Staff Reporter : A group of Japanese teachers and educators have visited a wide range of educational institutions and facilities in Bangladesh to observe its education sector and socio-economic environment and thus understand the expanding field of international cooperation in a developing country.
They are set to utilise the experience and knowledge gathered during the firsthand training to create lessons and teaching materials, put them into practice in their schools, and report on their activities.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) hosted the ‘Overseas Training for Teachers’ in Bangladesh between 5 and 13 August
The institutions and facilities the Japanese teachers visited include government schools, international schools, NGO-run schools, the University of Dhaka, the Directorate of Primary Education, Primary Teachers Training Institute, and Kumon.
Warmth and hospitality of Bangladesh left a strong impression in them. “The experience really inspired us, and we hope to design classes that help our students in Japan appreciate cultural diversity and expand their horizons,” one of the teachers said.
Some of them expressed a stronger interest in strengthening the Japan-Bangladesh relations through education and exchange programmes.
Launched 40 years ago, the Overseas Training for Teachers is a year-long programme for Japanese teachers and other staff interested in development education and intemational understanding. It includes pre-departure training in Japan, 1-2 weeks of training in a developing country, and post-departure training in Japan.
Through this programme, JICA continues to promote teachers as key personnel supporting development education and international understanding. By connecting global realities to school practice, it aims to develop a new generation of globally aware citizens in Japan.