Entertainment Jul. 16, 2009 - 01:17PM JST ( 1 )

HYOGO —

The World Rainbow Cross Cultural Institute, based in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, which combines drama with English education, said this week that it has created a brand new drama-education program. The program, called MIWA, provides children and teens the opportunity to learn English by participating in dynamic theater-based lessons and workshops, said MIWA Program Manager Adam Nicolai.

“Language is a living thing. Therefore, it is our belief that students learn best through real-life experience,” Nicolai said. “By using drama in the classroom setting, students are given the chance to create situations and characters, using English as a way for those characters to express themselves and interact. It is our goal to motivate students to apply the English language in an active creative way that is relevant to their daily lives rather than just passively receive information and facts.”

The MIWA Summer Showcase, to be held Aug 23, will offer a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to learn more about our work and how they can become involved in the future. Over the past three months, MIWA and MIWA Youth have participated in a process combining reading, writing and speaking in English to create two new plays based on the classic “momotaro” story. “Peach Boy” and “Strawberry Girl” will be performed for a live audience.

For further information, visit http://www.world-netpal.com/.