Japanese School Teachers Visit Sogeri Primary School and Sogeri National High School of excellence -Strengthening Educational Exchange between Japan and Papua New Guinea-

　From July 25 to August 1, ten educators from across Japan visited Papua New Guinea (PNG) as part of the JICA Teacher Overseas Training Program (Education Administration Course).
　The program aims to help Japanese educators gain a deeper understanding of the social and educational conditions of developing countries, as well as JICA's international cooperation activities, and to bring those experiences back to their schools in Japan. During their visit, the participants toured Sogeri Primary School and Sogeri National High School in Central Province, where they observed educational activities supported by JICA Volunteers and Japanese language education programs. The visit also provided opportunities to interact with students and teachers, fostering mutual understanding between Japan and PNG.

Observing a JICA Volunteer's Mathematics Lessons
　 At Sogeri Primary School, the participants observed mathematics lessons conducted by Mr. Junta Kanamoto, a JICA Volunteer working in mathematics education.
　 The lessons incorporated teaching materials and hands-on learning approaches designed to encourage students to think independently and actively participate in class. Students eagerly raised their hands, shared their ideas, and engaged enthusiastically in the learning process. The visiting educators observed not only the students' positive attitude toward learning but also Mr. Kanamoto's efforts to promote understanding despite limited teaching resources and facilities.
　In addition to observing lessons, the participants joined classroom activities and supported students' learning alongside Mr. Kanamoto and local teachers. 　They also introduced traditional Japanese games such as origami and cat's cradle to students in a self-study class.
　The children showed great interest in the activities, and the classroom was filled with smiles and laughter. The exchange through Japanese games provided an enjoyable and memorable experience for both the students and the visiting educators.

Japanese Language Education Supported by a Former JICA Volunteer
　The participants also visited Sogeri National High School.
At the school, Japanese language classes are supported by Mr. Sasase, who previously served in PNG as a JICA Volunteer (Primary Education, JOCV 2014-3). During the visit, the participants observed a Japanese language lesson and interacted with students.
　Students and visitors introduced themselves and conversed in Japanese, while also exchanging views on Japanese and PNG culture, school life, and daily life. These interactions helped deepen mutual understanding between the two groups.
　Students actively used Japanese throughout the session and demonstrated a strong interest in Japan, asking questions about Japanese culture, education, and daily life. For the students, it was an opportunity to put their language skills into practice, while the visiting educators gained valuable insights into the perspectives of young people in PNG.
　Mr. Sasase's continued involvement in PNG through Japanese language education highlights how connections established through international cooperation can continue to grow long after a volunteer assignment has ended.

Active Discussions with Local Teachers
　At Sogeri Primary School, the visiting educators also held an exchange session with approximately 20 local teachers.
　The session began with a presentation by the Japanese educators on Tokkatsu (Special Activities), a distinctive feature of Japanese education that promotes students' initiative and personal development through class activities, school events, and collaborative learning.
　 The presentation was followed by an open discussion, during which participants shared questions and observations from their classroom visits. Local teachers also discussed challenges faced in PNG's education system and the strategies they use in their daily teaching practice. The exchange generated lively discussions and many thoughtful questions from both sides.
　 Although some teachers were not fully confident communicating in English, they made great efforts to share their experiences and perspectives. The session became a valuable opportunity for educators from both countries to learn from one another beyond differences in language and culture.

Strengthening Connections through Education
　The school visits highlighted the growing educational partnership between Japan and PNG through JICA Volunteer activities, Japanese language education, and exchanges among teachers.
　Interactions among students, teachers, and JICA personnel provided valuable opportunities to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries.

　JICA will continue to promote cooperation and educational exchange, contributing to stronger friendship and mutual understanding between Papua New Guinea and Japan.