Voices from the Field to International Organizations — JOCV Present Their Educational Activities —
［Goal 4］ Quality Education
2025.09.03
In August 2025, two JICA Volunteers (JOCV) working in Popondetta—Mr. Yu Suzuki (Popondetta Primary School) and Mr. Koya Kobayashi (Bethel Primary School)—presented their activities to Education Sector officers from the World Bank and UNICEF.
The presentation was conducted with the support of JICA Education Policy Advisor Mr. Koji Kida, creating a valuable opportunity to connect classroom practices in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with international knowledge and perspectives.
Sharing Experiences from the Classroom
Mr. Suzuki introduced his work in Mathematics Education at Popondetta Primary School. He explained how he utilizes National Math and Science textbooks, developed with the support of the Government of Japan, to help students build fundamental number sense and master carrying and borrowing in written calculations. He also highlighted the use of step-by-step lesson design and visual teaching aids. Furthermore, he reported on teacher training sessions where Japanese teaching methods are shared with local educators.
Mr. Kobayashi discussed the challenges he observed in mathematics education at Bethel Primary School, such as students’ mistakes in number writing, difficulties in understanding carrying and borrowing, and confusion in calculation procedures. He emphasized that textbooks consist of three essential components—informational content, structural content, and methodological content—and that effectively applying these elements is the key to improving lesson quality.
Questions and Discussion
During the Q&A session, the following points were actively discussed:
・Students’ difficulties with mental arithmetic and complex calculations.
・Whether teachers themselves have sufficient mastery of basic math knowledge, and if lessons remain overly reliant on traditional chalk -and -talk methods.
・The practical usefulness of teacher manuals in the classroom, including whether they provide examples of common mistakes and guidance for improvement.
Through this discussion, the importance of teacher training and the need for greater use of visual aids were reaffirmed. Participants also commented that the field-based insights shared were “highly interesting” and expressed a desire for “continued exchanges” in the future, showing strong interest in knowledge directly obtained from the classroom.
Bridging Practice and Policy
This presentation and discussion provided a meaningful platform connecting JOCV volunteers working at the grassroots level and international organizations.
Looking ahead, JICA will continue to strengthen collaboration with the PNG Department of Education, international agencies, education specialists, and JOCV volunteers, working together to create a sustainable learning environment in Papua New Guinea.
Related Link
・Gender Awareness Session at JICA PNG Office
・Promoting Effective Use of National Textbooks Teacher Training Held at Popondetta Primary School
・JICA Volunteers participate in STEPMAS workshop
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