1000 Paper Cranes

As an offering to the people of Hiroshima affected by the A-bomb, NARPI participants and facilitators are making 1000 paper cranes, to present to the Children's Memorial in the Hiroshima Peace Park on Saturday.  Many of us are learning how to fold cranes for the first time, so it has been a great community-building exercise as well!

Our growing crane collection

For those who don't know the significance of making 1000 paper cranes in Hiroshima, we invite you to read the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who after being exposed to radiation from the bombing at a very young age, developed leukemia, and began making1000 paper cranes, a Japanese tradition believed to grant a wish, long-life, or health  Since her death, the paper crane has become a symbol of hope and peace for atomic bomb survivors, and especially for the children who were affected by the explosion.

Since 1000 paper cranes is a lot to make, even for NARPI, many participants have begun making cranes in their classes.  The Trauma Awareness and Healing class has been making many cranes, finding the exercise helpful in honestly discussing emotionally sensitive issues.

  

In Trauma Awareness and Healing, participants are exploring the social-psychological-physical-spiritual processes of responding to deep personal loss, pain, and suffering in settings of protracted, traumatic events, including conflict. In addition, the course examines recently developed healing approaches of individuals and communities moving from violence to trauma healing and transformation. Participants are expected to be able to come up with a re-entry plan that would integrate a trauma healing program to their work and community. This year, the course is focusing specifically on various traumatic events impacting daily life based on Northeast Asia context. 

Tonight is NARPI's cultural night - a chance for participants to share songs, dances, poems, and music from their home regions.  Check back tomorrow for photos and updates of this exciting event!

As always, if you have events, posts, photos, or videos you would like to share, please send them to admin@narpi.net. Submissions are always welcome!