| Type of Project |
: |
Other |
| Field |
: |
Education |
| Name of Local Authority (Japan) |
: |
Saitama Prefecture |
- Motive for the Start of the Project:
-
In order to promote international exchange and international cooperation in Saitama (one of the basic objectives of Saitama’s five year plan), it is necessary to involve more citizens, and NGOs. It is important for children to think for themselves and gain a global perspective, not only at school, but through participation in international exchange and cooperation activities. Furthermore, participation in such activities by parents and community members, along with the children, also helps broaden internationalization. Because of these reasons, we have developed this training program to raise children’s awareness of international exchange and cooperation.
- Outline and Progress of Project:
-
The aim of this program is to foster human resources in the area of international cooperation. Projects involve the publishing of a handbook which provides information on international exchange and cooperation activities. NGO internships to students who have an active interest in international cooperation are also offerred.
| (1) |
Children’s International Exchange and Cooperation Handbook (2003)
- Children international exchange and cooperation activities that were carried out in the community or at school were documented and made into a handbook.
|
| (2) |
NGO Internship (2003 – ~)
- Provision of an opportunity for high school students to participate in NGO activities during their school holidays.
- Activities will be held for 3-5 days between July and December.
- Examples of Activities: Participating in international events, assisting in a Japanese language classes, assisting with publications in nine different languages.
- Participants in 2003: 37 students from 17 schools.
Participants in 2004: 44 students from 17 schools.
Participating organizations in 2003: 8
Participating organizations in 2004: 11
|
| (3) |
2003 International Exchange and Cooperation Exhibition
- Children who participated in international exchange and cooperation activities shared their experiences.
|
- Cooperation Period:
-
2003 –
- Affiliations with other Organizations:
-
Organizations that accepted students for internships (2003 and 2004):
- Minzoku Forum
- Japan UNICEF Association, Saitama Prefecture Branch
- Mei Asaka Center
- Fujimino International Culture Exchange Center
- International Cooperation NGO IV-JAPAN
- Saitama YMCA
- Wakou International Exchange Association
- Information Soka
- Kounotori Japanese School
- Tabunka Exchange Center
- Chikyuukko Club 2000
- Saikou
- Expenses:
-
2003 Expenditures:2,065,000 yen
- Difficulties Encountered and Solutions:
-
Although the handbook publication had descriptions of the children's experiences at schools, municipalities and NGO's, examples of independent activities for other organizations to refer to were fewer than expected.
- Results and Future Prospects:
-
| Result: |
This program sparked an interest in and created an understanding about international cooperation and NGO activities |
| Outlook: |
By having the participants share their experiences in the handbook, and by continuing to run such an the internship, understanding about NGO’s and international cooperation will increase and will also lead to an expansion of future activities. |
- Problems:
-
– Ensuring that NGOs represent various regions throughout Saitama
– Ensuring a variety of international exchange activities are offered.
– Ensuring that the results of the activities reach the NGOs and children
- Department in Charge:
-
Saitama Prefectural Government, International Division
- Date of Execution:
-
August 2004
|
