JJETA NEWS V O L U M E
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Message from Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Greater awareness of 2 Japan Promoted
New Members Join JJETA
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The President’s Two Cents Worth
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Bou Nen Kai 2007
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Why Join JJETA
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Upcoming Dates & Events
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How to Make Tempura
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Allow me to take this opportunity to commend the members of the Jamaica Jet Alumni Association (JJETAA) for the significant role you are playing in the promotion of Japan and its rich culture in Jamaica. I am indeed pleased to see that you are fostering good relations with the Embassy and the Japanese community. Since the establishment of the Alumni, you have been working assiduously to build mutual understanding between Japan and Jamaica through a number of cultural activities. Last year, for instance, you have taken the initiative to go into primary schools and share the Japanese experience with the children who are now studying about Japan as part of their
curriculum. Another highlight of the year was the photo exhi-
Masahiro Obata Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica
bition where students could see and feel Japan through pictures. I also should like to thank you for the assistance in the preparation and selection process of
the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). To date, 120 Jamaicans have benefited from the programme. Currently there are 40 JETs working alongside their Japanese counterparts as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) as well as grass root ambassadors for Jamaica. Through your help, you have furnished these ALTs with the necessary guidelines for their living in Japan. I am aware of some of the challenges you are facing in keeping the Alumni going, and I hope you will overcome these with your zeal and my Embassy is committed to support your effort in this regard. I wish the Alumni success in every activity as you continue to build strong ties between Jamaica in Japan.
New Members Join the JJETA Family Executive Members Kay Dunkley President C. Hannalori Weller Treasurer Sheril Morgan Secretary
Dear Members, Thank you for inviting me to your Bou nen kai held at Cocoro Japanese restaurant last December. It was great fun for us Japanese to talk with Jamaicans who really understand Japan. For although Japanese cars are popular here, Japan per se is not very well known in Jamaica. That’s why our Embassy with its lack of manpower, heavily relies on your support in introducing Japan and its culture to all Jamaicans. For this, I am truly grateful. I really would like to do something in return.
If you think of any good ideas on how the Embassy can further support JJETAA, please send me an e-mail. At m.shimote@cwjamaica.com.
something brown. 2.What is your favourite Jamaican meal ? Roasted yam & salt fish. Simple but tasty like Onigiri & Umeboshi. 3.Where is your favourite spot in Jamaica? The Mountain view from the back garden of Strawberry Hill 4.How long you have been in Jamaica ? 21 months.
Mr. Yoshimoto and his son
Other Important Stuff… 1.What is your favourite colour ? I don’t know why but I often wear
5.Where did you live before? Nagasaki, Tokyo, Chiba, Kalamazoo (Michigan), Baghdad, London, Sydney. Welcome to the family!
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Fumiko of JICA held the students’ attention
If you want a place in the sun you’ve got to put up with a few blisters Abigail Van Burren
Ms. Shimote enjoying a night out with members of JET and JICA
GREATER AWARENESS OF JAPAN PROMOTED On November 16, 2007 the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA), supported by the Embassy of Japan and the Jamaica International Co-operation Agency held its first Photo Exhibition and Seminar at Eden Gardens. The day and was designed to foster greater awareness of Japan among teachers and students at the primary level.
through photographs taken by participants of the Jamaican Japan Exchange Teachers Programme; see and touch clothing, foods and other cultural items specific to Japan as well as participate in rap sessions/ talks by members of JJETAA, as well as Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).
also had a chance to interact closely with Japanese volunteers who live and work in Jamaica through the Japan International Co -operation Agency. The day was informative, thought stimulating and full of activities for both teachers and students who attended.
Yoko of JICA spoke about Japan Yokatta!
Tomoko of JICA showed students
The day conceptualized by the members of JJETAA aimed to have students and teachers ”view” Japan
how to make origami
The teachers and students
...Another New JJETA Family Member Dear JJETAA members, My name is Madoka Shimote and I am Ms. Nakanishi’s successor. It has been my pleasure to meet all the members who work so hard to make JJETA activities successful. Thanks to your devotion, the JET programme is getting more and more successful in Jamaica. This year was a milestone as 133 persons applied to become JETs. This is the highest number we have ever received!! It
is amazing, isn't it? In the new fiscal year I would like to support JJETAA in many and various social and fun activities. I hope members will attend our upcoming events including dinner at my house (if you can eat my dishes, you must be brave !). I truly appreciate the JJETA for all the effort and work done to foster mutual understanding between both countries. And look forward to a successful working relationship with JJETA! ...Other Important Stuff Madoka, originally from Gifu has lived in Jamaica for 6 months. She moved from
England where she had been studying for 18 months. Her favourite colours include black, green and sky blue. She has grown to love ackee and bacon and enjoys hanging out at Hope Gardens under the big big tree near the vegetarian restaurant. Welcome to our family!
