Library program explores ‘Stories from Japan’

LITCHFIELD >> Bombs Have No Eyes : Stories from Japan in Support of Peace Education with Marina Outwater, will be held Thursday, May 25, 7-8 p.m. at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield.

Japanese school children visit Nagasaki and Hiroshima’s peace parks and museums in order to fully understand the complexities of war and the damaging effects of nuclear weapons. Japanese schools teach peace curriculums, even at the university level. And yet, in many American classrooms, children do not receive a similar education. Our students often have a limited understanding of the events of World War II in general and typically know even less about Japan’s involvement.

Outwater’s recent trip to Nagasaki and Hiroshima revealed first-hand accounts from survivors who told their stories with nothing more than an intense desire for world peace. She will share these moving tales of several hibakusha who were young children at the time of the atomic bombings. After sharing stories and photographs, Outwater will discuss the need for peace education and some strategies for implementation in the classroom.

Outwater is a Litchfield resident and a veteran teacher. She has a master’s in Early Adolescent Education and is working towards another master’s degree in American History. This past summer, she spent two weeks in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and Kyoto as part of a small study tour of teachers investigating peace through the Five College Center for East Asian Studies.

All Oliver Wolcott Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-567-8030 or logging onto www.owlibrary.org and clicking on Programs/Adult Programs.