“Lost in thought?” a gentle voice startled me. I blinked, turning to see a kind-faced woman beside me, her gaze fixed on Seinan Gakuin Elementary School. This “big house,” as it’s sometimes called, centers around a bright atrium. It’s designed so everyone inside can see each other, promoting a sense of community and security for the children. Seinan Gakuin Elementary is the newest addition to the Seinan Gakuin Educational Foundation. This foundation boasts a long history, dating back to 1916. It began as a boys’ academy, founded by Reverend C. K. Dozier, a Baptist missionary from the United States. Seinan Gakuin Elementary opened its doors in 2010, welcoming 210 pupils in grades one through three. Imagine the excitement of those first students, exploring the brand-new classrooms and the unique atrium space! This atrium isn’t just for everyday learning. It also serves as a stage for choral presentations, a backdrop for commemorative photos, and a central gathering point for various events. The school is part of a larger institution that includes a university, junior and senior high schools, a kindergarten, and a day nursery. Seinan Gakuin University, known for its strong emphasis on humanities and international exchange, is right here in Fukuoka. It’s interesting to note that Seinan Gakuin was one of the first schools in Japan to include English-language education in its curriculum. It also pioneered a foreign exchange program with universities overseas. As we stand here, looking at the elementary school, remember the motto of Seinan Gakuin: “Seinan, Be True to Christ.” These words, the last spoken by Reverend Dozier before his passing in 1933, are a testament to the enduring values of this educational institution.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to