Â鶹AV

Japanese

The Â鶹AV (HU) School of Education and the Pestalozzi Education Award Executive Committee presented the 33rd Pestalozzi Education Award to Mr. Hiromu Morishita, honorary chairperson of the non-profit organization World Friendship Center, on January 30. This award recognizes outstanding educators or organizations whose work embodies the spirit of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, known as the "Father of Popular Education."

Mr. Morishita was exposed to the atomic bombing at the age of 14, about 1.5 km from the hypocenter, along with approximately 70 classmates mobilized as student workers. After graduating from university, he became a high school teacher and dedicated himself to peace education, sharing his experiences of the bombing with future generations.

Around 90 HU students and faculty attended the award ceremony. After opening remarks by Mitsuo Ochi, president of Â鶹AV and chairman of the Executive Committee, and a congratulatory address from Hiroshi Oda, chairman of the Board of Directors of Momiji Bank, President Ochi presented Mr. Morishita with a certificate, a Pestalozzi bust, and an honorary prize. Additionally, Tetsuya Okahata, president and CEO of Chugoku Shimbun, presented a commemorative gift.

During the commemorative lecture, Mr. Morishita spoke with Chugoku Shimbun journalist Michiko Tanaka about his journey in peace education, including why he began sharing his experiences, conducting awareness surveys on the atomic bomb among high school students, and developing educational materials and supplementary textbooks.

Reflecting on the current global situation, he shared, "I once believed that humanity would not repeat the same mistakes because we are not foolish, but we are now facing another serious crisis. I want to work together with young people to push back against this situation." Many students and attendees listened intently to his message.