Our catch phrase is on its way.

(This blog was compiled in the Falklands on 30 July 2013 local time.)

Dear Fellow Earthlings,

Today I used the telephone to teach a client back in Japan – and the reception was quite bad. Improved technology could remedy this type of thing. The Falklands government needs to develop its international communications infrastructure more it if hopes to compete on an equal footing with other countries of the world.

This afternoon I visited classes at what is the equivalent of a kindergarten and elementary school: the Stanley Infant and Junior School – and Camp Education. I met with the head teacher Karen Steen. She provided me with the names of the teachers whose classes I would be visiting.

I had the opportunity to visit a class of 4- and 5-year olds, followed by one of 6-year-olds, and then 7-, 8-, and 9-year olds, in that order. The main topics I covered with them were helping them to home in on where the Falkland Islands, Japan, and the United States are on this Earth; talking about and actually sampling the various languages spoken by various children in the classes – and on our Earth; and discussing how the ways of life differ in the Falkland Islands versus Japan versus the United States.

The children were very curious, enthusiastic, and downright charming. After I left the school, I saw a few of them walking about town – and they greeted me spontaneously. What a refreshing combination of intercontinental poise and hometown friendliness those children displayed! They are the future hope of the Falklands -- and part of the hope for a good future for our Earth!

Steve Walker

Earthsaver and Jingles Creator

© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.