Ukrainian Evacuee Takes Her 1st Japanese - Language Lesson
A Ukrainian evacuee in Japan has taken her first language lesson thanks to a group of Japanese-language schools across the country.
The group, Japanese Supports for Ukrainian Students, is a network of about 40 Japanese-language schools. It provides Ukrainian students with tuition-free education. It has so far taken in eight evacuees.
Yuliia Chepizhko was enrolled in a school in Osaka, western Japan, last week. Monday was her first day of classes at the school, I-seifu.
After a tour of school facilities, she attended a Japanese-language class. She introduced herself in Japanese, saying she loves watching dramas and anime programs.
The school now has three Ukrainian evacuees. It says the Ukrainian students will be provided with various kinds of support to help them adjust to local life. Some neighborhood restaurants are even offering food.
The school is also considering offering psychological support for Ukrainians, who were forced to flee a horrifying situation.
The head of the school, Hiraoka Norito, says Chepizhko must have felt that she had finally joined Japanese society. He says as she gradually comes to feel more at home, she will be able to make friends and concentrate on her studies.