Atoms of Bonding: Communication Components Bridging Children Worldwide (Invited Talk)

Abstract

Connecting children around the world using ICT with the mind of respecting various cultures and language, NPO Pangaea is challenging to create “universal playground” where children can feel a bond regardless of their physical locations, languages spoken, or economic circumstances. We develop Package consisting contents, or activities, facilitator training program, and net environment utilizing pictogram designed by adults and children. Two years of conducting activities, over 100 occasions, to create bonds among children, four major communication components became apparent. 1) Shared tasks, 2) Shared personal information, 3) Enjoyable face to face meeting, 4) Attractive communication method. Lacking any one of these four components, it is difficult for participants, aged 9-17, to actively seek the opportunities to bond. Pangaea activities now taking places in Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul, Vienna, and Kenya, what works for intercultural communication activities will be presented focusing on four components.