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The President’s Two Cents Worth! managed to accomplish its targets. As usual members of the alumni participated in the JET recruitment, via promotional workshops, the screening, interviewing and selection process as well as the pre -departure orientation sessions, including a pre-departure handCountry Reps at the JET Alumni book, which have improved over Association International Meeting 2007-08 the last 3 years. The JJETA also prepared a newsletter for distribution among its members and The Jamaica JET Alumni stakeholders. Additionally, in an Association has had an effort to improve the number of extraordinary year. It has been a year of change; as many active returnees (JETs) a brochure outlining the activities of the of our support alumni have JJETA has been prepared and moved on to other pastures. distributed. But it has been a year of success as the association has
The fiscal year 2007-08 the focus has been on fostering the growth of the alumni by: ∗ Implementing more social activities; ∗ Improving the relationship with other Jamaica-Japan associations; ∗ Increasing membership to include members from other Caribbean islands. I hope you will join us as we grow from strength the strength.
What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly.
忘年会 2007
On your marks...get set...
Richard Bach filled with the aroma of exquiwho invited the different stakesitely prepared Japanese cuisine, holders to work together in the laughter and chatter as person coming year to assist in fostering reminisced over the past year. The hours flew by quickly as various really delicious dishes came and disappeared. Without even noticing it we had chatted the night way and soon it was time to bring to a close a great evening. Time flies when you are having fun...ne!
Our final JJETAA meeting for the year took the form of a Bou nen kai held at the Cocoro Restaurant. Persons in attendance included members of JJETA and specially invited guests including persons from the Embassy of Japan and JICA. The evening started at around 7:15pm when members and guests took their seats at a beautifully decorated table. Hannalori Weller, Treasurer, welcomed members and guests and thanked everyone for Mr. Yoshimoto in action… coming. She invited everyone to relax and enjoy the sumptuously The closing remarks were made prepared meal. The evening was by Sheril Morgan, Secretary,
Sheril, Shawn and Marsha after a good night out!
greater cultural exchange between Jamaica and Japan. The evening ended at around 9:15pm. See you there next time round!
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UPCOMING DATES & EVENTS
Why Join JJETA? ∗
Members of JJETA Executive have opportu- Japanese Language Classes nities to travel internationally to represent the Are you interested in continuing your Japanese language education? organization. Was “study more Japanese” a New Year’s resolution? Maybe we can help!
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There are also many opportunities to represent The Embassy has agreed to sponsor Japanese classes for our members starting in September. If we can get enough participants! Please reply and promote JET at events and even the to jamaicajetalumni@gmail.com chance to interview potential JETS!
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You have the unique experiences as a JET participant. JJETA activities give you the opportunity to speak with others who can relate to your experiences abroad.
Meeting Schedule 2008 Apr 26----- Special Meeting May 31---- Saturday June 21 -special meeting\games - Saturday July 31- Thursday Aug 16-AGM - Saturday
Remember that although all participants of JET are alumni members you choose the degree to which you would like to become involved
Jamaica JET Alumni Association P.O. Box 5447
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Kingston 6 Email:jamaicajetalumni@gmail.com
BRAWTA...How to Make Tempura Ingredients 12 medium Prawns/Shrimp deveined. Leave tail 2 fish fillets 1 Green peppers 1 Sweet potato sliced evenly Tempura Batter 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups iced water 2 cups sifted all purpose flour Tempura Dipping Sauce 1 3/4 cups dashi stock 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup mirin
Tempura Break eggs into well chilled bowl; add iced water. Add sifted flour. Loosely fold batter; leave lumpy. Batter should be a mixture with lumps of dry flour.
Tempura Sauce Bring all ingredients to a boil and let stand to cool. Ingredients for this sauce are available at most Chinese supermarkets in Jamaica.
Heat oil to 330-355ºF Test oil by dropping a tiny bit of batter into the oil; it should float to the surface from halfway of the bottom. Pat dry all ingredients thoroughly. Begin with vegetables coat with batter then slide into hot oil and deep fry until golden turning once or twice for even cooking. Drain excess oil on paper lined plate or tray after deep-frying.
Thanks to all who have supported JJETA over the years...