2026.02.28
Hiroshima Jogakuin was once again thrilled to work with the Oleander Initiative in February this year. The Oleander Initiative has been working since 2018 to bring peacebuilders, educators, and students from around the world together for cross-cultural exchange.
Please read the comments from one of our Jogakuin Global Issues students who participated in a workshop with Lebanese students visiting Hiroshima with the Oleander Initiative program.
私達GI（Global Issues）
GI (Global Issues) students met the students from two high schools in Lebanon: Brummana High School and Ahliah School. I couldn’t attend their cultural exchange discussion because I was helping other Jogakuin students to give tours of Peace Park to another visiting high school. We call these tours “Himeguri”.
While I couldn’t attend the exchange activities at school, I was able to participate in a workshop with GI students and the students from Lebanon the day before. At first, we made original picture books. These little books are called “zines”. This is short for “magazines”. Each of us made a unique picture book (zine) based on the theme of “peace”. At lunch time, we ate okonomiyaki in the Okonomi Village with the Lebanese students. It was the first time for them to eat okonomiyaki but they said it’s delicious. I was happy to hear that. After that, Lebanese students gave a presentation for us. I learned about the history of Lebanon, the atmosphere of the city, and their experiences of war. After spending time with them, I have more interest in Lebanon. I hope to see my new friends again! – ST
