April 11, 2008 Fukuoka - Japanese and American staff members of U.S. Consulate Fukuoka, including family members, visited Fukuoka Kodomonoie Children’s Home in Fukuoka, as the first in a series of planned community volunteer activities. These activities are designed to give back to the Fukuoka community and underscore our appreciation for the support Fukuoka citizens provide to the U.S. mission here.

The visit to Kodomonoie included an afternoon snack with home-made cookies, arts and crafts and outdoor play. Ms. Michele Baron, a professional singer and wife of Management Officer Mark Baron, led the children in songs designed to teach them a bit of English and impart some American culture. For many children, this was their first opportunity to meet Americans and they clearly enjoyed the interaction. Consulate staff are already looking forward to another volunteer program planned for this June.