As Mr. Francesco Foletti took us to the town of Bovezzo in his car, we saw kindergarten pupils walking in a long row. Being led by teachers, they were heading to Vivaldi Middle School to participate the tree planting ceremony.
When we arrived at the school and entered the gymnasium, many people, including the Mayor, deputy mayor, middle school and primary school pupils, teachers and parents already gathered there and greeted us with applause. The entire town was welcoming the tree.
They decorated the gym walls with displays of children’s works such as their studies on kaki, cooking recipes using kaki and origami kaki fruit. They also hung many origami kaki fruit in the corridor which showed their enthusiasm for the Project.
Two middle school teachers took the role of hosts, and started the tree planting ceremony.
At first, there was choir performance by the elderly from the community, then seven members of the Children’s Congress came forward, and the chair offered a few words. After the deputy mayor, the Mayor and Mr. Foletti made speeches, children’s performance began. Kindergarten pupils performed songs and dancing. Primary school pupils played the recorder and read their poems.
Middle school students performed their original dance piece. It was very impressive when they made human letters of PACE at the end of the dance. Then, other students read their poems and performed songs.
Lastly, teachers who instructed these children offered a few words.
The planting took place in the schoolyard. In front of the newly planted kaki tree, Dr. Ebinuma told a message and presented the Kaki Tree Furoshiki. Dr. Ebinuma gave an autograph on the shovel stock which was used for the planting. It has become common practice recently.
After the planting, middle school students surrounded Dr. Ebinuma asking for his autograph.
