Voice from participants of KCCP(JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program)

Ms. Collina Banda
Program Title: Improvement of Quality Teaching and Evaluation Methodology in Primary Science and Mathematics for Sub-Saharan Africa
Nationality: Zambia

It has been my first time to go out of Africa and Japan has been my first overseas country. I have read a lot about other countries but I didn't have much information about the Japanese people and the country as a whole. During my two months of stay I had found out that Japanese people are very soft, friendly and always willing to help. When I talk about them been friendly I always remember this occasion. We were invited by the Kurashiki international friendships association (KIFA) members to go and visit there town of Kurashiki. These members did not just end the friendship on this day they had remained in touch with us and they had taken us to different place so as for us to explore Japan. They had welcomed us into their home and had shown as the typical Japanese home and way of life. This had helped us to compare our culture and their culture even the way of living.

When we went out to do our shopping and visiting places they could offer to take some pictures for us and also show us around. They were willing to advise us on which ones are the good products and would give us the pros and cons of the product. Such kind of reception is rare in our countries and mostly people we fix their minds on selling the product as compared to one making their own informed decisions. In cases where communication proved to be difficult they could ask someone who can speak our language to come and assist us. They are claim and soft spoken people. They love quiet times as you can't see or hear them make noise whether in schools or the bus.

There schools are well organised and the learners are disciplined. The children have been trained in such a way that learning is met to be enjoyed while acquiring knowledge. The school surroundings are so clean and conducive to the learners. The children at these schools can surprise you on how much information they have. I was privileged to teach at one of the schools, I was shocked at how the Grade 6 learners could express themselves and give out concrete information on weather. When I had asked them to make an observation on the movie based on the movement of clouds, the learners brought out concrete answers that I wasn't even thinking they could bring out. Such as the countries near the equator the movement is different with those above the equator and may more. These learners they enjoy learning using the discovery and interaction methods. If these methods can be utilized in our home lands our learners would be better students.

Lastly I have learnt from the Japanese people that time is very key in what you do. They are never late and always sticks to time. This culture makes countries develop and that is what the developing countries are lacking. I can't forget to talk about the cleanliness of this country Japan. It is a very clean country every place you visit is clean and the people take it upon themselves to see to it that they keep the country clean. This is a typical culture that I would love to share with my fellow Zambians as I get back home. I am happy and proud for having visited Japan, I will always remember this country in my life.