An international humanitarian association, “World Without Wars,” initiated a project called “The World March for Peace and Nonviolence” in the autumn of 2008. Millions of people participated in the World March, which began on 2 October 2009 in New Zealand and ended on 2 January 2010 in Argentina.
Ms. Tiziana Volta, coordinator of the World March in Brescia initiated the tree planting at Istituto Comprensivo Statale “Leonardo da Vinci” in Castenedolo and Giosue Carducci Junior High School in L’Aquila in 2011.
Castenedolo is a comune (township) that is known for Valsella, the company manufactured anti-personnel mines until the mid 1990’s. To bring in the kaki tree, Ms. Volta had worked together with the board of education and cultural assessment?
) and principals in this school district. Already for one year, children have been learning deeply about the seedling of the bombed kaki tree and its historical significance with enthusiasm and proceeded with preparations.
As Mr. Ebinuma walked through the town guided by Ms. Volta and arrived at the planting site, Istituto Comprensivo Statale “Leonardo da Vinci,” many people including the mayor, Mr. Francesco had already gathered. On the glass door of the school building, a large picture of kaki tree was pasted and white origami cranes were scattered on the lawn. A work of kaki tree which was about the height of a man was also displayed in the middle of the schoolyard.
The tree planting ceremony started with a musical performance of flute, clarinet, xylophone, etc.
The presenter introduced Mr. Ebinuma and the explanation of the project was given, then speeches by the applicant, Ms. Tiziana Volta, Mr. Francesco, Mr. Ebinuma and the mayor followed. After that, 8 items such as poetry reading and singing by children from each school were performed.
Children put soil over the kaki tree which already had leaves.There was another musical performance after the planting and the Kaki Furoshiki was presented. Happy faces of children made an impressive tree planting ceremony.
