I visited créches in Soweto, where many poor black people live. The creches were educational and social organization to support preschool age children during the day. The buildings were made out of used cargo containers and stand out in the squatter camps because of the colorful design and joyful voices of young children. The creche leaders gave children what their family could not give. They patiently looked after young children with their basic needs, taught them life skills and helped them become a happy member of the community. I was impressed by the neat way they line their shoes at the entrance in order to keep the floor clean. I felt at home. I spoke in English about my country Japan, explained my national costume. I dressed some children up in child's kimono. They sang an animal song that had rhythmical phrases. I introduced a Japanese song of horses in both English and Japanese and they learned it very quickly with action. Mr. Creighton, my host family, delivered blankets to creches so that each child had a warm blanket to take home for themselves to keep warm at home through the winter holiday. It got quite cold at night. The sky in Johannesburg was big and blue. The sun was quite strong. Those blankets, some hand knitted, were donated by people from churches and schools. Due to the blanket delivery service, I was fortunate to be able to see schools in rich area and creches in the poor area. There was a big difference between the way people live in South Africa.
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