Freeman Outreach Program Teaches Children East Asian Culture

Olivia DrakeDecember 2, 20086min
Taiki Sawabe '12 teaches Soranbushi dancing to children during the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies Outreach Program Nov. 11.  The program introduces students in the local community about East Asian cultures through hands-on cultural activities.
Taiki Sawabe '12 teaches Soranbushi dancing to children during the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies Outreach Program on Nov. 11. The program introduced students in the local community to various East Asian cultures through hands-on activities.

Shirley Lawrence, program coordinator, introduces the event, which welcomed Wesleyan faculty and staff and their children.
Shirley Lawrence, program coordinator, introduces the event, which welcomed Wesleyan faculty and staff and their children. About 15 children participated in the program.
Samantha Angle, daughter of Stephen Angle, chair and associate professor of philosophy, associate professor of East Asian studies, sports origami Samuri hat she made at the event.
Samantha Angle, daughter of Stephen Angle, chair and associate professor of philosophy, associate professor of East Asian studies, sports origami Samuri hat she made at the event.
Masami Imai, assistant professor of economics, assistant professor of East Asian studies, adjusts a paper hat on his daughter, Yumiko Imai. The hat was constructed of Chinese newspapers.
Masami Imai, assistant professor of economics, assistant professor of East Asian studies, adjusts the Samuri hat on his daughter, Yumiko Imai. The hat was constructed of Chinese newspapers.
Masami Imai and his wife, Sue, brought their other child, Tetsuya, to the Outreach Program. Child participants ranged in age from 2 to 12.
Masami Imai and his wife, Sue, brought their other child, Tetsuya, to the Outreach Program. Child participants ranged in age from 2 to 12.
Fumi Tanakadate '12 teaches children how to make Japanese rice balls.
Fumi Tanakadate '12 teaches children how to make onigiri - a Japanese rice ball. Tanakadate was one of eight Outreach Program teachers.
"Ivy" Pin-Fang Chen '09, Brian Lau, Taiki Sawabe '12, Sudita Tambunlertchai '09, Fumi Tanakadate '12, Shun-Wen "Sarah" Wu '09, and Youlieguo "Andy" Zhou '10.
Children learned the Soranbushi Dance (The Fisherman Dance) during the Outreach Program. Participants included, in foreground, Dylan and Trevor Drescher, Yumiko Imai; and in background, Samantha Angle, Rachel Angle and Outreach teachers "Ivy" Pin-Fang Chen '09, Brian Lau '12, Taiki Sawabe '12, Sudita Tambunlertchai '09, Fumi Tanakadate '12, Shun-Wen "Sarah" Wu '09, and Youlieguo "Andy" Zhou '10.
Samantha Angle, WHO and Sophie Weil-Roth, daughter of President Michael Roth and Kari Weil, visiting professor of letters and faculty fellow, make sushi rolls.
Samantha Angle, Claire Curran and Sophie Weil-Roth, daughter of President Michael Roth and Kari Weil, visiting professor of letters and faculty fellow, make sushi rolls.
Trevor Drescher and Clark Devoto make Japanese rice balls.
Trevor Drescher and Clark Devoto make Japanese onigiri. Trevor is the son of Janice Drescher, a community volunteer in the East Asian Studies Outreach Program. Clark is the son of Stephen Devoto, associate professor of biology and neuroscience and behavior.
Particpants and parents
More than 30 parents, grandparents, faculty guests and community members attended the event. (Photos by Intisar Abioto '09)