NAGO, Okinawa, Japan -- The Nago City Board of Education recognized five Marines March 28 at the Nago Civic Center for volunteering to teach kindergarteners to speak English.
Cpl. Daniel L. Burns, Lance Cpls. Zachary J. Frappier, Marcus E. Denell and Iris B. Brewer and Pfc. Antonio Diaz were recognized for their participation in the Play with English Program. They were nominated for their contributions to the program by Fumio Iha, the liaison and community relations specialist for Camp Schwab tasked with instructing local school teachers how to speak English.
Nago’s Board of Education established the Play with English Program in 2002 and requested Marine Corps assistance.
Iha spread the word about the program throughout Camp Schwab, and the program became a joint effort between Nago City and the camp. In the last Japanese fiscal year, which begins in April and ends in March, Iha had 118 volunteers, 104 of which were Marines.
“It helps a lot because we have Marines volunteering to help these kids learn, which made the teachers and kids comfortable with us,” said Frappier, a reconnaissance Marine with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. When they saw Marines were helping the community like this, they became a lot more friendly toward us.”
“I think it is a positive view for the future relationship between the Marine Corps and Japan,” said Denell, a supply clerk with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd MarDiv. “Not only is it a great opportunity to learn the language, but it’s also a great opportunity to get out and make friends.”
When they could spare time from work, volunteers would go to the local schools from 9-11:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday to teach the class.
“It’s an opportunity to mingle with the (Japanese) and learn their culture,” said Brewer, an ammunition technician with Ammunition Company, 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF. “It gives us a chance to get to know each other. We are here to help; we are doing our job.
“Being able to interact with the kids was probably the best part of it; it would brighten your day,” said Brewer.
“It was a lot of fun. I have two younger brothers back home that are about their age. It reminded me of them, of hanging out and playing with them,” said Frappier. “I was just doing it for fun, and I enjoyed doing it.”