In 2009, I went Tree Planting with the Canadian youth of Soka Gakkai International  (SGI) in Caledon, Ontario. It was a great experience to be with fellow youth, making a direct positive impact on our environment. I decided to go again in the fall of 2011 and it was again a wonderful enriching experience.

I believe we planted over 250 trees that morning, and we could see the progress of SGI’s tree planting over the years. This is because we go to the same conservation area every year and we can see all the trees SGI Canada has planted. It was really nice to be in nature and trying to do something for our environment. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard work but a great workout and it was lovely to be in the sun.

SGI Tree Planting 2011 Photos

My brother and I had the great opportunity to visit our long time family friend Takako at Soka Gakkai University of America (SUA) while she was studying there. She had the most wonderful privilege of being admitted into this campus and made the move all the way from Australia to study here.

About Soka University of America

Soka University of America (SUA) is located in the beautiful Aliso Viejo, California which is part of Orange County. Orange County is so lush and green with such gorgeous real estate, filled with mansion homes and this great establishment fits right in. Above, is a photo of Founders Hall.

SUA was established in 2001, with the motto “Be philosophers of a renaissance of life; Be world citizens in solidarity for peace; Be the pioneers of a global civilization”. It is just a small sister school to Soka University of Japan, however it is still a great step forward towards Kosen Rufu (Japanese for World Peace).

Daisaku Ikeda, the 3rd president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and founder of SUA says that “the mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.” SUA offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in the Liberal Arts field.

I was lucky to visit SUA during a Scottish festival! Everyone was dressed in kilts and playing harmonious music by the water! It was so joyful.

As above, you can see that the campus is quite large and beautiful. It has such gorgeous surroundings as well.

Here’s my brother and I standing outside Gandhi Hall in tribute to the great man.

Here I am with the statue of Gandhi, Ikeda Library and Takako with some awards received from around the world

Soka University of America

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So we’re just one month away until the Youth Festival: “Your Victory is My Victory”, which is taking place on May 15, 2010 at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto, Canada. SGI Canada youth members from all over Canada will be performing at this event.

The SGI youth in Toronto will be performing the following:

• Hip-hop
• Latin
• Youth Chorus
• Youth Band

I know that the SGI youth in Vancouver will be dancing alongside with us Toronto-nians in the hip-hop dance, but I am unsure what else may be in store! I’m excited to find out! I’m sure it all will be amazing.

So I’m part of the hip-hop dance group for this event. This is our second last practice until the dress rehearsal! I took a couple of snaps for all of you to take a sneak peak to this much anticipated event.

By the way, if you’re interested in coming – make sure you get your tickets quick! You can purchase tickets at Roy Thomson Hall online or you can simply purchase tickets at the box office. Please make sure you also visit the Youth Festival official website for more information!