Background and thoughts on the activity

I first became aware of the concept of supporting developing countries when I was in my first year of junior high school, after watching a television program that featured children in Africa.

 

The program showed children suffering from hunger, some even dying due to the lack of food.
It was a deeply shocking and disturbing image.

 

I was born in Japan, a country with an abundance of food,
and I couldn't help but wonder why people in other countries had to suffer from hunger...

 

Because I am so fortunate, I wanted to someday, somehow,
do something to help people like them.

That was the first time I felt this, purely and sincerely, as a child.

 

Later, after graduating from junior college,
I was dispatched to the Republic of Maldives as a member of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.

 

In the Maldives, I taught physical education and music to local children.
We chatted in the local language, shared meals, played together,
and I was blessed to spend two precious years with them.

 

In both daily life and my work, I learned far more than I taught.

During my time as a volunteer, I realized my own lack of ability,
and I set a new goal to go abroad again.

 

While working at kindergartens, elementary schools, and the board of education in my hometown of Amami Oshima,
I obtained certifications as a nursery teacher and an elementary school teacher.

 

Eventually, I was assigned to the Japanese School in New Delhi, India.

 

In India, I saw many people born, living, and dying on the streets.
I also had the opportunity to volunteer at Mother Teresa’s home in Kolkata.

 

After experiencing health issues during my time in India,
I came to deeply appreciate the importance of physical and mental well-being.

This led me to take my long-practiced yoga even more seriously and begin formal studies.

 

Later, upon getting married, I moved to Malawi in Africa.
The people of Malawi gave me the impression of living simply and earnestly.

 

There, I met many young people aiming for careers in international cooperation,
including those studying abroad for graduate school or working for NGOs and aid agencies.

Inspired by their dedication,

 

I began to think I wanted to contribute in my own way, even if it was something small.

 

That led me to achieve a long-held dream and goal—
I became certified as a yoga instructor.

I began to take small steps toward my mission:
"Promoting health through yoga and connecting that to support efforts."

 

After returning from Malawi, I was posted to Timor-Leste in 2021.

 

Timor-Leste is a young country with many challenges, including in policymaking and healthcare.

There, I began donation activities through yoga and illustration.

 

In my yoga lessons, I introduced a system in which participants made donations directly to organizations they wished to support.

 

I was also able to utilize my past experience in Japan creating handmade teaching materials for special needs education—
children in Timor-Leste were able to use coloring books and Tetun language materials I developed.

 

Since I personally love postcards,
I also created illustrated postcards of Timor-Leste to sell and use the proceeds for donations.

 

Timor-Leste is home to many people involved in international cooperation and NGOs, as well as independent volunteers.
I was fortunate to meet and hear from people working hard for the local population and the development of the country.

 

Over time, I came to feel that while "supporting people in developing countries" is important,
"supporting those involved in such support" is equally vital.

There are people doing what I cannot, in places I cannot go.

 

I truly wish for the well-being and livelihood security of these individuals.

Because their health and safety directly contribute to the support of people in developing countries.

 

The amounts may not be large,
but when someone who took a yoga class tells me,
"This was my first time donating to an NGO,"
or they learn about various NGOs and actively choose where to donate—

 

That act, made through something as familiar as yoga or illustration,
is a form of support I hope to continue, little by little.

 

Sadly, many people around me still know very little about developing countries or the work of NGOs.

 

Having been fortunate to live in such meaningful places,
to meet people living their lives to the fullest,
and to encounter so many dedicated individuals involved in aid—

I now feel it is my mission
(maybe it’s just a personal belief, but I’m okay with that)

 

 

To do what I can,
and to put great love into even the smallest actions,
as I continue forward.