Salvaterra de Magos Branch, Portugal / June 2009 - Contributor: Branch Master Jorge Monteiro

Returning Home

In the 20th of June, 2008 three children were removed of their house by judicial decision for being understood by the court that the minors' didn't have habitability and hygiene conditions for living in their parent's house.

Those children had, at the time 3, 8 and 11 years old, and two of them were kenshi in Salvaterra de Magos Branch.

After received those news from the parents, immediately the branch kenshi organized themselves to help this family to face the situation.

In a short meeting among the oldest kenshi, the parents of the youngest kenshi, it was resolved to build a house with the necessary conditions so that the children can return to their home.

We didn't have money, we didn't have materials, we didn't have the knowledge to take the project to good port, but we had a strong determination for accomplish it.

Immediately an "action plan" was delineated and tasks distributed. There was only a way to do it; to involve the community in the project and pass to the action.

The flag was the one of Shorinji Kempo, the inspiration was "live half for our one happiness, half for the happiness of the others", and the principle was never to give up. No money will be accepted. The only help we wanted were materials and human labor.

We have a dead-line established by the court: one year to count of that date.

Through the media an appeal was launched at national level.

The community responds, and several offers were made.

In the following weekend, the kenshi were in the old and degraded house, supported by the community's people, among them some professionals.

During every weekend all along the past year the kenshi learned how to be bricklayers, painters, carpenters, and the old house was brought down and rebuilt aiming to obtain all of the conditions demanded by the court.

Several times we thought if we would be capable to take the project to good term, a lot of times we look ahead for what still missing and we felt the weight of the responsibility. But in every moment of discouragement the kenshi answered with courage and the determination.

As the house begins to take form the trust increased, and another decision was made: The house had to be ready during the month of May. It was our homage to Kaiso in the month in which his death is remembered.

During the month of May the works extended until dawn. Every day, a kenshi's team and community's members immediately after leaving their jobs goes directly to help in the construction.

At the end of the month of May the house was finished, and in the beginning of the month of June the key of the house was given to the children's mother. This moment was transmitted by national television. During de broadcast, in the local community, happiness tears were dropped. Shorinji Kempo's name and attitude were recognized by the people.

At the 22nd of Jun the court decide the children are going home.

We have made it.

In the end, a plate was put at the front of the house:

"This house was raised by those who believe that if the strongest help the weakest they're contributing to build a better world.

SHORINJI KEMPO"

 

TOP