By Yusuke Ohno , Takashi Machidori | Project Member
We are making a place together with local residents and volunteer groups as we assist them to manage the Koganehama Chibikko Hiroba (children's playground). We have made several play tools of the playground by using a wood getting salt damage, debris carried by the tsunami or something being in and around the playground.
In this time, we repaired the earth oven, which was built in May by using stones and soil being there, with children. The repairable is one of features of the earth oven.
Firstly, we widened the opening by excavating it so that fire burns easier. Then we broke excavated soil into pieces by using hammer, and added water to it. After that, we put it on the opening and the crack parts in order to cover them. An elderly man living in the neighborhood came and watched over the progression of it.
After repairing, we put fire in the oven for the first time in a while.
However, the fire was still not burning well. Therefore, we made up our mind to open a hole used for ventilation. The position of the hole was decided by children's intuition. They decided it with a feeling of air.
Just after that, fire burned well. So, we toasted sliced breads with toppings like a pizza for our lunch. We had harvested cucumbers from a farm in the playground, so we grilled and ate them as well.
The toasted bread was the most delicious! The children could not help smiling when they ate it. We shared the dishes which were brought by mothers living in the neighborhood, and spent an enjoyable time.
The earth oven is environmentally friendly and was made from materials being there. Therefore it will be broken as time passes. That is why people come there and find the best way to repair it together. We can learn anything by having various play experiences, such as making a fire, sending air, or splitting wood. And above all, many kinds of people get involved and make connection with other people. We hope the oven promotes community relations more and more for all people.
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