The class, which doubles as a social club of sorts, was established more than a decade ago by Ichiro Umehara, the Camp Courtney community relations specialist. The class serves as an opportunity for Okinawan residents to learn and practice English skills with the help of Marine volunteers.

"I was approached by parents in the Okinawan community who couldn’t afford to send their children to the U.S. to learn English," said Umehara of the course’s origins. "They asked if there was any way they could learn from the American community here. So I began this class to give them another way to experience American culture."

Although Umehara prepares all lesson plans and topics utilized during the course, Marine volunteers are responsible for tutoring and interacting with the students.

Between eight and 10 Marines consistently attend the class to tutor their Okinawan students, according to Umehara.

Lance Cpl. Kevin Gonzalez, an information systems coordinator and execution specialist with Force Deployment Plans, III Marine Expeditionary Force, has volunteered with the class for three years. Participating is a wonderful opportunity.

"Being able to provide them this opportunity at no expense gives me a feeling of accomplishment and improves community relations with our host country," Gonzalez said.

Many of the students, who range from high school age to more than 50 years old, have attended the course for several years.

"I’ve been coming to this class since I was 19," said Wakako Yamashiro, now a 23-year-old student at Okinawa International University. "I don’t have a chance to speak English much, so this class is very important to me."

"This class is my motivation," added Kasumi Miyagi, also an OIU student, who has attended the class for two years. "I love learning English with my Marine friends and exploring American culture. Everything about the class is my favorite."

The friendships forged during the weekly classes carry on even after the session ends, Umehara said.

"The relationship of our volunteers and students is more like a family," said Umehara. "They often go out in town together or throw big ‘friendship day’ barbeques. We’ve even had students visit the States and stay with former volunteers and their families."

Umehara said he has no plans to stop offering the course anytime soon.

"As long as I’m here, we will have this program," he said. "It is just a wonderful opportunity for all involved."
For more information on volunteer and tutor opportunities, contact your camp’s community relations specialist.