After a brief introduction to JALT by George MacLean and Justin Foster-Sutherland, Nadine Richard outlined the activities for the day. Attendees had a chance to introduce themselves. A very large variety of people attended. Teachers from international schools, JSL teachers, University teachers and high school teachers all took part in this small symposium.
Justin and Margaret Howell started the talks by explaining their situation at OIST. After which a small talk by George MacLean on ALTs led to a lively discussion. Makoa Carman then introduced his situation and the unique issues and challenges at the National Institute of Technology in Okinawa. Grant Osterman shared his experiences about owning a private language school in Naha. After a short break and lively conversation of some tea and coffee we reconvened for the second half of the afternoon.
Nadine Richard spoke about Okinawa Amicus International School. Audience members were very interested in how the relatively young Amicus school is progressing. After which Hinako Breines spoke about the Takahashi – Bridge Program & JSL classes at UMUC (University of Maryland University College). Finally Gen Kitaueda spoke about a growing problem where students attending local schools needed extra Japanese Language classes. He introduced his support group: Okinawa network for JSL teaching and learning student support.
The event ended on a great note and more than half of the attendees joined officers for a dinner at the sunset drive-in restaurant before going home.