RASA Rural Area Solidarity Association

RASA stands for Rural Area Solidarity Association

http://www.geocities.jp/maria200752000/rasanituite.html, and its major mission is to build schools in the Philippines. The volunteer students talked about the organization, the project, and their three-week homestay in a small village south of Manila. They also talked about the traditional, national dance performance at the welcome party.
In addition to the school building project, the students established good relationships with local children. For example, the volunteer students taught how to make origami. The children, in return, asked the Japanese volunteers interesting questions regarding the food and traditions of the Philippines and gave out prizes to the winners.
Prof. Teresista Calantas explained about Halohalo, which means “mixture” in the local language, and about some other foods and sweets. She also talked about the “Jeep” and its origin. She also mentioned that the basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines.                 
Reference:  http://www.seto.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ps/nepas/plaza/lounge/topics_090608.html

May 24: RASA-Our Experience of building a school in the Philippines の報告

At this week’s lunchtime event, four Policy Studies students, Kako, Haruka, Rie, and Saya who went to the Philippines last summer as volunteers shared their experiences. RASA, the Rural Area Solidarity Association, is a nonprofit organization and has contributed to building schools in the Philippines. The event started with a slide-show created by the students about the rural area of the Philippines where they stayed. They said that neighborhood was far from affluent, but the people were filled with happiness and generosity. Thinking about many unhappy people in wealthy countries, they sensed a paradox of plenty. During their home-stay, not only did they work to build a school but they also strengthened their bonds with the local children. The students showed them a Japanese traditional dance and taught them how to make origami. One of the students said, “Although I went there with the intention of helping others, I ended up being helped by their warm hospitality.” This summer, another group of volunteers are going to the Philippines as part of RASA to build a school. They should be expecting to see many happy faces there.

Reference: http://www.seto.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ps/nepas/plaza/lounge/topics_100524.html