Learning Beyond Borders: Japanese and PNG Students Share Culture and Friendship

The students of Sogeri Primary School participated in a cultural exchange with Osaka City Kami Kita Primary School through the "Expo International Exchange Program," building friendships and learning about different cultures. So far, they have introduced Papua New Guinea’s traditional dance, shared insights about their school, and attended a lecture by a Papua New Guinean living in Japan.

On February 27, the third exchange session was held online. The students enjoyed a jump rope challenge and played KARUTA, a Japanese card game, with their Japanese peers. Both schools created handmade alphabet-based cards featuring animals, landmarks, and cultural icons from their countries, making the experience even more meaningful. Watching the children, many playing KARUTA for the first time, eagerly searching for the right cards was heartwarming. After the event, Sogeri students shared their excitement, saying, "It was so much fun!" and "The Japanese dance was amazing!"

The principal of Sogeri Primary School expressed gratitude, stating, "This exchange has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about a new culture and make friends. We hope to continue these exchanges in the future."

JICA volunteer, Mr. Uchiyama, who led the exchange, said, "The best part of cultural exchange is seeing how happy the students are. At the same time, I learned that good preparation is important because unexpected problems like school closures and power outages can happen."

This exchange gave Sogeri students a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture and connect with international peers. JICA remains committed to supporting cultural exchanges, helping children learn, grow, and build friendships across borders.