Thursday, October 27th, 2005
Kids Initiative Special Session Held at the TDLC
Children in Japan and Sri Lanka Connect for Cultural Exchange
In Japan, children taking part in an IT course given by Salesforce.com/foundation, which focuses on technology related activities for youth in its philanthropy program, gathered at the TDLC and presented a clay animation video of a Japanese folk tale titled "Saru-kani-gassen", (Competition between Monkey and Crab). This was the first time that they had shown their production, and the children prepared for this day's event by adding English subtitles. All eyes focused on the screen to watch their Sri Lankan counterparts, laughing with joy or becoming a bit serious depending on the children's response.
In turn, children in Sri Lanka introduced their school and other activities in Japanese, surprising the children in Japan.
The Kids Initiative incorporates videoconferencing in its international exchange programs to promote an understanding of cultural diversity and development challenges.
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