NYK selected five students for the 2007 NYK Nature Fellowship, sponsored in cooperation with Earthwatch Japan. This was the second year of the popular project, in which students get to participate in a wide range of environmental research projects. Projects included studying manatees and dolphins in Belize (August 4–17), and observing penguins in South Africa (August 20–31).       The five students were chosen from about 50 university and graduate student applicants by representatives of the Japan Philanthropic Association, University of the Ryukyus, Earthwatch Japan, and related NYK members. During the The five NYK Nature Fellowship students at the departure ceremony projects, the students received guidance from scientists worldwide, and worked alongside Earthwatch volunteers from various countries. Six NYK Group employees also participated.       At the departure ceremony held at the NYK headquarters on June 8, Hiromitsu Kuramoto, Representative Director and Senior Managing Corporate Officer, expressed his best wishes for the project. The students introduced themselves, and discussed their ambitions and expectations. In addition, two of last year’s participants attended and talked about their experiences.       The students spent two weeks at each of the various projects in August and September, and attended a graduation ceremony at NYK in October. PAGE TOP Life as a single mother is not an easy one. Working full time and running a household by oneself while trying to tend to the needs of little ones can put unintended strains on the relationship between mother and child. In order to lend a little help in strengthening those bonds, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has sponsored and supported an annual summer camp for single mothers and their children since 1974.       The summer camp in 2007 brought together 44 families, comprising of 100 single mothers and their children, from the Tokyo area. In addition, 26 MC and MC Group employees volunteered their time to help make sure that this annual event ran smoothly and was an enjoyable one.       The camp, where many deep and lasting friendships are made, provides a useful support network for the participants and is a lot of fun as well. The activities include hiking, craft workshops, playing in the nearby river and a whole lot more. PAGE TOP