Hello again from Seibo and Happy House!

We would like to wish you a Happy New Year ^^

Before the first month of the year ended, we would like to look back to the amazing things VIDES have done for our children in Akabane.
Just a quick review about VIDES, it is an organisation that manages “Happy House Project” who serves as a safe space for children to spend their time after school hours. Some of the many fun activities at Happy House includes cooking and eating dinner together, learning new subjects, doing homework together, playing games, and many more! Why is Happy House such an important project to us? Unfortunately many kids in Akabane are children of broken homes, and because their parents needs to make a living for their family, they usually work really hard on sometimes really long irregular hours or even night shift. As a result many children are lacking the support they need from adults to watch over their learning progress. They are also experiencing difficulties focusing on their studies with empty stomachs.

Here are some of the highlights; last October, Happy House was delighted by the visit of Sr. Phyllis from the US as part of her tour. “Here, the children talk freely, carelessly, play if they want to play, sleep if they want to sleep. They’re as relaxed as their home and like a family.” said Sr. Phyllis. The children shared such a great time with her.

On average we meet at the Happy House about 2 times a week last year. Around 5 children come to play with us and eat dinner together. After having regular meals, we can see improvements in children’s behavior. They become so energetic (it’s even a little difficult for the staff to catch up sometimes). During this winter season, even if the temperature could reach 5 degrees at night, the children are still very active and kept on asking the staff to go play outside at the park. Of course we couldn’t resist the look on their face, so to the park we went!

2019 has been such a great and giving year for us. Thank you so much to Sr. Phyllis for giving us a visit. Also thank you to all Seibo donors who helped us sustain projects such as The Happy House. We couldn’t have done it without you!

In 2020, we are looking forward to more visits, more fun, more love, and more laugh with the children. So why not help us to make our New Years resolution happen? Click on the “donate” tab and put a smile on children from Japan to Malawi and back to Japan.